Graduation

KC offers four associate degrees: the Associate of Arts, the Associate of Arts in Teaching, the Associate of Science, and the Associate of Applied Science. In addition KC offers a Certificate of Completion for completion of prescribed occupational programs. Additional information about degrees or certificates of completion is available from the Counseling Center on the Kilgore main campus (903) 983-8206 or the counselor at KC - Longview (903) 753-2642 and (903) 983-8281.

Catalog Designation

Students have the option of meeting graduation requirements of the current KC catalog or those requirements outlined in the KC catalog under which they entered the college (if continuously enrolled). A lapse of two long semesters dictates usage of the current catalog.

Planning

To ensure that the student is meeting all requirements for graduation, the student should consult a counselor early in the student’s college career. Final responsibility for meeting all requirements for graduation rests with the student.

Requirements

For Associate of Arts, the Associate of Arts in Teaching, and the Associate of Science degrees, requirements for graduation consist of (l) General Requirements for Graduation, (2) Core Curriculum Requirement and elective requirements for Graduation. The Associate of Applied Science degree and Certificates of Completion are awarded in Workforce Education programs and the graduation requirements are listed under the individual course of study for those programs.

Computer Competency Requirement

Computer competency is defined as the demonstrated ability to use information technology. It includes the ability to use computer applications in education and in the workplace as well as the ability to use the Internet and other information technology resources safely.

Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, and Associate of Arts in Teaching students at Kilgore College must demonstrate computer competency in one of two ways:

1. Pass BCIS 1305 .
2. Achieve a score of 70 or higher on the KC Computer Competency Test. The test consists of both computer concepts and application usage.

The computer competency requirement should be completed no later than the completion of 30 semester credit hours.

More information about preparing for and taking the Computer Competency Test is available on the Kilgore College website:  https://www.kilgore.edu/future-students/student-services/testing-services/testing-center-in-kilgore/kc-computer-competency-test

Transfer of Credit to KC for Graduation

Students who did not complete graduation requirements while enrolled at Kilgore College may elect to take their remaining courses at another college for transfer back to KC in order to receive a degree. A minimum of 25% of the degree requirements must be completed at Kilgore College. Students who were not enrolled at KC during the preceding academic year must meet current graduation requirements (even if different from the graduation requirements that were in place during the student’s attendance at
KC). Students should contact the Counseling Center prior to registering for courses at another college to determine which courses remain for completion of degree requirements. Students should also contact the KC Office of Admissions and Registrar to make sure that the courses will be accepted in transfer. An official transcript must be sent directly from the other college to the KC Registrar’s Office once the transfer work is completed. It is recommended that students apply for graduation during the semester in which they are completing the required courses. (See deadlines in “Application for Graduation” section).

General Requirements for Graduation

The following are the general requirements for graduation:

1. Earn a minimum of 60 semester hours for an associate of arts or associate of science degree, 60 semester hours for the associate of arts in teaching degree or earn the required number of semester hours for an associate of applied science or a certificate of completion unless otherwise noted in the degree plan total hours.
2. Complete all course requirements for the degree or certificate sought
3. Complete Computer Competency Requirement. (AA, AAT, and AS students)
4. Earn an overall or cumulative GPA (grade point average) of 2.0 in all courses attempted
5. Return all properties of the college and satisfactorily settle all financial obligations to the college
6. Complete at least 25% of semester hours from the degree sought at Kilgore College
7. Satisfy all requirements of the Texas Success Initiative unless exemption or waiver status applies.
8. Submit graduation application by deadline in college catalog.

Application for Graduation

Degrees and certificates are not awarded automatically. To be considered a candidate for a degree or certificate, the student must submit an application for graduation through on the KC website.

Applications are available during the dates listed below and must be submitted on or before the following dates:

Degrees and certificates will be officially conferred when the Office of Admissions and Registrar certifies that all graduation requirements have been met. In order for transfer courses to be used toward graduation, an official transcript must be on file in the Office of Admissions and Registrar. A student does not have to be enrolled in KC courses during the semester that he or she makes application. If graduation requirements were completed during a prior semester, the degree or certificate will be posted to the transcript at the end of the semester in which the application for graduation is submitted (if received by above deadline).

Commencement Ceremonies

Commencement Ceremonies. KC has formal graduation exercises in December, May and August. It is generally expected that graduates will participate in the ceremony at the end of the semester in which degree requirements are completed (Summer I graduates participate in the August ceremony). Participation in the ceremony prior to completing degree requirements must be recommended by the dean of the division and approved by the registrar. Participation is ceremonial only and does not confer on a student any rights to a degree or certificate. The transcript is the official document that verifies graduation status. Transcripts may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Registrar. All diplomas are mailed no later than 4-6 weeks after the end of the semester. For additional information, contact the Office of Admissions and Registrar at (903) 983-8606.