Graduation and Commencement at Hill College

Congratulations!  You have worked hard to get here and now it's time to confirm your eligibility for completion of a certificate and/or degree. Certificates and degrees are not awarded automatically.  Students are required to submit a graduation application for each certificate and/or degree as they are achieved. Applications are completed and submitted online by the deadlines for the current semester. Applications submitted after the deadline will be processed for the following graduation term. Deadlines are as follows:

OCTOBER 1st -  Fall Semester (16 week, 8 week, mini)

APRIL 15th - Spring Semester (16 week, 8 week, mini)

JULY 1s- Summer Semester (11 week, Summer I, Summer II)

Hill College believes that every student should have the opportunity to participate in the commencement ceremony. Therefore, the college does not charge any fees for the application or cap and gowns.


Application and Status

Steps to reach the Graduation Application:

1. Click the link to go to MyHC.
2. Log in using your credentials.
3. Click on 'Students'.
4. Click on 'Graduation' on the left-hand side. 
5. You will be redirected to the graduation page and will see the link to the application. 


Review of the graduation applications

Once your application has been received, it will be evaluated by graduation evaluators during the semester it was received. Transfer credits received will be considered in the evaluation process. Communication is sent to students, who do not meet requirements at the end of the term. Degrees are posted to official transcripts after the end of the term. Students can log into their MyHC portal to view an unofficial transcript for degree posting as well as communication from the evaluators.

Invitation letters are sent in the spring with instructions regarding the commencement ceremony regardless of when you completed.  This will include specific locations and times.  It is the student's decision whether or not to participate.  Please note:  There is no walk ceremony in August or December.  These graduates will receive their diplomas after the end of their semester of completion.  All candidates have the option to walk in the commencement ceremony in May.

It is important that any monies owed or any other hold on a student account be resolved in a timely manner. Although unpaid balances or holds will not prohibit a student from participating in commencement, official transcripts and diplomas will NOT be released until all holds are resolved.


Commencement Ceremony

CAP AND GOWNS

All students who participate in the commencement ceremony are required to wear a cap and gown. Hill College provides one cap, gown and tassel to students, participating in commencement, without charge. Communication will be sent to inform each graduate of times and days to pick up cap and gowns. These items can be picked up in the Office of Student Information Services on the Hill County Campus, Johnson County Campus and Burleson Higher Education Center, during the designated days and times.

AT THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

Students are requested to arrive to the specific building provided in their communication. Please review all information provided to you when you receive your tickets, cap and gown. Honor and PTK graduates will be sent communication explaining when and where to pick up honor stoles and cords.

Graduates will be lead to the event and guided to designated seating areas. Graduates are given cards including name and certificate or degree designation. Please make sure that your name reads the way that it should be announced.  Make sure that you keep your card with you at all times. Graduates will hand the card to the designated college official prior to walking in front of the stage.  Graduates will exit the stage and follow ushers to their seats.

GRADUATES OR GUESTS WITH DISABILITIES

Candidates or guest who have a disability-related need requiring assistance for commencement, should contact Noelle Barnes, Director of Academic Advising & Success Center, at nbarnes@hillcollege.edu or 254.659.7781 or 817.760.5653 to make arrangements. It is the responsibility of graduates to contact Noelle Barnes regarding accommodations for families or guest.

Deadline: Disability services and accommodations request must be provided prior to the week of commencement.

PHOTOGRAPHING COMMENCEMENT

A professional photographer will be available prior to the ceremony for graduates to have pictures taken. Information about purchase packages and prices will be available to students when they pick up their cap and gown or the evening of the ceremony. Families and guests are encouraged to take pictures before, during and after the ceremony.  Please be mindful of other attendees when taking pictures during the ceremony. They are also attending the ceremony to share this important moment with their graduate.

COMMENCEMENT SEATING

Each student will be given a designated number of guest tickets. Seating is limited and guests should arrive early. Additional tickets (if available) will be in the Office of Student Information Services 1 day prior to the ceremony. Additional tickets are 1st come, 1st serve. Anyone with a ticket will have entry into the ceremony.

Smoking, eating or drinking is NOT allowed at any commencement ceremony locations.


Diplomas will be mailed to the student after commencement to the address provided. Students should receive their diplomas within 8-10 weeks after the end of the term. Pending the completion of certificate or degree requirements. Students should verify their mailing address is current within the MyHC student portal.

Students who are graduating with an Associate Degree, who have at least 24 semester hours in residence, who have completed at least two semesters at Hill College, and who have a

GPA of 3.50-3.74 –Cum Laude

GPA of 3.75-3.89- Magna Cum Laude

GPA of 3.90-4.00- Summa Cum Laude

qualify for honors recognition.  Honor and PTK graduates will be sent communication explaining when and where to pick up honor stoles and cords.


With the commencement ceremony Hill College publicly recognizes the achievements of its students and confers upon them the rights, privileges and responsibilities of a Hill College degree or certificate. We congratulate you on your achievements. If you have additional questions, please email Commencement@hillcollege.edu.