Graduation Information

CATALOG YEAR THAT DETERMINES DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Catalog year determines the set of academic requirements that must be fulfilled for graduation. A student will graduate under the catalog in effect at the time of initial enrollment as a degree-seeking student at RPCC. This catalog may continue to be used by the student provided enrollment is not interrupted for two consecutive regular semesters (i.e., fall and spring). A student whose enrollment is interrupted for two or more consecutive regular semesters may choose no catalog earlier than the one in effect at the time of re-entry. Students may also choose to move into a newer catalog year if desired.

The College will make a reasonable effort to honor the curricular requirements in the chosen issue of the catalog. However, because courses and programs are sometimes discontinued, the College shall make the final determination as to whether or not degree requirements are met.

Note: Admission to River Parishes Community College does not guarantee admission to a student’s program of choice. While most associate degree programs are open to all students, admission to the Associate of Science in Teaching, Practical Nursing, and Medical Assistant programs are not guaranteed. Students must apply and be accepted to these programs. They may, however, begin taking courses for this curriculum prior to applying and being admitted.

GRADUATION COSTS

At this time there is no fee for graduation (subject to change). Students attending the commencement ceremony will need to purchase a cap and gown. The cap and gown price is set each year by the vendor selected by the College.

Note: Any money owed to the College must be paid before students can receive their diplomas and transcripts verifying graduation. Also, students who have holds on their accounts must have these cleared in order to receive diplomas and transcripts.

General Requirements for Associate Degrees

In order to earn an associate’s degree at RPCC, students must complete the general degree requirements listed below.

• Students must be fully admitted to RPCC as a regularly enrolled student.
• By the degree conferral date, students must successfully complete all requirements for the degree(s) being pursued.
• Students must earn the credit hours for their degree programs by completing all required courses.
• Grades of “C” or better must be earned in all courses required for the Associate of Arts/Louisiana Transfer, the Associate of Science/Louisiana Transfer, and the Associate of Science in Teaching degrees. Students completing the Associate of General Studies degree must earn grades of “C” or better in all general education English and math courses and all concentration courses.
• All RPCC degree programs have a minimum GPA requirement of 2.00 at the time of graduation. This policy applies to both institutional and adjusted cumulative GPA.
• Students seeking an Associate of Science in Teaching must have a 2.00 RPCC GPA and a 2.50 adjusted cumulative GPA at the time of graduation.
• It should be noted that a student meeting GPA requirements for graduation do not guarantee that they will meet institutional requirements for admission into another college/university or into any specific program or major. Students are responsible for obtaining and understanding information about admission to other institutions and their programs.
• To satisfy RPCC’s residency requirement, students must complete 25 percent of the coursework for each degree at RPCC.

Please note that some degree programs may have graduation requirements in addition to those noted above.

Graduating With Honors

River Parishes Community College distinguishes honor students based on the following GPA requirements:

• Honor’s graduates have an overall GPA between 3.00 and 3.49
• Dean’s Honor graduates have an overall GPA between 3.50 and 3.84
• Chancellor’s Honor graduates have an overall GPA between 3.85 and 4.00

These distinctions are noted on a graduate’s transcript

Degree Only Status

Students registered as “degree only” have completed all degree requirements and will graduate at the conclusion of the current semester. They are not, however, enrolled in any classes at RPCC during that final semester because all coursework has already been completed. To register “degree only,” students must seek approval from the Chief Student Affairs Officer. Once registered this way, students will receive a bill for graduation costs and any unpaid balances (if there are any).

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EARNING DUAL DEGREES

Students may elect to earn two associate’s degrees at RPCC at the same time provided that the degrees do not duplicate each other. To earn dual degrees, students must receive approval from the College. Additionally, students must meet all degree requirements for both degrees, and they must earn 15 hours beyond those required for the degree with the fewest hours.

Some degree programs offer multiple concentrations. For these programs, the degree may be earned only once with one concentration. For more information, contact the Office of Student Services (225-743-8500).

COMPLETING A SECOND DEGREE

Students who have already earned one associate’s degree from RPCC may choose to earn an additional degree when the second degree being earned is not largely a duplication of the first. To earn a second degree, students must receive approval from the College. Additionally, students must complete all requirements for the second degree. This includes earning a minimum of 15 credit hours beyond those required for the first degree.

Some degree programs offer multiple concentrations. For these programs, the degree may be earned only once with one concentration. For more information, contact the Office of Student Services (225-743-8500).

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GRADUATION CEREMONY

Once a year in May, RPCC holds a commencement ceremony to recognize students who have completed or expect to complete degrees during that academic year (fall through summer). Graduates and degree candidates are expected to attend the ceremony.