Graduation FAQ
APPLYING FOR GRADUATION
How do I apply for graduation?
You can apply for graduation by clicking on the Apply for Graduation button in this section, or in the Student Profile portlet under “Student Essentials” on the Student/Library page of the MyHolmes portal. Once in “My Student Profile,” click “Graduation Application” on the left-hand side.
How do I check the status of my graduation application?
You can check the status of your graduation application by clicking on the Apply for Graduation button in this section, or in the Student Profile portlet under “Student Essentials” on the Student/Library page of the MyHolmes portal. Once in “My Student Profile,” click “Graduation Application” on the left-hand side. Next, click Check my Status under the appropriate application type.
How long does it take for the graduation application to be processed?
Please allow two weeks from the time you apply for AA Degrees and three to four weeks for AAS, AAS-ADN Degrees, Career Technical degrees, or certificates. You will receive an email through My Holmes when your application has been processed.
If I do not meet my graduation requirements for a semester that I applied for, will I need to reapply for graduation?
Yes, you will need to reapply for graduation.
How much is the graduation fee and when is it charged to my account?
The graduation fee for the diploma with cover is $35. The graduation fee for the diploma only is $15. The graduation fee to march in the May graduation ceremony is $60 which covers the cost of the diploma, cover, cap, and gown. The graduation fee (if applicable) will be billed to your account when the graduation application is processed and is non-refundable. You may pay the graduation fee by credit/debit card online through MyHolmes or pay the fee by cash, check, or credit/debit card at the Business Office of any campus.
EARNING MY DEGREE
How can I find out what courses I need to earn my degree?
You can run your degree evaluation to view the courses needed to meet your degree requirements. You can access your degree evaluation by clicking on the Run Degree Evaluation button in this section or in the Student Profile portlet under “Student Essentials” on the Student/Library page of the MyHolmes portal. Once in “My Student Profile,” click “Degree Evaluation” on the left-hand side.
How many hours do I need to complete the AA (Associate of Arts) degree?
You need a total of 62 academic hours, which consists of 35 core academic hours and 27 elective academic hours. You can find a list of the courses by clicking on Need Help/Resources on the Registration page of the Holmes Community College website.
How many hours do I need to complete the AAS (Associate of Applied Science) degree or a Career/Technical certificate?
The number of hours needed to complete an AAS or a Career/Technical certificate varies and is program-specific. All AAS degrees require at least 60 semester hours. Both the program page in the Holmes CC District Bulletin and the degree evaluation for a specific program show the required number of hours to complete the degree or certificate.
What are residency hours and how many residency hours do I need in order to graduate?
To fulfill the residency requirement, you must earn a total of 16 semester hours for the Associate of Arts (AA) degree or 25 percent of the degree requirements for the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or Technical Certificates, at Holmes CC.
What does my program GPA need to be in order to graduate?
You must have a 2.0 program GPA for the AA (Associate of Arts) degree, the AAS (Associate of Applied Science) degree, and career-technical certificate programs. Please note that your program GPA (which can be found on your degree evaluation) is only used for Holmes graduation, and your overall GPA will be used for transfer to a university.
Do repeated courses count toward the hours needed to graduate?
No, repeated courses do not count toward the hours needed to graduate, but you may repeat courses to help raise your GPA.
Do career-technical courses count toward the AA (Associate of Arts) degree?
No, career-technical courses do not count toward the AA (Associate of Arts) degree.
RECEIVING MY DIPLOMA
How will I receive my diploma?
Holmes CC has partnered with Parchment (a credential send/receive platform) to mail diplomas to graduates, typically within 6 weeks after graduation. Graduates will also receive their diplomas digitally via their MyHolmes email after all degrees are awarded. Graduates should continue to check their MyHolmes email and telephone number on file after graduation, as Parchment will email and text graduates to verify their mailing address and download their digital diploma.
NOTE: Diploma covers are available for PICK-UP ONLY on the Grenada, Goodman, or Ridgeland campuses. Students must select the cover option on their graduation application in order to receive a diploma cover.
Dates for diploma cover pick-up for non-marching graduates (if selected on the graduation application) are: After August 15th for Summer graduates (beginning Summer 2023), After January 15th for Fall graduates (beginning Fall 2023), and After June 15th for Spring graduates (beginning Spring 2024). Diploma covers, if selected, will NOT be mailed.
Where will my diploma be mailed?
Your diploma will be mailed to the address that is on file in the Admissions and Records Office. Graduates should continue to check their MyHolmes email and telephone number on file after graduation, as Parchment will email and text graduates to verify their mailing address. Diploma covers, if selected, will NOT be mailed. Please see the “How will I receive my diploma?” section for more information.
How would I have my diploma mailed to a different address?
You will have to change your address through the Admissions office on the campus you attend or via MyHolmes at least one month prior to graduation. To change your address via MyHolmes, click on the change address button in this section. Once you login to MyHolmes, click on the “Main Menu” icon in the upper left-hand corner, then “Student/Library.” Under “Student Essentials” click on “Navigate to My Student Profile.” Next, click on “My Personal Information” link on the left-hand side. Next, click the “Personal Information” icon and locate the “Address” section. Click the pencil button to edit then click “Update”.
How will my name appear on my diploma?
Your name will appear as it is in your student record. To change your name on your student record, you will need to provide a legible copy of your social security card to the Admissions and Records Office. In order for the name change to be reflected on your diploma, the name change must be updated a month prior to graduation.
THE GRADUATION CEREMONY
When and where is the graduation ceremony held?
The graduation ceremony is held only in May of each year on the Goodman Campus.
How and when will I receive information about the graduation ceremony?
The Admissions and Records Office will email information concerning the graduation ceremony to all graduation applicants by April 20th to the graduates’ MyHolmes email accounts.
When will we have graduation practice?
We do not have a graduation practice.
How many tickets will I receive for the graduation ceremony?
The number of tickets for each ceremony is determined by the number of graduates participating in the graduation ceremony.
Do children have to have tickets for the graduation ceremony?
Yes, everyone attending the ceremony requires a ticket.
REPLACEMENT OR ADDITIONAL DIPLOMAS
I was awarded an AAS degree and a certificate, but I only received my AAS diploma in the mail. Do I have to order the other certificate?
Yes. Students who receive multiple degrees/certificates in one term will only be mailed a diploma or certificate for the highest degree awarded. If you would like a copy of your additional diplomas or certificates, you will need to place a replacement diploma order through Parchment once degrees have been awarded by going to http://www.parchment.com/u/registration/34414/account.
Each additional or replacement diploma ordered will cost $15 and is due at the time the order is placed. Replacement diploma orders include the diploma only and may take up to 6 weeks to receive.
I received my degree several years ago but I have misplaced my diploma. Can I order a replacement diploma?
Yes. You will need to place a replacement diploma order through Parchment by going to http://www.parchment.com/u/registration/34414/account.
Each additional or replacement diploma ordered will cost $15 and is due at the time the order is placed. Replacement diploma orders include the diploma only and may take up to 6 weeks to receive.
GRADUATION QUESTIONS
Whom should I contact if I have questions concerning my graduation application?
For questions concerning graduation applications for the Academic AA degree, contact:
LILLY AUSTIN
laustin@holmescc.edu
(662) 472-9146
For questions concerning graduation applications for Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) AAS degree and Career Technical programs (AAS degree, Advanced Technical certificate, Technical certificate or Career certificate), contact:
REAGAN DILMORE
rdilmore@holmescc.edu
(662) 472-9402
Whom should I contact if I have questions about my diploma/certificate or about the graduation ceremony?
For questions concerning your diploma/certificate or about the graduation ceremony, contact:
BRENDA MELTON
bmelton@holmescc.edu
(662) 472-9020
Whom should I contact if I have questions about my cap and gown or about graduation fees?
For questions concerning your cap and gown or about graduation fees, contact:
KALA EVANS
kalaevans@holmescc.edu
(662) 472-9037
