Bear face sketch drawing with blue graduation cap and sunglasses saying 'Cascadia Grad'

Graduation From Cascadia

Getting ready to finish your degree and graduate? Congratulations! Follow these steps to make sure you are ready for the big day!

Apply for Graduation

The last step in completing your degree or certificate program is to apply for graduation. Cascadia College does not automatically award your degree once you complete your requirements. You must apply for graduation to receive your diploma.

To help ensure you are ready to graduate, you must meet with an Academic Advisor to review your program and degree requirements. You will complete the graduation application together at this appointment. This should be done the quarter before you plan to graduate.

There are three ways to connect with an advisor*:

  1. Stop by our Drop-In Zoom Hours
  2. Schedule an appointment with Navigate using your Cascadia Network Account
  3. Email advising@cascadia.edu

*International students on F-1 visa must meet with an International Student Advisor to review your program and degree requirements. Email international@cascadia.edu to schedule an appointment.

Graduation Application FAQ

How do I apply for graduation?

First make sure you are close to completing all your requirements for the degree you are seeking. (Use CTCLink to review your academic progress.) Then meet with an academic advisor who will use a degree worksheet to check that all of your requirements have been met and you will complete the graduation application together at that time.

When should I apply for graduation?

You should apply for graduation the QUARTER BEFORE you are going to finish all the requirements for your degree program. For example, if you are planning to graduate in the Winter quarter, apply at the beginning of the Fall quarter.

How do I know if I’m eligible to graduate?

To be eligible to graduate a student must:

  • Achieve a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) for courses taken at Cascadia or transferred in.
  • Complete a minimum of 25 credits at Cascadia that apply to the degree or certificate.
  • Complete the minimum number of credits needed to fulfill the degree requirements for the degree that you are earning.
    • Minimum of 90 credits
      • Bachelor of Applied Science – Mobile Applications, Bachelor of Applied Science - Sustainable Practices, Associate in Biology, Associate in Business, Associate in Integrated Studies, Associate in Pre-Nursing, Associate in Science – Track 1, Associate in Science – Track 2, Associate in Applied Science – Environmental Technologies and Sustainable Practices, Associate in Applied Science – Homeland Security/Emergency Management, Associate in Applied Science – Networking Infrastructure Technology, Associate in Applied Science – Web Applications Programming Technology
    • Minimum of 101 credits
      • Associate in Science – Transfer Track 2 (Computer and Electrical Engineering)
    • Minimum of 103 credits
      • Associate in Science – Transfer Track 2 (Bioengineering and Chemical Engineering)
    • Minimum of 107 credits
      • Associate in Science – Transfer Track 2 (Mechanical, Civil, Aeronautical, Industrial, Materials Science)
  • Fulfill all financial obligations to the college.

What if I am a CCF (College and Career Foundations) student graduating from the HS+ program?

Meet with the CCF advisor to confirm that you are ready to graduate and to submit your graduation application.

I missed the deadline to apply. What can I do?

You should still apply, but there is no guarantee you will be able to graduate the quarter you requested. Our evaluator will let you know if you can graduate the quarter you requested. If your application cannot be processed for that quarter, your degree will be posted to your transcript the following quarter.

Where do I find the link to the graduation application?

You must complete the graduation application with an Academic Advisor during drop-ins or a scheduled appointment. Plan to meet with an advisor the quarter before you plan to graduate.

Will I receive a response to my graduation application?

Yes. The credentials evaluator will notify you by email after your final quarter if your application is approved or denied.

May I also receive a high school diploma from Cascadia?

If you do not already have a high school diploma, you may request one on the graduation application. If requested, once you complete an Associate degree at Cascadia, you will also receive a Washington State high school diploma.

What is the difference between graduation and commencement?

Graduation is the application and evaluation process you go through to have your degree posted to your transcript. Commencement is an annual ceremony where we honor your academic accomplishments. The commencement ceremony takes place at the end of Spring Quarter and all graduates of that year (Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer Quarters) are welcome.

I did not graduate. What do I do next?

Make an appointment with an advisor via Navigate to discuss your academic plan and next steps.

What if I want to change the quarter I want to graduate?

You will need to meet with an academic advisor to submit a new graduation application. You can meet with an Academic Advisor during drop-ins or a scheduled appointment.

Why can’t I use the “apply for graduation” feature in CTCLink?

Currently, the Apply for Graduation feature in CTCLink is not ready for use. Please meet with an Academic Advisor either during drop-ins or a scheduled appointment to fill out a graduation application.

Why isn’t the CTCLink academic progress tile showing all my classes?

At this time, the Academic Progress tile on the Student Homepage may not display accurate information. We are working to update this feature to better serve our students. If you have questions about your classes you can meet with an Academic Advisor during drop-ins or a scheduled appointment.

For additional questions regarding graduation academic requirements or the graduation application, please contact advising@cascadia.edu

2024 Graduation Ceremony Information

This year the Commencement Ceremony will be held Friday, June 7, 2024 at 4:00 PM on the Activities & Recreation Center (ARC) Sports Complex Field on the Cascadia/UWB campus. More details about the ceremony to come.

For Graduates

All students who will complete their degrees and certificates by the end of Summer Quarter 2024 are invited to attend the ceremony. Graduates can begin checking in for the ceremony at 2:30pm in the ARC Overlook. All graduates must be checked in by 3:15pm.

Graduation Regalia

All graduates must wear caps and gowns. Visit the Jostens website to order your cap and gown. The cap and gown colors for the associate degree and certificates are blue. If you are receiving a bachelor's degree, the cap and gown are black. We encourage you to order by May 13 to receive it in time for the ceremony.

If you would like to borrow a blue gown (for associate degree and certificate graduates) a limited number are available. Contact studentprograms@cascadia.edu.

Students will need to provide their own cap and tassel. This can be purchased through the Jostens website.

Bothell High School caps and gowns are similar and can be worn if those have already been purchased or can be borrowed.

Questions? Email commencement@cascadia.edu.

Photographer at Ceremony

For those interested in professional photos, Grad Images will be taking photos at the ceremony. Students can request to receive more information via email the day of graduation.

Phi Theta Kappa Members

You may purchase the traditional Honor Stole at the PTK virtual store. If you are a member of Phi Theta Kappa and would like to borrow a stole, a limited number are available. Contact Sam Penjaraenwatana at spenjaraenwatana@cascadia.edu

Honors Cords

Pick up at graduation check-in on June 9th. Graduates will receive the cord for their highest achievement as of Winter Quarter.

Faculty Honors (silver)

Distinction is awarded to graduates who earn a cumulative college-level GPA of 3.6 to 3.89.

President Honors (gold)

Distinction is awarded to graduates who earn a cumulative college-level GPA of 3.9 to 4.0.

Student Accessibility Accommodations

ASL interpreters and live captioning will be available at the ceremony.

Students should contact Student Accessibility Services at 425.352.8128 or accessibility@cascadia.edu to request additional accommodations by May 31th.

BASSP Graduates

For more information, contact Stephan Classen at sclassen@cascadia.edu.

For Guests

Parking

There will be no cost for parking on campus in the Garages and Designated Lots only from 1:00 PM — 6:30 PM.

Seating at Ceremony

Tickets are not required, though seating is limited. Gates to the field will open for seating at 2:30 PM and it will be first come, first served.

If you require wheelchair accessible seating, please email commencement@cascadia.edu by June 4th to make arrangements.

Attend the Commencement Ceremony

Congratulations on your graduation! You have worked hard to attain this goal, so join us to celebrate you and honor this important academic achievement.

Cascadia holds one Commencement Ceremony each academic year in June.

How to prepare for Commencement:

  • Apply to Graduate
  • Be aware of these important dates and deadlines
    • Monday, June 3, 2024: Deadline to apply to graduate AND be included in the printed program for the in-person ceremony.
    • Monady, May 13, 2024: Recommended deadline to order cap and gown from Jostens to insure delivery by June 7.
  • Order your Cap & Gown
    • To purchase a cap and gown for the ceremony, please visit the Jostens website. A comparable option can be found on Amazon (Select the “royal” color option).
    • Bothell High School students: The cap and gown colors for the Associate Degree and certificates are the same as Bothell High School. If you already have one, there is no need to purchase another.
    • If you are receiving a Bachelor Degree, the cap and gown are black. Contact Erika Miller (emiller@cascadia.edu) or Stephan Classen (sclassen@cascadia.edu)
  • Request Accommodations if needed:
    • ASL interpreters and captioning will be available at the ceremony. For accessible seating or other accessibility needs, please email commencement@cascadia.edu at least one week prior to the ceremony.

Commencement FAQ

When is the commencement ceremony?

For academic year 2023-2024, the Commencement Ceremony will be held Friday, June 7, 2024 at 4pm on the Activities & Recreation Center (ARC) Sports Complex Field on the Cascadia/UWB campus. Cascadia holds one graduation ceremony each year in June for all graduates from that academic year. If you graduate this year, please join us!

What is the difference between graduation and commencement?

Graduation is the application and evaluation process you go through to have your degree posted to your transcript. Commencement is an annual ceremony where we honor your academic accomplishments. The ceremony takes place at the end of Spring Quarter and all graduates of that year from Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer Quarters are welcome.

I'm a graduating international student, do I need to do anything special for the ceremony?

If you would like to invite your family members overseas to attend graduation and they need a tourist visa, the International Programs office can help issue a letter. You can contact IP at international@cascadia.edu.

Do I have to attend the ceremony to receive my diploma?

No, the commencement ceremony is an optional ceremony to celebrate your achievement. Your diploma will be sent to the address you provided on your graduation application.

How do I get my cap and gown?

Visit the Jostens website to order your cap and gown. The cap and gown colors for the associate degree and certificates are blue. If you are receiving a bachelor's degree, the cap and gown are black. We encourage you to order early to receive it in time for the ceremony, no less than 4 weeks prior.

If you would like to borrow a blue gown (for associate degree and certificate graduates) a limited number are available. Contact studentprograms@cascadia.edu.

How do I get my honor cords?

Graduates will receive the cords for their highest cumulative grade achievement as of the end of Winter quarter. Cords will be available for pick up on campus the day of the commencement ceremony.

A silver cord signifies Faculty Honors. Students must have earned a quarterly college-level grade point average between 3.6 and 3.89.

A gold cord signifies President’s Honors. Students must have earned a quarterly college level grade point average of at least 3.9 or higher.

How do I order my PTK stole?

You may purchase the traditional Honor Stole at the PTK virtual store. If you are a member of Phi Theta Kappa and would like to borrow a stole, contact Sam Penjaraenwatana at spenjaraenwatana@cascadia.edu

How do I get my veteran cord?

Cascadia student veterans who have served in the military are honored with red, white, and blue cords to wear with their academic regalia at the commencement ceremony. You can request your veteran cord by contacting veterans@cascadia.edu.

How do I get my international cord?

International students on F-1 visas and students who studied abroad through Cascadia’s study abroad program can pick up their cord on the day of graduation. You can get more information by contacting the International Programs office at international@cascadia.edu.

Will professional photos be taken of graduates at the commencement ceremony?

Yes. Cascadia College contracts with Grad Images to take professional photos of graduates prior to the ceremony and while receiving their diploma. Graduates will receive information on how to view these photos in the weeks following the ceremony.

What else do I need to know to attend the ceremony?

More information about attending the ceremony, including Covid restrictions, will be available closer to the ceremony. Parking for the event will be complimentary.

For additional questions regarding the commencement ceremony, please contact commencement@cascadia.edu

Get your Diploma

Congratulations! You have completed all your academic requirements, graduated, and perhaps attended the Cascadia College Commencement Ceremony. Your degree will be posted to your official transcript and your diploma will be mailed to you.

Diploma FAQ

When will I receive my diploma?

Your diploma will be mailed to the address you provided on the graduation application about 8 weeks after the quarter ends. Diplomas mailed to international addresses will take longer. If you have not received your diploma after 8- 12 weeks, please send an inquiry to evaluator@cascadia.edu

May I also receive a high school diploma from Cascadia?

If you do not already have a high school diploma, you may request one on the graduation application. If requested, once you complete an Associate degree at Cascadia, you will also receive a Washington State high school diploma.

I lost my diploma/it arrived damaged. Can I request a duplicate diploma?

Please complete the Diploma Replacement Order Form. Replacement diplomas will be sent out at the same time as the diplomas for the graduates from the quarter in which you place your request. Diplomas are mailed out approximately 8 weeks (about 2 months) after the end of the quarter.

How soon will my degree be posted to my transcript after graduation?

Degree information is typically posted on your transcript within 3 – 4 weeks after your graduation application has been processed.

How do I order an official transcript with the degree posted?

There are instructions to order your transcript on the Student Toolbox.

Please note: The US Postal Service is experiencing an unprecedented volume increase and limited employee availability. We are also seeing delays with international mail, including instances where some countries are not accepting mail for certain periods of time. We ask if you are requesting a transcript be mailed, please allow for additional time and processing when considering deadlines. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE.

What is the difference between graduation and commencement?

Graduation is the application and evaluation process you go through to have your degree posted to your transcript. Commencement is an annual ceremony where we honor your academic accomplishments. The ceremony takes place at the end of Spring Quarter and all graduates of that year from Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer Quarters are welcome.

Have more questions?

For questions regarding graduation academic requirements or the graduation application, please contact advising@cascadia.edu

For questions regarding the commencement ceremony, please contact commencement@cascadia.edu

For questions regarding diploma or transcripts, please contact evaluator@cascadia.edu

Graduation Photos

See video and photos from the 2023 ceremony at commencement media.