Walking Prior to Graduating

Students who have not yet completed all degree requirements may, in certain circumstances, be approved to participate in commencement ceremonies prior to graduating. Approval to walk early does not signify degree completion or confer a diploma. Students must still complete all academic requirements and apply for graduation once all coursework is finished.

Application Timeline

 

  • The Walking Prior to Graduating application form will be available January 15th – April 15th each year.

     

  • After April 15th, students who wish to be considered must contact their NTC College Advisor for guidance.

     

     

Eligibility Guidelines

 

To be eligible for application to walk prior to graduation, students must meet the following requirements:

 

1. Fall Grades Must Be Posted 

Applications will not be reviewed until all final grades from the fall semester have been reported.


2. Credit Requirements

Credit eligibility is based on how many credits remain at the start of the Spring semester:

  • Students with 15 or fewer credits remaining are eligible to walk.
  • Students with 15.5–21 credits remaining may apply to walk. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
  • Students with more than 21 credits remaining are not eligible to walk. 
     

3. Course Completion Plan

All applicants must submit a Course Completion Plan with their application. The plan must clearly outline:

  • The number of remaining credits, and
     
  • The semester(s) in which each remaining course will be completed.


Remaining coursework must be scheduled for completion during the upcoming summer and/or fall terms.
 

4. Minimum GPA Requirement 

Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher at the time of application to be eligible.
 

5. Special Program Exceptions

4+1 Program Students including MACCT students: Students enrolled in an approved 4+1 program may apply to walk prior to graduation if they will have met the requirements for the undergraduate portion of their degree by the end of the spring semester in which they apply to participate in commencement.

Dual Degree Students: Students enrolled in dual degree programs may apply if one of their degrees will be completed by the end of the spring semester in which they apply to participate in commencement.

 

Please contact your NTC College Advisor for access to the Walking Prior application form after January 15th.