Congratulations!
Graduation is an exciting time for you to recognize your accomplishments and celebrate this exciting milestone. We are pleased to welcome you into the family of Matador graduates!
To streamline your graduation process, it's important to know that the steps for completing a degree and a certificate differ. In the tabs below, you'll find detailed instructions for each. Whether you're preparing to graduate with a degree or complete a certificate program, be sure to follow the specific requirements and deadlines to ensure everything is processed smoothly.
Degree Completion Process
In the final semester of enrollment in your academic program, you should review your program progress through Self-Service under "My Progress" and/or meet with your academic advisor to verify you are eligible for graduation.
Quick Degree Completion Guide
Degree Completion Process
In your final semester, check “My Progress” or meet with your advisor to confirm eligibility for graduation.
Apply for Graduation
Submit your Graduation Application via Self-Service by the deadlines listed below.
Academic Distinction
Achieve a GPA of 3.4 or higher for Academic Distinction. Highest Distinction: 3.9-4.0, High Distinction: 3.6-3.899.
Graduation Notification
Check your student email for graduation status updates and follow any additional instructions provided.
Commencement
Students within nine credits from completing an Associate degree are invited to participate in the commencement ceremony.
Diplomas
Diplomas are available 4-6 weeks after completion. Make sure your address is updated in Student Planning.
Apply for Graduation
Complete the Graduation Application through your Self-Service account NO LATER than 5 pm on the corresponding deadline.
Fall
Graduation Deadline:
First Monday in November
Spring
Graduation Deadline:
First Monday in March
Summer
Graduation Deadline:
First Monday in June
Important Dates
| Date(s) | Term/Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Grad Applications Open | Spring 2024-2025 | |
| Spring Grad Applications Due | Spring 2024-2025 | |
| Summer Grad Applications Open | Summer 2024-2025 | |
| Summer Grad Applications Due | Summer 2024-2025 | |
| Fall Grad. Applications Open | Fall 2025-2026 | |
| Fall Graduation Application Deadline | Fall 2025-2026 |
To be eligible for graduation, you must:
- Meet the basic requirements for associate degree or certificate as listed in the General Program Requirements section of the College Catalog.
Note: a minimum of “C” grade and a minimum of 2.00 GPA is required for all courses in a certificate or degree program. - Meet with your academic advisor to review your Academic Program Evaluation
- Provide official transfer credit documentation including Advanced Placement credit, military transcripts, CLEP scores, etc. (if applicable)
- Students within nine credits from completing an Associate degree with AWC are also invited to participate in the AWC Commencement ceremony.
Graduation Notification
You will receive notice of your eligibility status for graduation via email to your student email account. Be sure to follow any direction given to you in order to complete the graduation process.
Diplomas
Diplomas will be available for distribution four to six weeks after they have been posted to your academic record. You will be notified by email when your diploma is ready to mail out. To ensure your address is correct, check your Student Planning account and make necessary changes as soon as possible. A Student Information Update Form must be submitted for any formal name changes.
*You must clear any indebtedness to the College with the AWC Cashier before the end of the semester you intend to graduate, or your diploma or official transcript will not be released.
Academic Distinction
Students who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher will receive Academic Distinction upon completion of a degree. (Degrees only)
Highest
Academic Distinction
3.900-4.000
High
Academic Distinction
3.600-3.899
Academic Distinction
3.400-3.599
Additional Degrees/Majors
Students may earn recognition of an additional major if all degree/major requirements have been completed and the normal application process is followed.
Certificate Completion Process
The process for completing certificates is distinct from that of degrees, as certificates do not adhere to a fixed application schedule. You have the flexibility to apply for your certificate as soon as you are nearing the completion of your program. Unlike degree programs, which have specific deadlines tied to academic semesters, certificate applications are processed on a rolling, monthly basis, allowing you to submit your application at your convenience.
Quick Certificate Completion Guide
Review Progress
Check “My Progress” or meet with your advisor one month prior to verify you meet all requirements.
Program Code
Find your program code before applying. Get your program code.
Submit Application
Submit a separate application for each certificate (e.g., Auto Tech, Carpentry, etc.).
Application Processing
Applications are processed monthly; completions posted by the following month.
Commencement
Only degree holders participate in the ceremony. Certificates are not eligible.
Questions
Have questions? View the complete guide below or email us at:
Certificate.Completion@azwestern.edu
Complete Guide on the Application Process
The following is a comprehensive guide that expands upon the quick completion guide mentioned above. This detailed information will help you navigate the application process for your certificate program smoothly and ensure that you understand all necessary steps and requirements.
To ensure a smooth application process, you should review your program progress through Self-Service under “My Progress” and/or meet with your academic advisor one month prior to completing your certificate program. This will help verify that you meet all eligibility requirements for your certificate.
It is also important to understand that you need to submit a separate application for each certificate program you complete successfully. For instance, if you are earning certificates in both Automotive Technology and Basic Carpentry, you must submit individual applications for each of these programs.
Before you apply for your certificate, you will need to obtain the correct program code associated with your certificate. Find and identify your program code.
Once you have obtained your program code, complete and submit your application.
Please note that applications are processed on a monthly basis. Successful completions will be recorded on your transcripts and submitted to Parchment for credentialing by the end of the following month.
Note: To participate in our commencement ceremony, you must have completed a degree. Certificate completion does not qualify you for participation in the graduation ceremony.
Commencement Ceremony Details
We look forward to honoring our graduates' hard work and achievement. Arizona Western College will be hosting the Commencement Ceremony this year on May 17, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. The ceremony is being held in person at Gila Ridge High School's Veterans Memorial Stadium. Graduates are expected to arrive by 6:00 p.m. and meet at Gila Ridge's Hawk Gym for graduate line-up. To order your cap & gown, visit this site or scan this code. Deadline to order cap & gown is April 23, 2024.
Honor cords will be available for pick-up at the Matador Activity Center (MAC) lobby starting May 1, 2024. First Gen stoles will be distributed at check-in May 17, 2024. For Military and Veteran stoles please contact Veteran Services at (928) 344-7622.
AWC has implemented a clear bag policy for Commencement to provide a safer environment for the public. Approved bags include one (1) clear tote bag no larger than 12"w x 6"d x 12"h or one (1) plastic storage bag (one gallon, clear) AND one small clutch bag no larger than 4.5" x 6.5", which does not have to be clear.
The ceremony can be viewed online at 7:00 p.m. via AWC’s Facebook Livestream and on channel 74.
For many students, AWC is just the beginning of their educational journey. Our students go on to universities all over the world and complete bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. We are proud to provide students with their foundation for future academic success!
Transfer Information
Although it’s best to plan your transfer early, it’s never too late to decide to transfer your AWC credits to a four-year institution. The staff in our Transfer Services office will answer your questions, connect you with university representatives, and get you pointed in the right direction to pursue your bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor's Degree in Yuma
Your degree from AWC opens the door to a wide variety of degree programs offered by our university partners right here in Yuma County. Complete your first two years at AWC and seamlessly continue with your bachelor’s degree with NAU, UAZ, or ASU without leaving our community.
Our university partners offer many of the same experiences you’d receive at another location, but often at a special price or with special scholarships, making your bachelor’s degree within reach.
AWC Foundation
Connect with fellow Matadors and celebrate your AWC journey by discovering the impact of the AWC Foundation.
With over 250 scholarship, program, and capital funds, the AWC Foundation champions a diverse range of programmatic areas. We believe that obtaining a degree or certificate is a fundamental change maker for economic prosperity for the families in our community. This crucial work would not be possible without the generosity of our donors and community partners.
Learn how you, as an alum, can make a profound difference in the lives of others. Let's continue to build a legacy together beyond graduation.
We Are Western.
