Graduation Application

graduates taking photos

If you are finishing or finished with your degree, you must apply for graduation in order to receive your diploma. Please complete this graduation application with your Academic Coach to do so. It just takes two easy steps.

Step 1: Complete Part I of the Graduation Application  (Diploma Information). Print clearly and provide address for mailing of diploma.

Step 2: Meet with an Academic Coach to complete Part II of the Graduation Application and a Cap and Gown Order Form if participating in the May Commencement Ceremony. 

Note: all Nursing graduation applications must be approved by the Nursing department. 

Get Help from the ACT Center

We're available in-person at 301 Orcutt Student Services Center or by Zoom, phone or email. Walk-in and Zoom meeting hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday. Email ACT@sunydutchess.edu or call (845) 431-8600 for more info or to schedule an appointment. Or visit www.sunydutchess.edu/act for more information.

Federal Direct Loan Recipients! Students who have borrowed a federal direct loan during any semester at DCC are required by federal law to complete Loan Exit Counseling BEFORE graduation. Complete Loan Exit Counseling on the Federal Student Aid website. Sign in using your FSA ID# and password. Notification of Loan Exit Counseling completion will be sent directly to the Student Financial Services Office at DCC. Questions? Contact Student Financial Services at 845-431-8060 or financialservices@sunydutchess.edu.

More info for upcoming graduates

All graduation applicants must:

  • Meet all degree/program requirements and have an overall cumulative 2.0 GPA.
  • Complete the graduation application according to the directions on the form. The completed graduation application is used to verify the ordering of your diploma, as well as to certify graduation. Include a mailing address where the diploma will be sent. In case of address change, the Registrar's Office should immediately be notified by sending an email to registrar@sunydutchess.edu from your myDCC email account.
  • Meet with an Academic Coach to have Graduation Application approved. Contact the ACT Center to set up an appointment with an Academic Coach at act@sunydutchess.edu

See deadlines for filing graduation applications below. It is extremely important to meet these deadlines to ensure the timely availability of your diploma.

  • If you'll be graduating January 2025, file your application by December 13.
  • If you'll be graduating May 2025, file your application by April 18.
  • If you'll be graduating August 2025, file your application by July 25.

Diplomas will be mailed as follows:

  • January: Diplomas will be mailed to the address on the application at the end of February.
  • May: Diplomas will be mailed to the address on the application at the end of June.
  • August: Diplomas will be mailed to the address on the application at the end of September.

Are you an August 2025 graduate?

To participate in the May Commencement Ceremony, you must meet the following criteria: 

  • Have two courses or less left to complete your degree or certificate.
  • Be officially registered for required course(s) in the summer semester.
  • Be approved by the Registrar to participate in the ceremony and have the Graduation Gown Order Form signed and stamped by the Registrar.

Caps and Gowns

  1. After applying for graduation, order forms may be filled out with your Academic Coach for your cap and gown.
  2. Please contact the Bookstore at (845) 431-8080 or bookstore.staff@sunydutchess.edu for more information about deadlines to order and when and where to pick up caps and gowns.
  3. For info about the May Commencement Ceremony please contact the Office of Student Activities at (845) 431-8050 or studentactivities@sunydutchess.edu.