Graduation and Commencement
2026 Grad Shout-Out Video
Graduation is defined as completing all credits necessary within an academic program to earn a Cincinnati State bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree, or certificate.
Step 1: Fill out the Petition to Graduate e-form
This will be sent to your Program Chair for review.
Step 2: Prepare for graduation
-
- Expected graduates will receive important information as the semester goes on. Be sure to check your Cincinnati State email address regularly.
-
- If you have recently moved, update your mailing address through Self-Service.
-
- Diplomas and certificates are mailed to students approximately six (6) weeks after the last day of the graduation semester.
-
- They are not given out at the Commencement ceremony.
-
- If you have recently moved, update your mailing address through Self-Service.
-
- Students with outstanding balances should pay as soon as possible through Self-Service.
-
- Degrees and certificates are not mailed to students with an outstanding balance.
-
- Transcripts or graduation are not held for outstanding balances.
-
- Students with outstanding balances should pay as soon as possible through Self-Service.
Commencement, also known as the graduation ceremony, is the event where graduates are recognized for their academic accomplishments in front of family and friends. Participating in the Commencement ceremony does not automatically mean a student has earned a degree or certificate. Students are not required to attend the commencement ceremony.
Degree program and approved certificate recipients from the past academic year will be recognized.
Who is eligible to participate in commencement?
- Summer 2026 graduates
- Fall 2026 graduates
- Spring 2027 associate’s, bachelor’s and certificate students
- Degree Audit must be “Pending Complete”
- Summer 2027 associate’s and bachelor’s degrees
- Certificates are not eligible to walk
- Must be registered for remaining classes (15 credit hour max)
- Degree Audit must be “Pending Complete”
Step 1: Fill out the Intent to Participate in Commencement e-form
TBA
Step 2A: Prepare for commencement-Cap and Gown
- TBA
Step 2B: Prepare for commencement- Tickets and **Cord Pickup
- TBA
Step 3: Commencement Day
Commencement Day (Saturday, May 9th) at the Cintas Center on the campus of Xavier University
TBA
Receiving your diploma
All outstanding balances must be paid off to receive a diploma.
- Spring 2026 diplomas & certificates will be mailed out the week of June 22nd.
- Summer 2026 diplomas & certificates will be mailed out the week of October 5th.
- Students who rather pick up their diploma must send that request to ro@cincinnatistate.edu before the posted mailing date.
- Students who did not attend the ceremony can request a green diploma cover.
Ordering updated transcripts
Spring graduates’ transcripts will be updated May 8th.
Summer graduates’ transcripts will be updated August 21st
To order official transcripts, click here
Order Commencement photos
Grad Images is our official photographer.
Customer Service
Phone: (800) 261-2576
Email: ecc.giservice@gradimages.net
2026 Graduation Photos
Grad Images is our official photographer.
Contact the Registrar’s Office
Email: ro@cincinnatistate.edu
Phone: (513) 569-1522