Congratulations!

The staff at Coastal Pines Technical College is proud of your accomplishments and is eager to assist you in reaching your educational and career goals. As you near program completion, it is time to apply for graduation.

Graduation Requirements at Coastal Pines Technical College

To be eligible for a degree, diploma, or technical certificate of credit, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• Complete the courses as required by the course catalog in the term you were admitted.
• Be in good academic standing, have a graduation grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, and have a “C” in all courses that apply toward graduation. The letter grade of D (60-69) will be awarded if earned but will carry no credit for course completion.
• Complete a minimum of twenty-five percent (25%) of the coursework required for a program at Coastal Pines Technical College.
• Satisfy all financial obligations to the College and be free of any holds on your academic record.
• Complete the Graduation Application as you register for your last course, EVEN if you do not plan on participating in the graduation ceremony. There is no charge to receive your degree, diploma, or certificate of credit; however, you must apply to receive your award.
• Once the Graduation Application form is submitted and processed, an email will be sent to the email address provided on the Application. The email will confirm that your application was received. Please check your student email address for additional information, dates, and reminders.

The first step is Applying for graduation:

Applying for Graduation

To be officially awarded your credential and have your graduation status reflected on your academic transcript, you must apply for graduation. Participation in the Commencement Ceremony is optional.

Note for Nursing Students: There is a separate Pinning Ceremony for nursing graduates.

If you plan to participate in the Graduation Ceremony, please review the Commencement Ceremony Deadlines below.

Applications received after the graduation deadline may result in your name not being listed in the commencement program. Late applicants may also experience delays in receiving their degree, diploma, or technical certificate of credit. If you apply after the posted deadline, you may still be eligible to receive your credential but will not be allowed to participate in the upcoming ceremony.

Graduation & Commencement Ceremony Deadlines

Graduation Applications

Spring 2025 Graduation Application January 13, 2025 – May 7, 2025

Summer 2025 Graduation Application May 19, 2025 – July 31, 2025

Fall 2025 Graduation Application (link coming soon)

Applications received after the graduation deadline date your name may not be listed in the commencement program. Late applicants may experience a delay in receiving their degree, diploma, or technical certificate of credit. Anyone applying after the posted deadlines maybe eligible to receive credentials but are not eligible to walk in the upcoming ceremony.

Graduation and Commencement Related Fees

Coastal Pines Technical College charges a $40.00 non-refundable Graduation Fee for graduates who choose to participate in the Commencement Ceremony. This fee is applied each semester a student participates in the Graduation exercises. Graduates will also receive a padded Coastal Pines Technical College diploma cover at the ceremony.

The Graduation Fee can be paid at any campus bookstore or online through your student account service menu.

Students who do not apply for graduation and/or fail to pay any outstanding debt before the deadline will not be included in the graduation program.

Honors and Clubs:

Graduate Honors and Student Organizations

The following graduation cords will be distributed at rehearsal. If you are a member of one of these organizations or believe you should receive a cord but do not receive one at rehearsal, please send an email to graduation@coastalpines.edu for verification.

Graduation GPA (GGPA) Calculation

Your Graduation Grade Point Average (GGPA) is calculated using only the courses required for your program of study. If a course has been taken more than once, the highest grade earned will be used in the GGPA calculation. A minimum grade of "C" is required in all courses to be eligible for graduation.

Graduation Honors & Cords

• 4.0 GPA – President's Scholar → Gold President’s Scholar Medallion
• 3.5+ GPA – Honor Graduate → Gold Cord
• Veteran → Red, White, and Blue Cord
• SkillsUSA → Red/White Cord
• National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) → White Tassel
• Phi Beta Lambda → Blue/Gold Cord
• Horticulture Club → Teal Cord

**Beginning Summer Semester not for Spring!**

Graduation Regalia Order Process and Information

Coastal Pines Technical College (CPTC) regalia must be worn during the CPTC-sponsored Commencement Ceremony. Students are required to purchase their regalia through Graduation Source. A link to the regalia package is provided in the graduation application.

The regalia package costs $24.40 per student and includes a cap, gown, and tassel. Graduates can choose to have their regalia shipped for free to their CPTC Home Campus or have it shipped directly to their home address for an additional $15.95 shipping fee.

If purchased by the deadline, regalia will be shipped to your designated CPTC campus with free shipping. After the deadline, only home shipping will be available, with an additional shipping fee.

Notifications will be sent when regalia is ready for pickup at the Student Affairs office on your preferred campus. A picture I.D. is required to pick up your regalia.

If both deadlines pass, you will not be able to participate in the graduation ceremony; however, you will still receive your award.

Some club cords, honor cords, and other CPTC stoles will be given out to eligible students at graduation practice. *Note: Only CPTC approved cords and stoles can be worn during the commencement ceremony.

Special Assistance

Graduates or guests who require special assistance at the Commencement Ceremony should contact Student Success Coach, Macy Evans, at (912) 285-6361 at least one week prior to the ceremony to arrange necessary accommodations.

Contact Information for Graduation

For any additional questions regarding graduation, please email graduation@coastalpines.edu.