• CONTACT US
• PHONE NUMBERS
• STAFF DIRECTORY

How to Commence at NCTC
For degree and certificate candidates

 

Table of Contents

Congratulations to the Class of 2009!
Participation
Applying for Graduation
Diplomas
Academic Work
Financial Obligations
Academic Regalia& Commencement Announcements
Phi Theta Kappa Regalia
Guest Accommodations
Name Pronunciation
Commencement Seating
Disability-Related Needs of Certificate/Degree Candidates & Guests
Photographing Commencement
Advice for Your Guests
Residence Hall Checkout & Photograph
Schedule of Activities
Checklist for December 2009 Commencement

Student Right-To-Know and Campus Security Acts, Public Law 102-542

 

Congratulations to the Class of 2009

Congratulations on your achievement and milestones you have reached at North Central Texas College, commencement will be as follows:

 

Friday, December 11, 2009 6:00pm

All certificates and degrees will participate at this scheduled time

 

Commencement ceremony will take place in the Lion's Field House (Gymnasium)
on the Gainesville Campus.

With these ceremonies North Central Texas College publicly recognizes the
achievements of its students and confers upon them the rights, privileges and
responsibilities of an NCTC degree or certificate. 

In keeping with this tradition, the NCTC Commencement ceremony will begin and end
with an academic procession of NCTC graduating students, alumnae, faculty, Board of
Regents, Executive Council and honored guests.  The program will include remarks by
President Eddie Hadlock, the commencement address and other speeches, the
conferring of degrees, and the awarding of honorary medals. 

Each year, the Graduation Coordinator, acting in an advisory capacity to
the President, plans this academic ceremony to maintain the traditions of NCTC and
ensure that everything will run smoothly at this most important event of the academic
year. 

The purpose of this "How to Commence at NCTC" document is to guide you through the
necessary steps needed to be taken, in order to be prepared for the great day.  Please
read through this document carefully and make sure that you have fulfilled all
requirements so you can participate in the Commencement ceremony.

If you have comments or questions, please contact Shawna Ayers, Graduation Coordinator at 940-668-7731 ext 4403 or at  sayers@nctc.edu

 

Participation

Every Certificate and Associate degree candidate who plans to graduate in May or
December is highly encouraged to participate in the Commencement ceremonies. 
Please see your appropriate dean if you are unable to participate.

DEADLINE:  Academic regalia is required to participate, and it is essential that we know
no later than 2 weeks prior to the ceremony.  The reply card that you will
receive in your graduation packet must be completed and returned no later than 2
weeks prior to the ceremony.  Mail or drop it by the Registrar's Office.  Your reply card
serves as official notification of your intention to participate in Commencement
exercises. 

 

Applying for Graduation

Diplomas are NOT awarded automatically.  Evaluation of records to verify whether a
student has completed all course requirements for graduation is done ONLY upon
request by the student through completion and submission of the

"Application for Graduation & Commencement". It must be completed, signed and returned to the Admissions Office by October 1st for December ceremony or March 1st for the May ceremony.

Diplomas

DIPLOMAS WILL BE MAILED TO STUDENTS AFTER COMMENCEMENT. STUDENTS SHOULD RECEIVE THEIR DIPLOMAS WITHIN 8-10 WEEKS AFTER THE END OF THE TERM THE STUDENT HAS APPLIED TO GRADUATE, PENDING THE COMPLETION OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS.

 

Academic Work

Catalog Restrictions
A student who enrolls at North Central Texas College during any academic year and
earns college credit for work done during that year may graduate under the degree
requirement provision of:

  • the current catalog
  • the catalog in force during the student’s first year of enrollment; or
  • the catalog of any succeeding year during which the student was enrolled.

The provisions listed above only apply if the student meets that requirements no later
than five years from the date of the catalog selected.

General Transfer Degree (Associate of Arts or Associate of Science):
In order to receive a general transfer degree from North Central Texas College, the
student must have completed 62 hours of college work with a cumulative GPA of at
least 2.0.  In addition to this, it is required that at least 18 hours of the total hours be
completed in residence at North Central Texas College. 

To receive an Associate of Science Degree, the following course work must be
completed:

6 hours of Freshman English

3 hours of sophomore level English literature
3 hours of Speech
6 hours of College Level Mathematics
8 hours of Natural Lab Science
3 hours of Visual & Performing
6 hours of U.S. History (HIST1301/HIST1302)
6 hours of Government (GOVT2305/GOVT2306)
3 hours of Social Behavioral Science
2 hours of Wellness/Physical Education

3 hours of Computer Literacy

12 hours of Electives needed to complete NCTC degree

The above coursework will allow students to complete the General Education Core
Curriculum, which is a minimum of 42 hours.  The Associate of Science Degree requires
students to complete an additional 3 hours of college level mathematics, 3 hours of
computer literacy by passing BCIS 1305 or a departmental exam, and 12 hours of
electives in order to fulfill the requirement of 62 hours.               

To receive an Associate of Arts Degree, the following course work must be completed:

6 hours of Freshman English

6 hours of sophomore level English literature
3 hours of Speech
3 hours of College Level Mathematics
8 hours of Natural Lab Science
3 hours of Visual & Performing
6 hours of U.S. History (HIST1301/HIST1302)
6 hours of Government (GOVT2305/GOVT2306)
3 hours of Social Behavioral Science
2 hours of Wellness/Physical Education

3 hours of Computer Literacy

12 hours of Electives needed to complete NCTC degree



The above coursework will allow students to complete the General Education Core
Curriculum, which is a minimum of 42 hours.  The Associate of Arts Degree requires
students to complete an additional 3 hours of sophomore level English literature, 3
hours of computer literacy by passing BCIS 1305 or a departmental exam, and 12
hours of electives in order to fulfill the requirement of 62 hours. 

NOTE:  To earn BOTH the Associate of Arts Degree and the Associate of Science Degree,
the minimum requirements for each must be met as well as an additional 15 college-
level semester hours must be completed at North Central Texas College. 

Associate of Applied Science Degree:
To receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree from North Central Texas College, the
student must first complete a basic core of general education courses.  The general
education core requires students to complete at least 15 hours as specified for each
technical program in accordance with the criteria of the Southern Association of Colleges
& Schools.  In addition, it is required that at least 18 hours of the total hours be
completed in residence at NCTC.    Additional requirements include those technical,
related and general academic courses as specified for each technical program. 

Graduation Honors
Graduation Honors will be awarded for students with the following cumulative grade
point averages earned by the end of the Fall semester prior to the May Commencement
ceremony and by the end of the summer session prior to the December Commencement
ceremony. 

A minimum of 29 hours, which must be earned at North Central Texas College by the end of the Fall semester prior to the May Commencement and by the end of the summer
session prior to the December Commencement, will be required in order to be
considered for graduation honors.  North Central Texas College recognizes the following
graduation honors:

              Summa cum laude………………………………..4.0 GPA

              Magna cum laude………………………….3.90-3.99 GPA

The candidates for graduation receiving these honors will be recognized as they cross
the stage by receiving an honor medal and announced as either being summa cum
laude or magna cum laude.  This recognition will also be denoted in the program that is
handed out before each ceremony. 

 

Financial Obligations

It is important that any monies owed to NCTC be paid in a timely manner.  Although
unpaid balances will not prohibit a student from participating in Commencement, official
transcripts will NOT be released to students or any other parties until all accounts are
cleared.  Library books should be returned before Commencement.

 

Academic Regalia and Commencement Announcements

IMPORTANT: Academic regalia is required for all students who participate in the
Commencement ceremony.  You may NOT march without academic regalia. 

Purchase your academic regalia from the North Central Texas College Bookstore early to
ensure the proper size.  Regalia will be available in late October for Fall
Commencement and in late March for Spring Commencement.  If you wish to donate
your academic regalia for the use of future graduates who cannot afford academic
regalia, you may return it to the Admissions Office on any campus.

The following is available in each campus bookstore:

Graduation Package for Associate/Certificate Academic Regalia
          Cap, Gown, Tassel & 1 invitation                $27.50   
          Tax                                                                 2.27     
          TOTAL                                                         $29.77

All official commencement regalia should be purchased at the North Central Texas
College Bookstore, (940) 668-4246 in Gainesville, (940) 498-6279 in Corinth and (940)
872-4002 in Bowie.  Tassels are always worn on the right side.

NOTE: Individual invitations will be available in the North Central Texas College
Bookstore for individual purchase.

***Please contact the NCTC Bookstore on any campus for individual pricing.

 

Phi Theta Kappa Graduation Regalia
ATTENTION MEMBERS

Graduation Regalia can be ordered at www.ptk.org or through any Phi Theta Kappa advisor.  The PTK advisors include Franz Klutschkowski on the Corinth campus, Karla Lynch on the Gainesville campus, and Jeanette Shaw on the Bowie campus. 

All members in good standing have the option to wear any of the following items. 

Honor Stole                             $16.00
Gold Tassel                              $ 8.00
Double Honor Cord                 $12.00  
Key Medallion                          $20.00

Please see fliers that will inform of the deadline each semester to place an order on any campus.  Any PTK advisors will be able to provide students with this information. 


Other Academic Organizations
In order to distinguish students who are members of academic organizations at North Central Texas College, each candidate who is a member has the option to wear honor cords at graduation.  If you are a member of the Student Government Association, please be sure to contact your organization’s advisor to receive your honor cords for graduation.

 

Guest Accommodations

Click here for guest accommodations in Gainesville.

 

Name Pronunciation

When you line-up before the Commencement ceremony, you will be given a name card.  Please make sure that your name reads the way you want it to be announced.  Hand this card to the Registrar before you reach the stage.  At that time, you will be asked to pronounce your name to the Registrar so that it will be announced correctly. 

 

Commencement Seating

Please inform your guests to arrive early for the ceremony in order to select seating.  For December there is only one ceremony, and it will begin promptly at 6:00pm. For May there are two ceremonies and each will begin promptly at the designated time (6:00pm Thursday and 6:00pm Friday) and no guests will be allowed to leave or enter until the procession is complete.  NO EXCEPTIONS! 

 

Disability-Related Needs of Certificate/Degree Candidates and Guests

Certificate/Degree candidates and guests who have disability-related needs requiring assistance for Commencement, should contact Shawna Ayers, Graduation Coordinator, at 940-668-7731 ext. 4403 or sayers@nctc.edu to make arrangements.  It is the responsibility of the certificate/degree candidate to contact Shawna Ayers regarding accommodations for their families and guests. 

DEADLINE:  Disability services and accommodations cannot be arranged after Monday of the week of Commencement. 

 

Photographing Commencement

Professional photographs of individual graduating students
A professional photographer selected by North Central Texas College takes color photographs of each certificate or degree candidate as he/she crosses the stage receiving the diploma. A proof of the photograph will be sent to the candidate for the option of purchase from the photographer. Information about ordering these photos will be in the graduation packet mailed to all candidates for graduation in October for December Commencement and April for May Commencement. 

 

Advice for Your Guests

The Commencement ceremony will be held in the Lion's Field House (Gymnasium) on the Gainesville campus.  Advise guests to arrive early to select seating. 

Smoking, eating or drinking is NOT allowed in the Lion's Field House. 

 

Residence Hall Checkout & Photograph

Certificate/Degree candidates who are residing in the Residence Halls should receive a checkout form with all guidelines and cleaning list from their RA.  Certificate/Degree candidates living on campus must schedule a checkout appointment with the Resident Assistant and vacate the room by the designated time. 

The residence halls close on Friday, December 11, at noon, but arrangements can be
made for a Saturday checkout. Please contact the Residence Hall Office at 940-668-4259 for more information.   

After the Commencement ceremony on Friday, December 11, all Residence Hall graduates are encouraged to get together on the stage for a group photo.  Photos will be displayed in the residence hall. 

 

Schedule of Activities

Commencement Exercises for the Spring graduating class will be held on Friday, December 11, 2009. Commencement Exercises for the Spring graduating class will be held as follows:

 

Friday, December 11, 2009, 6:00pm

All Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts in Teaching, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Sciences, and all Certificates

 

Commencement ceremony will take place in the Lion's Field House (Gymnasium)
on the Gainesville Campus.

On Thursday and Friday, all Degree and Certificate candidates will meet in the Community Education & Cosmetology Building at 5:00 p.m. The room will be divided into sections according to major.  The candidates will need to locate their major and stand in that area.  The candidates will be given a card with their name and degree printed on it.

Prior to the ceremony, one line will be formed alphabetically according to major.  Marshals will assist in leading candidates into the Field House in single file to be seated.  Candidates will be asked to please continue to the last chair in the row and remain standing until all graduates are in the Field House.

After the ceremony has begun, the candidates will be asked by the marshals to stand by rows and proceed to the stage.  Just before each candidate crosses the stage he/she will give the card to the announcer, walk across the stage, accept his/her diploma cover with the left hand, and shake with the right hand.  Please pause for a moment and wait for a photograph.  Then, all candidates will proceed back to their seats and be seated.

Upon completion of the ceremony, all candidates will be lead out of the Field House assisted by the marshals.

 

Checklist for December Commencement 2009

OCTOBER 2009

October 2009- Deadline to apply for December 2009 Commencement

Mid November- Graduation Packets mailed to students who have applied for December 2009 Commencement

 

NOVEMBER 2009

Early April - Academic Regalia and announcements available for purchase at NCTC Bookstore on all campuses

Purchase Academic Regalia from NCTC Bookstore on any campus.  Purchase early to avoid delays!!

April 24 - Last day to withdraw from a course

 

DECEMBER 2009

December 1- Deadline to return white response card to Registrar's Office

If you haven't already done so, purchase Academic Regalia from NCTC Bookstore on any campus.  Purchase early to avoid delays!!

December 1 - Deadline for making arrangements for disabled guests for Commencement.  Contact Shawna Ayers at 940-668-7731 ext. 4403 or sayers@nctc.edu

All Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts in Teaching, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Sciences, and all Certificates

STUDENT RIGHT-TO-KNOW AND CAMPUS SECURITY ACTS, PUBLIC LAW 102-542

This Act requires an institution to collect certain statistics concerning the occurrence on campus of the following criminal offenses that have been reported to the Vice-President of Student Services.

North Central Texas College’s annual campus security reports are posted on the NCTC website and are available for the general public to review. It can be accessed at http://ope.ed.gov/security/Search.asp

Registered Sex Offenders Notification

In accordance with the Campus Sex Crime Prevention Act (Section 1601 of Public Law 106-386), which is a Federal Law enacted on October 28, 2000, that provides for the tracking of convicted registerted sex offenders enrolled as students at institutions of higher education or working on college campuses, the North Central Texas College in providing the following website available to the college community to search by name and location: https://records.txdps.state.tx.us/dps_web/Portal/index.aspx.

Institutions are also required to publish graduation rates for all students and varsity athletes.

For students who began college, Fall 2006:

All degree seeking students................................2.2%

Intercollegiate athletes........................................17%

Additional information regarding annual completion rates that are broken down by race and sex may be obtained by individual request from the Office of the Registrar.