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!
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.
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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Graduation Application Deadline | 2023-2024 | |
| Fall Grad. Applications Open | Fall 2024-2025 | |
| Fall Graduation Application Deadline | Fall 2024-2025 | |
| 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 |
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.
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.
Alumni Association
Stay connected and continue to show your Matador pride as an AWC graduate by joining the AWC Alumni Association.
We Are Western.
