Graduation

Are you getting ready to graduate? Congratulations!

To receive your diploma, you must first fulfill all requirements for your program. Then, complete the graduation application through the accessECC portal.

Commencement Ceremonies

ECC holds commencement ceremonies in May and December each year. The application deadlines are March 1 for the May ceremonies and October 1 for the December ceremonies. If you submitted your graduation application but no longer plan to attend the ceremony, please update your status by October 1.

How to submit your graduation application:

• Please visit the Self-Service App on the portal.
  • You will see your active program(s) in the graduation overview. If you do not know the program from which you wish to graduate, don't hesitate to contact records@elgin.edu with your name, student ID, and the program from which you intend to graduate.
• The ceremonies will be held on December 13, 2025! All interested candidates for graduation must meet the October 1 deadline.
  • You can order your free cap and gown through the online graduation application by entering your height and weight information.
  • Check your ECC student email in November for details on regalia pickup and important information about the graduation ceremony.
  • Ceremonies:
    • 10:00 am Career and Technical Degrees and Certificates
    • 2:00 pm Transfer Degrees
• If you’ve already submitted your graduation application but changed your mind about participating in the ceremony, update your application. Be sure to make any changes by October 1.

If you or any guest needs accommodation to participate fully in this graduation ceremony, please complete this graduation accommodation form. 

Graduation Requirements

To be eligible to graduate with a degree or certificate, you'll need to:

• Complete the graduation application during the semester, during which you will complete your requirements, whether or not you intend to participate in commencement ceremonies.
• If you've attended other institutions, ensure ECC has your official transcripts.
• Meet the specific requirements for your degree or certificate, as outlined in the college catalog, which is effective when you enroll.
• If you have any course substitutions, get the course substitution form signed by the appropriate instructional dean, and they will be submitted to the Records Office.
• Suppose you wish to earn more than one transfer degree. In that case, you must submit a Multiple Transfer Degree Request form - PDF.
• Meet the Academic Residency requirements.

Diplomas are mailed approximately eight weeks after the semester ends.

How to Find the Graduation Application

• Login to accessECC | Login help
• From the 'ECC Apps' menu, select the Self-Service app.
• Select Graduation Overview to proceed.
• Select Apply next to the program of study from which you want to apply to graduate.
• Your active program(s) are listed in the Graduation Overview. If you do not see the program from which you wish to graduate, please email records@elgin.edu with your name, student ID, and the program from which you intend to graduate, and we will add it for you.

Deadlines for Filing Graduation Applications

• May graduates: March 1
• August graduates: July 1 - August graduates may choose to be recognized at the December ceremony.
• December graduates: October 1

Illinois High School Diploma (GED/HiSET) Graduates

This ceremony will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026. You must drop your official transcript at the ABEC Front Office Reception Desk to participate in the graduation.

Building K, 410 Renner Drive
Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 7 pm
Fridays, 8 am to 4 pm (Closed on Fridays for the summer)

GED Graduation Questions? Contact Rachel Taylor at 847-214-6948 or rtaylor@elgin.edu.

Graduating with Honors

You will receive a diploma with honors if you graduate with the following GPA.

• High honors:
  • Transfer degree: Cumulative GPA of 3.5 to 4.0
  • Applied science degree or certificate: GPA of 3.5 to 4.0 in courses that apply
• Honors:
  • Transfer degree: Cumulative GPA of 3.0 to 3.49
  • Applied science degree or certificate: GPA of 3.0 to 3.49 in courses that apply
• See how credits transferred in from other institutions are used to calculate your graduation GPA.