Graduation Frequently Asked Questions
Please review the Frequently Asked Question below.
How do I know when I am ready to graduate?
- You should meet with your program faculty advisor or a Student Success Advisor to go over your transcript and DARS audit to see if you have met all the graduation requirements.
- If so, you should submit an Application for Award eForm.
- Your faculty advisor needs to digitally sign this form indicating that they have reviewed the award requirements and whether you are on track to complete them.
- Once your faculty advisor has digitally signed and submitted the form, the Assistant Registrar will finalize the application review.
- An automated email communication will be sent to you regarding program completion readiness and next steps.
If I forgot whether I submitted my Application for Award form, what should I do?
Email OneStop at OneStop@HennepinTech.edu ask them to check your records.
When will I receive my degree, diploma, or certificate?
At the graduation ceremony, you will get a diploma cover, not your actual degree, diploma or certificate. If you have met all eligibility requirements and submitted an Application for Award form, your degree, diploma, or certificate will be mailed to you approximately 12 weeks after the conclusion of the semester.
Do I need to sign up to attend the ceremony?
No. Just make sure you submit your Application for Award eForm.
Watch your Hennepin Tech email to see that your Application for Award is approved. After that, all you have to do is show up at the designated graduate arrival time.
On Commencement Day and you will be provided a cap, gown and tassel.
For more information please visit the Graduation webpage.
What if I changed my mind and I DO want to participate in the commencement ceremony, even though I checked “NO” on my Application for Award form?
Please email the Assistant Registrar to inform you have already turned in your Application for Award eForm, but changed your mind about attending the ceremony.
How do I ensure that my name will be printed in the graduation program?
In order to have your name printed in the graduation program, you must submit your Application for Award eForm by the posted deadline date on the Graduation Checklist, and you must meet all graduation eligibility requirements.
Will my name be printed in the program even if I don't plan to walk in the commencement ceremony?
Yes. All students who were approved to graduate by the deadline date noted on the Graduation Checklist will be listed in the program that is given out at the ceremony. If there are any programs left after the ceremony, they will be available at the Reception Desk on each campus the week after commencement.
Do my guests need tickets?
There are no advanced tickets. Students and their families will be given black wristbands during check-in to allow reentry into the Auditorium.
When do I get my cap, gown, tassel, honors medal, stole, cords, etc.?
All graduation apparel will be given out at the ceremony and is not available earlier.
I am large, short, pregnant, person in a wheelchair, etc. How do I know that a gown will fit me?
A vendor will be at the ceremony giving out caps and gowns. They will be equipped with many petite to XXXL sizes, as well as some larger caps. There will be a cap and gown for you.
I have a Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctoral degree already and am receiving a certificate here at HTC. Can I wear my regalia from my higher degree because it is a lot fancier?
No, you are being celebrated for the successful completion of this particular academic reward, in this case, a certificate. You will be with your classmates gowned alike for the reception of this certificate. You only wear your highest degree as a faculty/staff member in a commencement, university inaugural, or convocation.
What if I am graduating with honors?
If you are graduating with honors (overall/cumulative 3.5 GPA and above), you will receive an honors medallion when you check in on graduation day at the ceremony location.
Overall GPA is calculated using all the courses you have taken through the end of fall term. Current semester grades cannot be included in the calculation since grades are not received by graduation day.
Honor medallions are not given out for program GPA, only for overall/cumulative GPA. If you do not know your overall/cumulative GPA, please check your eServices.
What if I am a Phi Theta Kappa member?
If you are a Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) member who continues to meet the GPA requirement for membership, you will also receive your PTK stole when you check in on graduation day at the ceremony location. If you have questions please contact the PTK Advisor.
What if I am a veteran?
If you are indicated as a Veteran in your student record, you will be given Veteran's cords when you check in at the ceremony. If you have questions, please contact the Hennepin Tech Veterans School Certifying Official.
What if I am in TRIO?
If you are in the TRIO ESL/SSS Program, you will receive a stole when you check in at the ceremony. If you have questions please contact TRIO.
I want an extra tassel, gown, cap, etc. for mom, dad, dog, etc. Can I have extra?
No, we want to make sure every graduate has their one cap, gown, tassel. No extras will be available.
If I am earning more than one certificate, diploma, or degree will I receive multiple certificate covers?
No, we want to make sure every graduate receives a certificate cover. No extras will be available.
How long is the ceremony? Can I leave once I've walked?
The ceremony will last approximately 3 hours. Graduates must remain with their classmates until the end of the program.