Graduation: Degrees, Diplomas and Ceremonies
What’s the difference between Graduation and Commencement?
Graduation refers to the actual awarding of a degree once a student has successfully completed all graduation requirements.
Commencement is a ceremony. It is an opportunity for students, families, friends, and the BBCC community to celebrate their academic accomplishments.
**Note: You must apply for graduation to receive your degree, even if you do not wish to participate in the commencement ceremony.**
Click one of the options below for more information on each step.
Keys to a Smooth Graduation Process
- Check your Academic Progress Report regularly and speak to your advisor if something doesn’t look right
- Apply for graduation before your last quarter starts – then you have time to make changes if needed
- Check your Academic Progress tile on your ctcLink Student Homepage for graduation status updates
- If your completion term changes, if you plan to submit test scores or transfer credits to complete your degree, or if your degree plans change, please let us know – we want to work with you toward your future success!
Applying for graduation
Is it time to apply?
Are you close to completing your degree?
- Log into your ctcLink Student Homepage and run a What-If Report to check your Academic Progress.
- Are you in the correct Program and Plan? Does something look out of place? Contact your advisor for assistance.
- After checking your records, if you are 1 to 2 quarters away from completing your requirements, it’s time to apply for graduation.
Deadlines
Submit your graduation application on time to allow enough time for processing and avoid delays in receiving your diploma. Follow the graduation application deadlines below:
| Quarter: | Graduation Application Deadline: |
| Winter 2025 | March 7, 2025 |
| Spring 2025 | April 25, 2025 |
|
Summer 2025 to participate in 2025 ceremony |
April 25, 2025 |
|
Summer 2025 invited to next year’s ceremony |
July 31, 2025 |
|
Fall 2025 and beyond |
Please check back later or refer to the 2025-2026 Academic Calendar, to be published soon |
How do I apply? (3 easy steps: Check, Choose, Change)
1. CHECK your records for the Apply for Graduation option using the Academic Progress tile.
** If you are within 1 quarter of completing your degree and don’t see the option to apply for graduation, please contact Kerri Furman at kerrif@bigbend.edu **
2. CHOOSE the term in which you will complete all of your degree requirements.
-
- Applying too early means you will have unmet requirements — your graduation application could be denied.
- Applying too early may impact your future financial aid award processing.
3. CHANGE your name, email and address, as needed
- Using the Profile tile on your ctcLink Student Homepage, add a Degree Name – this is how your name will appear on your printed diploma.
- Make sure to update your email address so you don’t miss important updates.
- Update your mailing address where you will be in about 2 to 3 months, so we know where to send your diploma.
How do I get updates?
Track your Graduation Status through the Academic Progress tile and check your Message Center if indicated.
| Status | What it means |
| Eligible to apply for graduation | You may apply for graduation now if you are within 1 or 2 quarters of completing your degree. If you have more than 2 quarters until you plan to complete your degree, please wait! |
| Graduation application received |
Your application has been submitted. Thank you! You are in line for evaluation:
|
| Unmet requirements- check your CTCLink Message Center for details |
Your evaluation shows unmet requirements. See your CTCLink Message Center for details. Without additional information, your status may be updated to denied at the end of the quarter. |
| Denied | Your evaluation shows unmet requirements and has been denied. Please check your grades and your Academic Progress on your Student Homepage. Contact Kerri Furman or your advisor if you have questions about your degree requirements. |
| Approved to graduate- pending final grades | Prior coursework + your current classes will complete your degree requirements. Expect information in May about the commencement ceremony. |
| This degree has been awarded | All done- Congratulations! You will receive information in May about the commencement ceremony. |
When is it official?
We will post your degree approximately 2-3 weeks after the end of the quarter that you complete all of your degree requirements. If you have unmet requirements, your status will be updated to Denied or your graduation term will be moved to the following quarter, depending on those unmet requirements. Check your Message Center for updates.
When do I get my diploma?
Diplomas will be mailed out 10 to 12 weeks after your degree is posted to your transcript. It is your responsibility to make sure the address we have on file is up to date.
Don’t let this happen to your diploma!
Commencement Ceremony
2025 Commencement Ceremony
Friday, June 13, 2025 @ 5:30 p.m.
(Students should arrive by 5 p.m.)
Lions Field
715 W 4th Ave, Moses Lake, WA 98837
Graduates: Detailed information about the commencement ceremony, including how to get your cap and gown, invitations, and other important details will be sent to all approved graduation applicants during the first week of May. Please check your Message Center regularly.
Commencement Photos: GradImages is the official ceremony photographer. Receive a coupon for 20% off your photo order when you pre-register before commencement at https://www.gradimages.com/registration/
Photos taken by the BBCC Public Affairs office will be made available on the college’s social media accounts.
Family and Friends: We invite you all to join us in this celebration. Please check back later for detailed information about the event.
| Graduation Term | Commencement |
| Fall 2024 | June 2025 |
| Winter 2025 | June 2025 |
| Spring 2025 | June 2025 |
| Summer 2025 (apply by April deadline) | June 2026 |
| Summer 2025 (after April deadline) | June 2026 |
| Fall 2025 | June 2026 |
| Winter 2026 | June 2026 |
| Spring 2025 |
June 2025 |
*Planning to complete in Summer? Apply for graduation by the Spring quarter deadline to be included in this year’s commencement ceremony. Students completing in Fall or Winter quarter will be invited to participate in the commencement ceremony the following June.
What about honors?
Honors recognition at the commencement ceremony is finalized two weeks prior to the event.
- For those who have already received their degrees, honors have been noted on your transcript and are based on your cumulative GPA when your degree was awarded.
- For those whose degrees have not yet been awarded, honors recognition will be based on your current cumulative GPA as shown on your official transcript.
GPA 3.33 to 3.74 = Honors
GPA 3.75 to 4.00 = Highest Honors