Graduation Process

If you have not already, make sure your Triton ID is active! Your Triton ID is separate from your ctcLink ID, allowing access to unique Edmonds College technology. The Triton ID can be set up after a student registers for at least one (1.0) credit of courses. The Triton ID allows all Edmonds College students to use the On-line Graduation Application & Transcript Evaluation (GATE) system as their log-in.

You can learn more about Triton ID and how to set it up on the Triton ID and Students Accounts webpage. If you encounter errors or need help with your Triton ID or ctcLink ID, the Student Technology Advice and Resource Team (START) will be happy to help! 

Please Note: The IT Team performs a quarterly update to GATE to add accounts and allow new students access to GATE. This happens between terms, and at this time, the IT Team cannot perform individual account updates to GATE.

1. Using your Triton ID (username and password)
   log into GATE
2. Click the “Select” button next to Apply for Graduation.
3. Click the “Select” button that matches up with your type of degree or certificate.
4. Fill out the fields for:
   • Any former or other names that would appear on your records,
   • The name as you wish it to appear on your diploma or certificate,
   • The program you are completing at Edmonds College,
   • The names of any external college(s) you may have received transfer credit from,
     • Note: Be sure to submit a Transcript Evaluation for these if you haven’t already!
   • In the Student Comments field, provide your Academic Advisor or Faculty Advisor’s name, and
   • In the Student Comments field, provide any other relevant information that will help us with your evaluation (e.g., the transcripts are hard copies being mailed).
     • Important! If an Advisor tells you to take a class other than those on your program’s requirement sheet, make sure that Advisor submits a Course Substitution in GATE on your behalf!

Ensure that your ctcLink account's email address is correct and up-to-date! Once our team is done processing your graduation application, we will contact you via the address listed in your account. Occasionally, our team will contact students for clarification or additional information.

We will send your eDiploma, hard copy diploma, and/or certificate to the address listed in your ctcLink account.

It may take eight to ten weeks (or up to 12 weeks, depending on factors) after final grades are posted for the term to process your application. For students that submit their graduation applications on or before the Priority Deadline, the evaluators will aim to provide them with a worked-up program sheet and any additional information before the end of their graduating terms. Please ensure your applications are submitted by the graduation deadline. Applications submitted after the deadline may not be processed until the following term.

Ensure that your ctcLink account's email address is correct and up-to-date! Once our team is done processing your Evaluation Request, we will contact you via the address listed in your account. Occasionally, our team will also reach out to students if we need clarification or additional information.

For more information about communicating with Credentials & Evaluation, check out our Contact Us page.

Traditionally, degrees and certificates are posted to transcripts at least six to eight weeks after final grades are officially posted at the end of a quarter. However, unique situations (individual cases, remote campus operations, system updates, etc.) may add delays. We appreciate your patience and understanding!

You can check your graduation status and completed program conferral(s) via your Student ctcLink Home page by:

• Accessing your Unofficial Transcript or
• Viewing your Graduation Status

After degrees and certificates are awarded, our team will send out eDiplomas to the email address listed in your ctcLink account. Following that (and depending on campus operations), the Credentials & Evaluation Team will alert students through official channels the days that diplomas may be picked-up. If pick-up is unavailable, such as during remote operations or reduced staffing, diplomas and certificates will be mailed to the address listed in ctcLink.

Work with the Academic Advising Team to see if you are ready to graduate! They can provide unofficial evaluations, help you understand tools in ctcLink, and guide you through the graduation process.

Yes, apply now! Applications are processed in the order received. Applicants who meet the priority deadline are processed first. Late applications will be processed toward the end of the quarter. For the current priority deadlines, see the Academic Calendar.

In general, a completed Graduation Application form must be submitted online by the 10th day of the quarter in which the student expects to graduate. Note: Applications for summer quarter are due by the 8th day of the quarter.

Graduation is the process you go through to have your degree posted to your transcript. Commencement is an annual ceremony (held in June) where we honor your academic accomplishments. You can find more information about Commencement (including registration for the ceremony) on their webpage.

If you are completing Edmonds College degrees and/or certificates – excluding certificates of completion (COCs) – you can participate. If you will complete a degree or certificate during summer quarter, you can participate in the commencement ceremony prior to your graduation. To do so, apply for graduation during spring quarter.

Please note: If you miss the spring quarter priority application deadline, your name may not be included in the commencement program. Reach out to the Commencement Ceremony team if you have questions!

There are over 100 programs offered at Edmonds College, and some have very similar names. If you are unsure which specific program is yours, check out the Academic Catalog and contact the Advising Team for support.

Your degree and certificate will show up on your official transcript after your Graduation Application has been processed and final grades have been posted. Traditionally, degrees and certificates are posted to transcripts at least six to eight weeks after final grades are officially posted. However, increased workload, system updates, special projects, and other delays can extend this timeframe to 10 to 12 weeks. Unique situations may add additional delays. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time!

Find information about ordering your official transcript here. Please indicate that you want your transcript to show your degree. Reach out to the Transcripts Department regarding fulfillment time.

No. The Credentials & Evaluation Team processes Graduation Applications in the order they are received to provide equitable treatment to all students. At certain times of the year, transfer credit requests may receive priority. As we work to complete these requests efficiently and thoroughly, we kindly ask that you remain patient and professional.

If you have an emergency or urgent situation, please reach out to us at credentials@edmonds.edu with your name, ctcLink ID#, details of your situation, and any supporting evidence. For example, if your transfer credit impacts your degree completion, and your work has given you a deadline by when to provide proof of your degree, a student may email us these details with a scanned copy of the letter from their work listing the deadline.

If you fail to meet all of your program requirements, or you are missing a necessary verification form you will be notified via the email address listed in your ctcLink account. However, if you do not pass or you withdraw from a class, you will not be notified.

If we reach out to you regarding missing courses or clarification, and we do not hear back from you in a timely manner, we may mark your application as ‘Incomplete’ or ‘Void.' These applications are considered ‘closed’ and not worked on further until additional information is received. But don’t worry! We can reopen your request if you reach back out and we receive what we need!

Via email (credentials@edmonds.edu) is the best way to contact our team! We do our best to reply to emails promptly, typically within 1 to 3 business days. Certain situations may require more time, and we will do our best to alert you in those instances. Please be mindful that sending multiple messages to us in rapid succession may cause delays in serving you and other students.

Per Washington State law (RCW 28B.50.535), a student who satisfactorily completes an Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science-Transfer (AS-T), Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T), or Associate of Technical Arts (ATA) shall be awarded a state high school diploma from Edmonds College upon application from the student.

Note: Students who complete an Associate in General Studies (AGS) are not eligible to apply.

To submit an application, fill out this form: Application for High School Diploma and Associate Degree