Graduation & Commencement FAQs
Graduation is the official completion of all academic, clinical, examination, and document requirements for your program. Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates your achievement.
This page provides important information about eligibility, application deadlines, required documents, and ceremony participation. Please review all requirements carefully to ensure a smooth and timely graduation process.
For additional assistance, please contact the Academic Advisor.
Graduation & Commencement FAQs:
What is the difference between Graduation and Commencement?
- Graduation refers to the official fulfillment of all academic and clinical requirements for the Acupuncture (ACU), Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine (ACHM) or the Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine Completion Track (CHM) and the conferral of your diploma by New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Completion refers to the fulfillment of all academic and clinical requirements for the Certificate in Chinese Herbal Medicine (HERB).
- Commencement is the formal ceremony that celebrates graduates and their achievements.
When you complete all program requirements for graduation or for the completion of HERB, you will be invited to attend the commencement ceremony.
Do I have to apply to graduate?
Yes. All students must submit a Graduation Application to be considered for graduation or official completion.
Submitting the application allows the Academic Advising Office and Records Office to:
- Review your academic and clinical completion status
- Verify the required document
- Route approvals for diploma conferral
Graduation is not automatic — failure to submit the application may delay your graduation and diploma issuance.
How do I apply for graduation?
Students must:
- Complete and sign the Graduation Application Form (list the # of the form on website)
- Ensure all academic, clinic, and financial requirements are completed
The associated departments will review your application and route it for approval.
When will I receive my diploma?
Once all graduation requirements are verified and approved:
Diplomas are typically issued within up to three (3) months after graduation confirmation.
The Records Manager will contact you when your diploma is ready.
Do I have to attend the commencement ceremony to graduate?
You are highly encouraged as a celebration of your achievement.
Who is eligible to participate in commencement?
Students who have completed all degree requirements.
What should I wear to commencement?
Graduates are required to wear:
- The college will provide the official commencement cap and gown (details on ordering will be provided before the ceremony)
Can family and friends attend the ceremony?
Yes!
- Guests are welcome to attend commencement (can invite up to ten people).
- Details regarding guest seating, parking, and venue logistics will be announced in advance.
What happens if I’m missing a requirement close to graduation?
If any academic, clinic, exam, or document requirement is incomplete: (Should be specified. Failed to pass exam cannot graduate and of course not attend the commencement ceremony. But certain documents not submitted will cause delayed graduation)
- Your graduation may be delayed
- You may not be invited to participate in commencement (This can be discussed. Theoretically is not but no absolute depending on what kind of documents missing. If failed the exams, definitely not be invited to attend commencement ceremony)
Please contact the Academic Advisor as early as possible to review your graduation status.
How will I know if my graduation application is approved?
You will receive a Final confirmation from Adobe Sign once all approvals are secured.
Who should I contact with questions about graduation or commencement?
For academic status, requirements, or graduation application questions: Academic Advisor
For diploma issuance and official records: Records Manager
For Commencement: Student Service Coordinator