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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 page will guide you through the graduation application process at GNTC as well as provide some general information on the Commencement Exercises.

Starting the Graduation Process

Meet with your advisor during Registration times to check your progress toward graduating and to verify you are ready to 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 and/or ability to participate in the Commencement Exercises. Correspondence concerning your Application for Graduation will be primarily through your student email account. Applications are processed in the order received, so processing time can vary based on how many are ahead of your application. Your MyGNTC transcript will reflect your graduation 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.

Commencement Information

Commencement exercises for summer and fall semester graduates will be held in December each year at the Dalton Convention Center in Dalton, Georgia.  Information about the commencement will be mailed in October to all eligible participants. 

Commencement exercises for spring semester graduates will be held in May each year at the Forum River Center in Rome, Georgia.  Information about the commencement will be mailed in March to all eligible participants.

Students can find specific dates for our commencement exercises by viewing GNTC’s Academic Calendar.

Graduation Fee

GNTC charges a non-refundable $30 graduation fee to attend commencement.   

Cap and Gown

Graduates who wish to participate in the Commencement Exercises must purchase a cap, gown, and tassel. GNTC graduates wear a black cap and gown. They may be purchased in the Catoosa, Floyd, Gordon, Whitfield Murray, and Walker County bookstores. Bookstore hours are posted on the Bookstore page.

Honor Graduates

Honor Graduates are recognized at the Commencement Exercises. 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 Exercises rehearsal. Honor Graduate status is reflected on the student transcript.

Assistance or Accommodations

If you plan to attend the Commencement Exercises and require accommodations or assistance, you may contact one of the Accessibility Services Coordinators.

Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates

All degrees, diplomas, and certificates are mailed to the address listed in Banner. It may take up to six 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.

Replacement Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates

If you need to order a replacement for your degree, diploma, or certificate, Please fill out a Diploma Replacement Request Form.

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 Exercises. 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, Missy McLain.