DCB catalog 2022-24

General Information 35 Graduation Requirements Graduation ceremonies are held at the end of the spring semester of each academic year. Students who will not complete their course work until after the summer following graduation may participate in the previous spring’s graduation exercises. However, their diplomas or degrees will not be awarded until all requirements have been completed. The requirements for graduation are as follows: 1. Earn at least 60 credits for either the Associate of Science degree, the Associate of Arts degree, or the Associate of Applied Science degree and fulfill the general education requirements for the respective degree. 2. For the AS degree, satisfy the additional math, science, and technology credit requirements. Only one AS degree will be awarded. 3. For the AA degree, satisfy the additional social science credit requirements. Only one AA degree will be awarded. 4. Earn the specified number of credits listed in the catalog curriculum outlines for the certificate or certificate of completion. 5. Earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00. Candidates for a certificate of completion must earn a 2.00 GPA in the prescribed career/technical curriculum. 6. Satisfy all entrance requirements. 7. Satisfy the course requirements suggested in the curriculum outlines of the institution’s catalog. Curricular requirements may be modified for reasons satisfactory to the respective advisor. 8. Make a formal written application for the degree, certificate, or certificate of completion. 9. Have removed, prior to the date of graduation, all financial and academic obligations. 10. Satisfy the academic residence requirement. To complete a degree, students may supplement resident credits with transfer credits after their last term of enrollment at Dakota College. The student’s advisor will determine which credits in transfer are appropriate to complete the major program. Students seeking a degree from Dakota College, who have already earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, will be considered complete with respect to their general education requirements. However, specific general education classes which are also considered program requirements with respect to specific majors for licensure or certification program requirements will need to be completed before the degree will be granted. Academic Residence and Time-Limit Requirements It is the policy of Dakota college that for students to be eligible for an Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, Associate of Applied Science, or Certificate Degree, a student must earn a minimum of 15-degree credits from Dakota College. To be eligible for a Certificate of Completion, students must earn half of the program credits from Dakota College. Students enrolled continuously in at least a one-half time basis (six semester credits or more) can follow the graduation requirements in effect at the time of their initial enrollment, or the graduation requirements in effect during the year in which they plan to graduate. Students whose enrollment is less than one-half time (less than six credits) for two semesters in a row or more, who are not enrolled for two semesters in a row or more, or any combination of the two will follow the graduation requirements in effect during the academic year they apply for graduation. In this instance, students may petition Student Services if they wish to use a different catalog to satisfy graduation requirements. Students wishing to use a different catalog to satisfy graduation requirements must have completed at least one term of enrollment while that catalog was in effect. The final decision which graduation requirements will apply will be at the discretion of the Registrar’s Office. Graduation Honors Candidates for any degree whose cumulative grade point average is 3.80 or above will graduate with High Honors. Students whose cumulative GPA is 3.50 to 3.79 will graduate with Honors. To be eligible for graduation honors, students must have earned at least 15 credits from the College. Responsibility for Satisfying Requirements All students must assume complete responsibility for compliance with the instructions and regulations set forth in this catalog, for selecting the courses which will permit them to achieve their educational objectives, and for satisfying prerequisites for any course which they plan to take. However, advisors are available to assist students in planning their programs. Dakota College assumes no responsibility for misinterpretation by students of policies and procedures as presented in this catalog. Any question or doubt concerning catalog material should be referred to the Student Services Office.