Policy on Graduation

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Policy on Graduation is to ensure that Hudson County Community College (“College”) provides all credential-seeking students with clear and barrier-free academic pathways toward credential attainment.

POLICY

The College and its Board of Trustees (“Board”) believe in the transformative milestone of earning a post-secondary credential and that all students deserve the opportunity and possess the potential to complete a credential. The College and Board are committed to removing barriers, fostering a sense of belonging, providing necessary support, and creating flexible, stackable, high-value credentials that align with students’ short-term and long-term transfer and/or career goals. Further, the Board acknowledges that obtaining a post-secondary degree is beneficial for students, Hudson County, and the larger community.

The Board delegates to the President the responsibility of developing procedures and processes for implementing this policy. The Office of the Registrar will ensure compliance with this policy.

Approved: February 2026
Approved by: Board of Trustees
Category: Office of the Registrar
Responsible Office(s): Office of the Registrar

Procedures

Automatic Graduation Procedure for Programs Completed within Intended Degree

Graduation:
HCCC automatically processes a student’s graduation once they fulfill the course requirements for their chosen academic program. In addition, HCCC offers several short-term certificates that students may earn along the way while completing their chosen program. When a student completes the course requirements for a shorter certificate, the Office of the Registrar will simultaneously graduate the student with that certificate while the student continues to pursue their original academic program. Once they complete the requirements for their original academic program, students will again be graduated automatically. A full list of certificates and degrees can be found here.

Diplomas and Commencement:
To ensure their name is called at the Commencement Ceremony and their diploma reflects the correct information, students must complete the “Diploma Information Form.” Completed forms should be emailed to registrarFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE or printed and submitted to the Office of Enrollment Services at either the Journal Square or North Hudson campus (70 Sip Avenue, 1st floor OR 4800 Kennedy Boulevard, 1st floor).

Diploma Information Form Deadlines:

April 1st – for students graduating at the end of the upcoming fall semester
November 1st – for students graduating at the end of the upcoming spring semester

All students who earn a certificate or degree at any point in the prior year are invited to attend the HCCC Commencement Ceremony.

Automatic Graduation Procedure for Programs Completed Outside of Intended/Declared Degree Program

The Office of the Registrar regularly conducts Graduation Eligibility Reviews of student records to identify students who have fulfilled the course requirements for their enrolled program as well as other programs.

Sometimes, a student may complete the requirements for a different program than the one in which they are enrolled, providing them the opportunity to graduate earlier. For example, a student pursuing a Sociology degree might also fulfill the requirements for a Liberal Arts degree along the way. In this case, the Office of the Registrar will inform the student of this option to graduate early from the additional program. If the student chooses to graduate early from the additional program, the Office of the Registrar will award the degree, and the student will earn a degree even earlier than anticipated. If they decide not to graduate early, they may remain in their current program and finish as planned.

Below are some answers to common questions about the Graduation Eligibility Review.

What is the Graduation Eligibility Review?

The Office of the Registrar routinely reviews student records to proactively identify those who have completed the requirements for a degree or certificate and inform them of their eligibility to graduate. This includes degrees and certificates in which the student is not enrolled.

What are the benefits of the Graduation Eligibility Review?

Students may sometimes graduate earlier than expected by completing the course requirements for another program. This allows them to transfer to a four-year institution or enter the workforce sooner.

Will graduating with an additional degree affect my financial aid?

Always check with the Office of Financial Aid for questions about eligibility.

Will graduating with an additional degree affect my transfer credits when I transfer to a four-year school?

Please contact the Office of Career and Transfer Pathways at ctpathwaysFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE to discuss questions related to transferring.

What if I want to earn BOTH this new degree and my original associate degree?

You should reach out to the Office of the Registrar to identify what additional courses you may need to complete in order to earn both degrees.

What do I need to do?

When the Registrar’s Office contacts you to inform you of this opportunity, you will need to respond to confirm whether you wish to graduate from the additional program, continue with your original program, or both. The Office of the Registrar will also ask how you want your name to appear on your diploma, and they will provide instructions for obtaining your diploma and one free transcript.

Whom do I contact if I have questions about graduation?

Students with questions about graduation should reach out to the Office of the Registrar at registrarFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE.

Return to Policies and Procedures