Graduation

Download: Graduation Application

In order to receive a degree or certificate from East Central College, students must satisfactorily complete the prescribed course requirements for a degree or certificate program as specified in the catalog or other current, East Central College document. Students planning to graduate should:

• Achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on all college-level credit earned (Certain programs may require a higher GPA).
• Complete at least 15  hours of college-level credit through East Central College.
• Submit an Application for Graduation, available from the Office of the Registrar or the College website, or apply for graduation via eCentral.
• Complete an exit examination as specified by the College for the degree or certificate earned.
• Settle all financial obligations to East Central College.
• If not already on file, provide official high school transcript or G.E.D certificate.

East Central College’s 53rd Annual Commencement Ceremony will take place May 13, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. in the gymnasium of the Donald Shook Student Center on the Union campus.

Rehearsal

Commencement Rehearsal will begin Friday, May 12th at 10:30 a.m. Check-in will take place in the Library/Learning Center in Buescher Hall in Union. Graduates will line up and run through the processional, abbreviated ceremony, and recessional. It should take approximately 30-45 minutes in its entirety. The commencement rehearsal is optional but recommended.

Ceremony

The 53rd Commencement at East Central College will be held Saturday, May 13th, at 11:30 a.m. The ceremony will take place in the gymnasium located on the second floor of the Donald Shook Student Center (DSSC).  The processional line-up will begin at 10:30 a.m.  All graduates must arrive no later than 11:00 a.m.

Caps and Gown Orders

Caps and gowns can be ordered at https://herffjones.com/college/eastcentral. Orders are due by March 21st. The Bookstore can be reached at 636-584-6737. Caps and gowns will be available for pick up in late April.

Rolla students can request to have their regalia sent to the Rolla site. Graduates are always welcome to borrow regalia from previous ECC graduates.

Tassels are to be worn on the right side of the cap. Caps are to be worn flat on the head and may be decorated as long as the decorations and messages are not distracting. As soon as you purchase regalia, take it out of the packaging, check the size, and hang it up to remove wrinkles. If you must iron the gown, be sure to use the lowest or cool setting, or it will melt the fabric.

Guests

Doors will open to the gymnasium in the Donald Shook Student Center at 10:30 a.m. Seating is first-come, first-served. There will be bleacher seating and floor seating, with most of the floor seating reserved for those with mobility needs and their families. Overflow seating with live-streaming will be available in the cafeteria on the first floor of the Donald Shook Student Center.

Student and Guests with Mobility Needs

Graduates should inform the Graduation Office by calling 636-584-6579 no later than May 1st, to make any accessibility arrangements for the graduate needed during the commencement ceremony. There will be golf carts picking up guests in parking lots to take them to Donald Shook Student Center. Wheelchairs will also be available for use. Over 150 reserved seats on the floor of the gymnasium available for guests and their families who cannot sit in the bleachers. Any remaining reserved seats on the floor will be opened to the general public 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.

Phi Theta Kappa Members

PTK members who would like to have a gold tassel and/or stole to wear at commencement, and have not completed the chapter’s 5-Star Member program requirements have 2 options:

1. Order from PTK headquarters. Go to https://ptk.org. PTK members will need their member ID number to order online. The PTK ID cards were sent with the membership certificate. (Debit or credit card will be required to order online.)
2. You may also contact Kevin Dixon, chapter advisor, who has a limited supply of each available for purchase on a first-come/first-served basis.  You must contact Mr. Dixon at kevin.dixon@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6631 to reserve yours.

Service Members

Veterans and active duty/reserve members of the U.S. Armed Forces will be presented with a red, white, and blue cord to wear if they attend the ceremony. The cords will be given to the graduate during the processional lineup just prior to the ceremony.

Graduation Photos

Professional photos will be taken at the ceremony and will be available for purchase through Grad Images.

Ceremony Questions

Email grad@eastcentral.edu or call 636-584-6579 regarding any ceremony questions you may have about the commencement ceremony.

Transcripts and Diplomas

Final grades will be posted the week following final exams. Graduates will be notified via email when degrees/certificates have been posted.

Transcripts

When requesting transcripts, be sure to select the option to have your transcript sent after your degree or certificate has been posted or wait until you receive your graduate notification email from the Registrar’s Office.

Diplomas

Graduates will be notified via email when their diploma is available for pick up. Diplomas that are not picked up will be mailed out after three weeks.