April 7, 2021

The Graduation Review Process at SUNY Empire State College

By Sarah McMichael, Assistant Registrar, Office of the Registrar and Amanda Treadwell, Assistant Registrar, Office of the Registrar

Earning a degree takes hard work and dedication. Taking the right steps when nearing graduation can help ensure a smooth process. Once you have satisfied all necessary academic requirements to earn a degree, you will be eligible to graduate. The process for graduation review involves the following steps:

  1. Graduation Application Submission 
  2. Pre-Graduation Review 
  3. Final Academic Clearance for Graduation

Step 1:  Graduation Application Submission  

You need to be registered in your final coursework before submitting the graduation application. Students in the School of Undergraduate Studies will need a concurred degree program (DP) to apply.

The graduation application asks for the intended graduation date and the degree of completion. You can only submit one application for each degree or certificate that you are pursuing. You can access the graduation application by going to the MyESC portal. Step-by-step instructions can be found here. 

Step 2: Pre-Graduation Review 

*** Why should I fill out the graduation application as soon as possible? ***

As graduation applications are submitted, the Office of the Registrar performs a pre-graduation review of your degree program. If you have registered for a course that was not approved, this may either change the nature of the DP or delay your graduation. The Office of the Registrar will reach out to the appropriate parties (mentors, students, directors of academic review) to resolve the issue. It is suggested that you adhere to the courses listed on your concurred DP and discuss any changes with your mentors as soon as possible. Once your degree plan has been reviewed and no issues are discovered, the Office of the Registrar will send a message to you about the diploma mailing form and accessing official academic transcripts.

Step 3: Final Academic Clearance  

Once final grades are submitted each term, the Office of the Registrar reviews all graduation applications.  If you complete all degree requirements, you will receive an automated email from the Office of the Registrar informing you that you have been officially graduated. You can see your graduation posted on Self-Service Banner, and it will immediately appear on your official transcript. Diplomas are mailed to the address on file within 3-4 weeks of academic clearance.

If you have questions about the revised graduation review process, contact the Office of the Registrar at registrarsoffice@esc.edu

You can find information about commencement eligibility here. For all other inquiries about commencement, please contact commencement@esc.edu.

Questions?

We’re here to help.

SUNY Empire State 1 Stop Student Services is a partner in your successful college experience. Check out their website at www.esc.edu/1stop, contact 1stop@esc.edu, or call them!

800-847-3000, ext. 2285