Graduation is a multi-step process consisting of submitting a graduation application,
completing all academic requirements for the degree or certificate, and settling all
outstanding financial obligations (tuition balances, parking tickets, library fines,
etc.) prior to receiving your diploma.
If you are a Federal Stafford Student Loan recipient and you are graduating, you must
complete the required exit loan counseling. Follow the instructions for exit loan counseling. If you have questions regarding
your loan history, contact Financial Aid at 301.846.2620.
Graduation Application Process
Step 1: In your PeopleSoft account, verify your academic program requirements for your major viewing your FCC transcript
and academic advisement report in the Academics Records tile. Contact your assigned
academic advisor, faculty mentor, or program manager for assistance.
Step 2: If you have additional credits from another college or university, send official
transcripts to FCC and/or request official exam scores to be sent to FCC (CLEP, AP,
DSST, PRAXIS, etc.).
Step 3: Submit the Graduation Application by the published deadline.
Associate and Certificate Degrees
Students who anticipate completing the requirements for an associate degree or certificate
are required to apply for graduation through their PeopleSoft Student Center or via
the Graduation Application Form.
- A student can only submit a graduation application through their PeopleSoft account for their current major. If a student is submitting an application for multiple
credentials and/or a credential that is not their current major, they will need to
submit the Graduation Application Form.
- Login to your PeopleSoft account.
- Select the Student Center tile.
- Under Academics select the drop down menu “other academic.”
- Select Apply for Graduation.
- Follow form information fields and submit.
- It is recommended that a student submit the Graduation Application when they register
for their last required course(s).
- After a student submits the Graduation Application, it will be reviewed and the student
will receive an email regarding their graduation status. All emails will be sent to
the student’s myFCC student email account.
- After final grades are posted and the end of a term processing is finalized, final
graduation reviews will begin. If a student meets graduation requirements, their credential(s)
will be posted to their student record and FCC transcript by posted dates and deadlines.
No additional communication is sent. However, if a student does not meet graduation
requirements by the deadline to award a credential, an updated graduation status email
is sent to their myFCC student email account.
- Please see the published Dates and Deadlines for Graduation.
- Students may check their PeopleSoft account, Academic Records tile, and view their unofficial transcript to see if a
credential(s) has been posted. Please view your unofficial transcript to make sure
your credential has posted before ordering an official transcript request.
The graduating Class of 2026 consists of 2025 August, 2025 December, and 2026 May
graduates. The Class of 2026 graduates will participate in the 2026 May Commencement
Ceremony. The May 2026 Commencement Ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026.
The final step to be awarded an Associate and/or Certificate credential is to submit
a graduation application. Students may submit a Graduation Application online by
logging into your student PeopleSoft account and following these steps:
PeopleSoft account ~ Student Center tile ~ under the drop down menu Academics, other
academic, select Apply for Graduation. Enter all fields/information requested and
make sure to hit submit. Or complete and submit the online Graduation Application
e-Form, click here.
**Students must submit an Application for Graduation through their Student PeopleSoft Account or by completing the graduation application online form by the last date to apply.
If a student is applying for a credential that is not their current major or multiple
credentials, the online graduation application form must be completed. **
**Students must submit an Application for Graduation through their Student PeopleSoft
Account or by graduation application form to be awarded a credential**
Don’t I just graduate automatically when I have finished my requirements?
No. To graduate from Frederick Community College, you need to submit a graduation
application via your PeopleSoft account in the Student Center tile or Graduation Application Form. All students need to submit a graduation application to be awarded a credential.
What are the qualifications for graduation?
To qualify as a candidate for an associate degree or certificate, students must:
- Successfully complete a prescribed curriculum as approved by the College and published
in the Catalog.
- Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 for all work at the College.
- Successfully complete a minimum of 60 college level credits to award an associate degree. Note: Some majors have additional GPA or final course grade requirements. AAT students
must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and meet the MSDE requirements (official
documents to waive the MSDE requirement must be on file in Registration and Records).
- Complete a minimum of 15 academic credits at FCC for an associate degree or 25% of
required credits at FCC for certificate.
When should I apply to graduate?
Students should apply for graduation when they are in their last semester of classes.
Please refer to the Graduation Dates and Deadlines. All students need to submit a
graduation application to be awarded a credential. There are three graduation conferral
dates for August, December, and May for an academic calendar year.
Do I have to pay a fee to graduate?
There is no fee to apply to graduate (no application fee) or to attend the annual
Commencement ceremony. Your regalia (cap and gown) is paid for by FCC.
How does graduation impact my student loans?
Student loan borrowers who are applying for graduation must complete loan exit counseling,
even if they intend to transfer to another institution. Depending on your situation,
you may or may not have a grace period before your loan repayment starts. You can
familiarize yourself with repayment options, when you need to make payments, and how
to make payments at Federal Student Aid Student Loan Repayment.
Questions: contact [email protected]
Do I have to attend the ceremony in order to receive my diploma?
No. The graduation process and awarding of a credential is separate from the ceremony.
FCC encourages you to attend the annual Commencement Ceremony to celebrate and recognize
your academic accomplishments, but you do not have to attend in order to award your
credential and receive a diploma. All diplomas are mailed to students at the mailing
address on file. Please submit a Change of Address Form to update your mailing address.
What requirements do I need to graduate with Honors?
There are three levels of honors awarded at the completion of degrees or certificates.
- High Honors (associate) = a cumulative grade point average of 3.750 to 4.00
- Honors (associate) = a cumulative grade point average of 3.500 to 3.7490
- Distinction (certificate) = a cumulative grade point average of 3.750 to 4.00
Do Honors College graduates receive a special designation?
Students who have successfully completed designated honors courses and who qualify
at graduation earn an Honors College transcript notation and may wear the designated
Honors College medallion at the Commencement Ceremony to reflect their academic achievement.
Students qualify for the Honors College, High Honors designation on the FCC transcript
and a gold medallion with 12 honors credits (3 honors credits must be at the 200 level)
and a GPA of 3.750 or higher. Students earn an Honors College, Honors designation
on the FCC transcript and a silver medallion with 12 honors credits (3 honors credits
must be at the 200 level) and a GPA of 3.500-3.7490. Students merit the Honors College
designation on the FCC transcript and a bronze medallion with 12 honors credits (3
honors credits must be at the 200 level) and a GPA of 3.250-3.490. For eligibility
and information, please contact the Honors College Coordinator at [email protected].
What if I am a member of PTK?
For information on PTK eligibility and regalia, please contact Student Leadership
& Engagement at [email protected].
What happens if I do not successfully complete all the credits I need for my degree
after I apply to graduate?
You will be notified via your myFCC student email account that you did not satisfy
your requirements and you may apply again as soon as you register for your remaining
classes or meet outstanding requirements.
Additional questions, contact [email protected].
When and where is the commencement ceremony?
Thursday, May 21, 2026
4:30 p.m.
Mount St. Mary’s University
The Knott Arena at the PNC Sports Complex (campus map)
16251 Jim Phelan Way
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
Directions
Is there a rehearsal?
No. There is no rehearsal prior to commencement.
Will an ASL interpreter and/or captioning be provided?
There will be two English-to-ASL interpreters present on the graduation stage. There
will be a small reserved-seating area near the interpreters for Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing
guests. If any other interpreting accommodations are required, please email [email protected] as soon as possible with your request.
Will accessible seating be available for people with disabilities?
Seating for guests with limited mobility is available at the back of the gym along
the designated areas. Graduates should request tickets for the limited mobility section.
The most accessible entrance for limited mobility is in the front of the PNC Sports
Complex on the lower level. View and download the campus map.
Is there food?
There are vending machines in the Knott ARCC
In addition, the FCC Bookstore will offer flowers, concessions, and alumni gifts from
3:00-4:00 p.m. on the upper level of the complex.
Will guests be allowed to attend?
Each graduate may request up to eight guest tickets.
Are tickets required?
Yes. All guests, including babies and children, need a ticket.
How early should guests arrive to get seats?
Doors open to guests at 3:00 p.m.
How long is the ceremony?
The commencement ceremony is typically 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Are there restrictions on what can be brought to the ceremony?
Bags of any kind will not be permitted inside the arena. Medical and parenting bags
will be permitted and subject to security screening.
Once my graduate is recognized may we leave?
Out of respect for the other graduates, all graduates and their guests are expected
to stay until the end of the ceremony.
How will I receive my diploma?
You do not have to participate in the ceremony to receive your diploma or certificate.
Printed diplomas are mailed to your address listed in your PeopleSoft student record
as follows:
- August 2025: Mailed in October 2025
- December 2025: Mailed in February 2026
- May 2026: Mailed in July 2026
Prior to the Ceremony
- Wear dress or business-casual attire under your gown. Please wear shoes that are comfortable
for walking and standing.
- To remove wrinkles from your gown, hang and/or steam it before the ceremony. Do not
iron your gown.
- Tassels initially go on the right side of your cap.
- Graduates may wear stoles and cords over their regalia.
- Graduates may decorate their caps (with non-offensive content).
- Gold Tassels will be distributed with your cap and gown for High Honors, Honors, and
Distinction.. Contact [email protected] with any questions regarding your honors status.
- High Honors (associate) = a cumulative grade point average of 3.750 to 4.00
- Honors (associate) = a cumulative grade point average of 3.500 to 3.7490
- Distinction (certificate) = a cumulative grade point average of 3.750 to 4.00
- Questions regarding specific awards, cords, and stoles should be directed to the related
area:
Arriving at the Ceremony
View and download the Mount St. Marys campus map.
- Doors of the PNC Sports Complex Knott ARCC open to graduates and guests at 3:00 p.m.
- Graduates and guests may park in any open lot.
- Accessible parking spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis around
Knott Arena.
- Only service animals are permitted at commencement venues. Emotional support animals
and other pets are not allowed.
- Graduates need to check-in at the PNC Sports Complex Knott ARCC- East Field House
Entrance of the Dillon Field House, collect their name card, and be in line by 3:30
p.m.
- For the safety and comfort of all attendees, no bags are permitted inside the venue.
- Please do not bring valuables (e.g., money, cell phones) into the arena; they may
not be carried during the ceremony and storage is not available.
- Guests may check in at the Upper West Entrance or the Lower East Entrance of the PNC
Sports Complex Knott ARCC.
- The most accessible entrance for graduates and guests with limited mobility is the
Lower East Entrance of the PNC Sports Complex Knott ARCC.
Line-up and Stage Crossing
- At check-in, you will be given a name card. Carry your name card with you. You will
hand it to a designated staff member as you approach the stage. Your name will be
read from the name card.
- If you wish to discuss the pronunciation of your name with the speaker, please ask
a volunteer to direct you after you check in and receive your name card.\
- Graduates are grouped by academic departments (Liberal Arts, HBTS, CATI & HCTI, MACEM
& PS).
- If graduating with more than one credential, you will be assigned to the major you
selected on the participation form.
- You will be led by FCC Faculty Marshal from the Dillon Field House to the Knott Arena.
Please pay careful attention to the Marshals throughout the entire ceremony and look
for cues to stand and process to the stage.
- Deaf and Hard-of Hearing students will need to submit a commencement accommodations
request for an English-to-ASL interpreters. There will be a small reserved-seating
area near the interpreters for Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing guests.
- Graduates and guests need to remain for the entire ceremony.
Instructions for Approaching the Stage
- Follow the Marshal’s instruction to stand and process to the stage.
- Hand the name card to the reader.
- Wait for your name to be spoken.
- Walk across the stage to be greeted by the President.
- Receive your diploma cover from the President while having your picture taken.
- Return to your seat.
Distribution of Diplomas
You will receive a diploma cover during the ceremony. Diplomas are mailed to the address
provided in your PeopleSoft student record after final confirmation of your degree.
Diplomas will be mailed in July for May 2026 graduates, and diplomas have already
been mailed to August 2025 and December 2025 graduates.
Photographs
- As you receive your diploma cover from the President, your picture will be taken by
a professional photographer.
- Graduates will receive an email at their FCC student account after the ceremony with
instructions on how to order.
Conclusion and Recession
- At the conclusion of the ceremony, students will rise and after degrees and certificates
have been conferred, students will be instructed by the President to move the tassel
from the right side to the left side of the mortarboard (cap).
- Remain standing through the recessional. The stage party and faculty lead the processional
– graduates are led out last.
- After departing the gym, you will be directed to the grassy area outside where you
checked in. Plan to meet your guests at the top-level entrance, Ceremonial Drive,
on the campus map.
Guests and Tickets
- Each graduate may request up to eight tickets. If you need more than eight tickets,
we recommend that you check with other graduates who may be willing to share extra
tickets.
- By code of the Fire Marshal, every guest (including children and infants) needs to
have a ticket to attend the ceremony.
- Guest seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Allow adequate time to arrive on campus and park. Parking attendants will be available
to direct you.
- Guests may park in any open lot.
- Doors of the PNC Sports Complex Knott ARCC open to graduates and guests at 3:00 p.m.
- All guests will be subject to a security inspection prior to admission. Bags may not
exceed 8.5” x 11.” Guests should consider leaving bags or other unnecessary personal
belongings at home. Please arrive early to allow adequate time for check-in.
- Guests may check in at the Upper West Entrance or the Lower East Entrance of the PNC
Sports Complex Knott ARCC.
- The most accessible entrance for graduates and guests with limited mobility is the
Lower East Entrance of the PNC Sports Complex Knott ARCC.
Gifts, Flowers, Food, and Drink
- Commencement flowers, grad bears, and commemorative class T-shirts will be available
for purchase outside the PNC Sports Complex Knot ARCC before and after the ceremony
at both entrances.
- The FCC Bookstore will be selling water, snacks, and alumni gifts inside on the upper
level of the PNC Sports Complex Knott ARCC prior to the ceremony.
- There are vending machines in the PNC Sports Complex Knott ARCC.
Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities
- The most accessible entrance for graduates and guests with limited mobility is the
front of the PNC Sports Complex Knott ARCC (Lower East Entrance).
- Seating for guests with limited mobility is available at the back of the gym. See
an attendant for assistance.
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing students will need to submit a request for English to ASL
interpreting on their graduation application. There will be a small reserved-seating
area near the interpreters for Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing guests.
All full-time faculty and adjunct faculty who taught in fall 2025 and/or spring 2026
are invited to attend.
All full-time faculty are required to participate in the commencement ceremony.
To be excused from the ceremony, you must request permission from Dr. Anne Davis.
Regalia
All full-time faculty and adjunct faculty who taught in fall 2025 and/or spring 2026
should have received an email with a link to order regalia. The deadline to order
regalia is April 8.
You will receive an email from the Bookstore when regalia is available. Pick up regalia
packages in the Bookstore beginning Monday, May 11, 2026.
If you own your academic regalia and will be participating, notify Esther Slack-Metellus
by email at [email protected].
Please email Bookstore at [email protected] if you have any questions about placing your online order.
You should return your rented regalia to the FCC Bookstore no later than Friday May
29, 2026.
Arriving at the Ceremony
Arrive on campus no later than 3:30pm and ready to line up at 4:00pm. Lot D is reserved for FCC employee parking. Attendants will be directing traffic to the
designated area (campus map). Make sure to display your FCC employee parking decal.
Faculty may robe and store personal items in the Group Exercise Studio. Limited-mobility
access is on the lower-level entrance of the Knott ARCC (Lower East Entrance) (campus map).
Line-Up
Full-time faculty and adjunct faculty should line up in any order in the Dillon Field
House by 4:00 p.m.
Graduates and faculty will assemble in the Dillon Field House before the procession.
Faculty will be seated behind the graduates on the floor.
Faculty and students will be led through the initial assembly area of the Dillion
Field House and out the East Field House Entrance at the end of the ceremony.
*Note: Faculty will recess at the end of the ceremony to an area outside the building.
You may return to pick up personal items from the Group Exercise Studio after everyone
has exited the building.
Food and Drink
There are vending machines in the Knott ARCC.
Enter the Dillion Field House by using the East Field House Entrance.
May 2026 Graduation
Last day to apply: 4/01/2026
Posting date (showing on transcript): No later than 6/30/2026
Confer Date/Commencement: 5/21/2026
Diplomas mailed directly to students: July 2026
Digital Diplomas for Associate and Certificate Degrees
All graduates receiving an associate and/or certificate diploma will receive a printed
diploma and will be able to retrieve a free certified electronic credential known
as CeDiploma or CeCertificate. Watch this overview video to learn more.
Students whose associate and/or certificate credential that was posted on or after August 30, 2022, will receive an email with a link to retrieve their free digital credential when
it is available from our trusted partner, CeCredentialTrust. Availability will be
when the credential has been printed and mailed following the published Graduation
Dates and Deadlines. After the diploma has been printed, graduates will receive an email and information on
how to download their digital credential from [email protected] with a subject line that will read: Subject: Diploma Information: Download your FCC Digital Diploma Now.
Please continue to monitor your email account. To request a new download link, please
use the CeCredential Trust site to resend the link.
Students whose associate and/or certificate credentials were posted before August 1, 2022 can order a legacy digital diploma using the duplicate diploma re-order form. The cost to order a legacy digital diploma is $50. Select Legacy CeDiploma from
the drop down menu.
Access Your digital diploma or certificate.
Validate a FCC CeDiploma or CeCertificate.
Diploma Reprints
Registration & Records is pleased to announce a new, convenient diploma reprint request
service through a partnership with Paradigm’s CeCredential Trust. The new service
allows graduates to request a reprint of their FCC credential(s). Through a simple,
secured online system, graduates complete the online form and make payment. Graduates
pay a flat fee of $25.00 for the reprint with shipping included for domestic mailings.
International and expedited domestic shipping is available for an additional cost.
Students whose associate and/or certificate credentials that were posted before August 1, 2022 can order a legacy digital diploma CeDiploma or CeCertificate. The cost to order
a legacy digital diploma is $50. Select Legacy CeDiploma from the drop down menu.
Visit CeCredentialTrust Credential Request. to request a printed credential or a digital Legacy credential.
