Graduation 2023
Application for graduation is easy: Log into the student portal at “myRACC”, click on "Self-Service" and select the "Graduation Application" box.
There is no application fee to graduate - it is FREE to all eligible students. Students who have completed at least 45 credits are encouraged to apply.
The Records Office certifies graduates three times each year. However, there is only one Commencement Ceremony which is held at the end of the Spring semester. Students certified in August and December are welcome to participate in the Commencement Ceremony held in May.
Moving? In the event you will be leaving the area following graduation, please email graduation@racc.edu. Include your ID number, the address to which you wish your diploma mailed, and a contact phone number. All debts to the College must be paid before diplomas will be released.
Graduation Photos
| Graduation Month | Apply Starting | Diploma Mailed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | January 1st | Diploma mailed no later than June 30th | If you apply between January and March 15th you are guaranteed to have your name in the program. If you apply between the first Tuesday in April to the actual date of graduation, you are not guaranteed to have your name in the program. |
| August | June 1st | Diploma mailed no later than June 30th | If you applied for May graduation and are approved by the Dean to complete summer courses, you do not need to apply. (Your application will be moved from May to August.) |
| December | September 1st | Diploma mailed no later than February 15th | Anyone graduating in December is invited to return the following May to walk in the Ceremony. Keep watching the website in January for more information. |
Transcripts
Ordering a transcript with degree on it:
-
Option 1: Complete the form in the Records office and check the box marked 'Hold for Degree Earned' statement. These requests will be filled first. You will be called to come pick it up. $6.00 fee.
- Option 2: Complete the request online, make sure you check the box to Hold for Graduation. These requests will also be filled first. These will be mailed/emailed per your request. $6.00+ fee.
Learn more about Requesting Transcripts.
If you have questions, contact preferably by email at graduation@racc.edu or call the Records Office at 610-607-6243.
General Information
- You must first preregister for your final semester so that your program evaluation includes all the courses you plan to take.
- Make an appointment with your Academic Advisor to review your program evaluation and any waivers you might need. Do this 1 to 2 semesters before you believe you are eligible so that if you need a class you will be able to register for it.
- Application Process
All students should apply for graduation online through Self-Service. Log into myRACC, click on "Self-Service" and select the box labeled "Graduation Application".
- Watch your Ravens email for a reply regarding eligibility for graduation from your academic Dean. Your diploma will be sent via US Mail to your home address.
Cap and Gown Orders
There is no cost for your cap and gown when you use the “Cap and Gown” tab.
Orders must be placed by Friday, March 11, 2023. Orders placed after this date may incur additional fees.
Graduation Fair & Cap and Gown Distribution
Cap and gowns will be available for in-person pick up during the following times:
- Tuesday, April 18th from 9:00AM to 6:00PM
- Wednesday, April 19th from 9:00AM to 5:00PM
If you are not available during these times, please contact the RACC Bookstore at 610-607-6229 to schedule another time or to make shipping arrangements.
You will need to bring your cap and gown to the Santander Arena on the day of commencement.
Note: If you did not pre-order a cap and gown, you will still be able to select a cap and gown at the Graduation Fair.
Commencement Ceremony
Check the website in January 2023 for more information.
- When: Friday, May 5, 2023
- Time: 2:00 PM
- Where: Santander Arena
Top 10 Reasons to Speak at Graduation
Reading Area Community College annually selects a graduating student to speak at commencement. The chosen student speaker will have the opportunity to represent the graduating class at commencement.
Graduation Honors/Honor Cords
The College recognizes graduates who have received an academic honors distinction at commencement. Graduates who have earned 30 credits or more of their coursework at RACC and earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or better are considered for academic honors. Pre-college level courses are not included in the calculation of the official graduation GPA.
Students graduating with the Academic Honors distinction are recognized as follows:
- Cum Laude: 3.50-3.74 cumulative grade point average
- Magna Cum Laude: 3.75-3.94 cumulative grade point average
- Summa Cum Laude: 3.95-4.00 cumulative grade point average
Gratitude Stole
The Student Government Association has purchased a Gratitude Stole for each graduate and they will be distributed with your cap and gown. In addition to making the graduation attire more attractive, these stoles may be used as gifts of gratitude for someone who has made a difference in your time at RACC and helped you achieve graduation. You may write a personal note on it with a Sharpie and AFTER the ceremony, present it to the person you choose. Or you may keep it yourself as a graduation memento. Please remember to wear it for the graduation ceremony, and do not give it away until after the ceremony. Additional stoles may be purchased through the Bookstore for $29.98
Phi Theta Kappa Members
Please contact Danelle Bower at extension 5451 or B-513 if you wish to purchase the gold stole and tassel for the graduation ceremony.
Honor Program Students
Students who complete 15 HONORS CREDITS WITH AN OVERALL GPA OF 3.25 OR HIGHER IN ALL HONORS COURSES may apply for an Honors Certificate and Honors Diploma. If you have any questions please contact Dr. Pamela Blakeley.