Graduation

Degree - Associate of Arts

The A.A. degree is awarded to students choosing to satisfy the general education requirements outlined in the Degree Programs section of this catalog and plan to transfer into a four-year institution.

Degree - Associate of Science

The A.S. degree is awarded when students satisfy the general education requirements outlined in the Degree Programs section of this catalog and plan to transfer into a four-year institution.

Degree - Associate of General Studies

The A.G.S. degree is awarded to students choosing to satisfy the degree requirements outlined in the Degree Programs section of this catalog.

Degree - Associate of Applied Science

The A.A.S. degree is awarded to students choosing a two-year occupational program designed for immediate employment.

Certificates

Several programs are offered that can be completed from one semester to two years. Students satisfactorily completing requirements in these programs receive certificates.

How to Apply for Graduation

During the semester immediately preceding program completion, an Application for Graduation must be filed with Student Services. Students are responsible for submitting this application by the end of the first week of spring semester. Students must complete a minimum of 15 semester hours at Otero. Prospective graduates must also pay the cap, gown, and diploma fee no later than March 1.

Commencement

Graduation occurs immediately after the end of classes for spring semester. There is no fall graduation ceremony. Students meeting graduation requirements during any other semester of the academic year may participate in the commencement exercises or graduate in absentia.

All spring semester degree students are required to attend commencement exercises following spring semester.

Persons unable to attend the Commencement exercises must obtain permission from the Vice President of Student Affairs.

Graduation With Honors

Students graduating with honors must have at least 30 credit hours at Otero. Only credits earned at Otero will be used for calculating academic honors. Students must be enrolled in an associate degree program to qualify for honors. Students with 4.00 grade point averages are graduated SUMMA CUM LAUDE. Students are graduated MAGNA CUM LAUDE if they have maintained a grade point average of 3.75 to 3.99 and CUM LAUDE with a grade point average of 3.50 to 3.74.

Note: Honors recognition at commencement are based on cumulative GPA through the fall semester.