Graduation

Graduation is a time of great joy and celebration for family and friends to share in the pride of your academic accomplishments. Georgia Northwestern Technical College is proud to have assisted you in achieving your educational goals. Congratulations!

The information obtained on this link will guide you through the graduation application process at GNTC as well as provide some general information on the commencement ceremonies, which are held in the spring.

Starting the Graduation Process

Meet with your advisor during Registration times to check your progress toward graduating and to verify you are ready graduate. You can check the online Catalog to see the requirements for each major offered at GNTC.

Applying for Graduation

In order to be awarded for the program you are completing, you must apply for graduation, as awards are not automatically issued. Complete and submit an Application for Graduation to the Registrar’s Office by the deadlines posted on the Academic Calendar. If your Application for Graduation is received after the deadline or is incomplete or incorrect, it may delay your award. Correspondence concerning your Application for Graduation will be primarily through your student email account. You will not be contacted unless there is a problem with your application. You may check your Banner Web transcript to view your application status.

Graduation Requirements

Students are eligible to graduate when the following requirements are met:

The technical certificate of credit (if required), diploma or associate degree seeking student has earned a high school diploma or a GED and submitted the official transcript to GNTC;
The required number of credit hours and courses in the student’s program of study has been satisfactorily completed, and the student has a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0;
An application for graduation must be completed and submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the deadline;
Program area exit examination has been completed (if required); and
At least 25% of the credit hours required for graduation have been earned at Georgia Northwestern Technical College. No more than 75% of the credit hours required for graduation may be earned by transfer credit, credit by examination, or articulation.

Upcoming Commencement Information

Commencement is held in the spring. There are two ceremonies, and graduates choose which location they wish to attend.

Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. – The Forum Civic Center in Rome, Georgia
Thursday, June 13, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. – Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center in Dalton, Georgia

Summer 2012, Fall 2012, and Spring 2013 graduates are eligible to attend.

Notifications to eligible participants were mailed March 5, 2013. All eligible participants who returned their postcard by the April 15 deadline will be mailed a packet April 25 that includes pertinent information about Commencement.

Cap and Gown

GNTC does not charge a graduation fee; however, graduates who wish to participate in the commencement ceremony must purchase a cap, gown, and tassel. The cap, gown, and tassel set are available now at the Floyd, Gordon, and Walker County bookstores for $28.95.

Honor Graduates

Honor Graduates are recognized at the commencement ceremony. High Honor Graduates have an overall GPA of 4.0; Honor Graduates have an overall GPA of 3.5-3.99. Honor cords are distributed at the commencement ceremony rehearsal. Honor Graduate status is reflected on the student transcript.

Assistance or Accommodations

If you plan to attend the commencement ceremony and require accommodations or assistance, you may contact one of the following Disability Services Coordinators: Sheila Parker (Floyd, Gordon, and Polk County campuses) 706-295-6517; Michael Walters (Walker County campus) 706-764-3799; or Kevan Watkins (Whitfield Murray campus) 706-272-2958.

Guide for Graduates, Family Members, and Guests

Depending on the number of participating graduates, tickets may be required for guests. Graduates will be notified by mail if tickets are required. Graduates may participate in the ceremony if they respond to the Registrar’s Office by a designated date. Those graduates who respond by the designated date will be issued a set number of tickets if required.

Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates

All degrees, diplomas, and certificates are mailed to the address listed in Banner. It may take up to four weeks after the ending date of the semester for your award to be mailed and/or noted on your transcript. If your address changes, please submit a Change of Status Form to the Registrar’s Office.

Financial Obligations/Holds

Any “Hold” on the student’s record will prevent the student from receiving a transcript or award, but will not prevent the student from being able to participate in the commencement ceremony. If you have a student loan (not HOPE or Pell Grant), contact Financial Aid to complete your Financial Aid Exit Loan Interview by the end of your last term. You will not receive your transcript or award if the Exit Interview is not completed.

Career Services

If you need assistance in your job search, visit GNTC’s Career Services page. Helpful information, such as job postings, job search sites, and contact information, is available on this site.

For Further Assistance

If you have any additional questions regarding the commencement exercises or the graduation application process at Georgia Northwestern Technical College, please contact GNTC’s Graduation Specialist, Marilyn Grandstaff.