Graduation Related FAQ's

What is involved in graduating from Bergen Community College?

• You must submit an Application for Degree for the semester in which you will be completing your program requirements. 
• You can pick up the application at the Office of Enrollment Services, or print it out from our website, www.bergen.edu, “REGISTRATION” page, “Registration Forms.”   
• You can bring the completed form to the Enrollment Services Window or fax it to 201-670-7973.

When can I apply for graduation?

There are 3 graduation dates per year, May, August, and December. 

Deadlines for submission are as follows:

• December graduation, the end of August
• May graduation, the end of November
• August graduation, the end of May 

Is there a ceremony that I have to attend for graduation?

• There is one Commencement ceremony every May, which includes students from the previous August and December, and the May candidates.   
• Letters regarding details about the ceremony, including purchasing cap and gown and picking up tickets, are mailed out in February.
• You do not have to attend the ceremony in order to graduate.

How do I get my diploma?

• Diplomas are mailed out approximately 2 weeks after the end of the semester in which you have completed your degree requirements.  
• Your diploma will be mailed to the address you provide on the Application for Degree (they can be mailed out of the country in the case of foreign students). 

Why does my diploma not show my major?

• Diplomas for Bergen Community College show only the degree earned, not the major program of study. 
• If you need proof of your major, you could order a transcript, which shows your degree, major, and date of completion. 
• Transcripts are free, and the order forms are also on the Registration page of our website.

What happens if I apply for graduation and I do not pass all my classes?

• The Office of Enrollment Services will notify you in writing about which requirements for graduation have not been met.   
• You have the option to complete the requirements during a future semester at BCC, or to take up to 2 courses at another institution (with approval of the appropriate BCC Department) and transfer them back to BCC to obtain your degree (you must order a transcript from the institution where you completed these credits).  Note:  only 45 transfer credits are accepted toward a BCC degree, 18 toward a BCC certificate.

Can I still attend graduation if I know I did not pass all my classes during the semester of my graduation?

• Yes, you can still participate in the Commencement ceremony and all Commencement-related events.

What is the difference between commencement and graduation?

• Graduation is the official confirmation in the College’s records that all degree requirements have been met and the diploma has been conferred.
• Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates your graduation.

When will my name appear in the commencement booklet?

• Your name will appear in the Commencement booklet if: 
• You graduated in August or December prior to the ceremony. 
• You are eligible for May graduation and you submitted an Application for Degree by the published deadline of late November.

What if I need accommodations to participate in the Commencement ceremony?

• If you are a graduating student who would like to participate in the commencement ceremony and you need accommodations, please contact the Office of Student Life as early as possible to ensure those accommodations are in place. 
• Accommodations may include Sign Language Interpreter, Captioning, Preferential Seating, or Wheel Chair Access.

Is there a broadcast of the Commencement ceremony that can be viewed remotely?

• The ceremony is streamed live over the Web and can be accessed easily from the home page of the College’s webpage, www.bergen.edu.

What if I have more questions about graduation?

For information regarding the annual Commencement ceremony in May, please contact the Office of Student Life, 201-447-7215 or email Rchoonoo@bergen.edu.

For information regarding graduation (the posting of a degree on your academic record), please contact Lynne Richardson at 201-447-7931 or lrichardson@bergen.edu.