Graduation Information
Apply for Graduation
Are you completing your degree? Be sure to read the graduation letter and complete the application for graduation form and return to the Registrar's Office.
Graduation Requirements
An associate's degree is awarded to students who have completed the curriculum requirements of the Wisconsin Technical College System and who have completed the following program requirements:
- A minimum of 60 credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.0.
- All required program course grades (including General Studies and electives) applied toward graduation must be recorded as a "C or better" or as "Pass" (in the case of Pass/Fail) grades.
- Student must take at least 25 percent of the credits at Western.
- Apply for graduation and be approved by the Registrar.
- Pay the $35 graduation fee.
A technical diploma is awarded to students who have completed the curriculum requirements of the Wisconsin Technical College System and who have completed the following program requirements.
- All required program course grades (including General Studies) applied toward graduation must be recorded as a "C or better" or as "Pass" (in the case of Pass/Fail) grades.
- Student must take at least 25 percent of the credits at Western.
- Apply for graduation and be approved by the Registrar.
- Pay the $35 graduation fee.
For questions about applying for graduation and graduation requirements please contact:
Tina Allen
Welcome Center
608.785.9221
2013 Commencement Ceremony
Graduates of December 2012, May 2013 and August 2013 will be honored in a commencement
ceremony.
Friday, May 10, 2013
7:00 p.m.
La Crosse Center
300 Harborview
La Crosse, WI
Commencement rehearsal will be held the same day as graduation - May 10 at 1:00
p.m. at the La Crosse Center.
All graduates should plan to attend!!
Beautiful flowers for the graduate will be available for sale by Grad Flowers with all proceeds supporting scholarships at Western Technical College. All forms of payment will be accepted.
For more information about the Commencement ceremony contact:
Amy Thornton
A-316
608.785.9262
Helpful Hints for Graduation
Mortarboards (cap)
Properly worn with shorter point of crown to the front and mortarboard parallel to the ground. Men remove mortarboard during prayer, flag presentation, and National Anthem. Women should not remove their caps during the services. A speaker may remove the cap during an oration if so desired. This, however, is optional. Bobby pins may be helpful to secure mortarboard.
Tassel
Will be worn on the left side of the mortarboard. The tassel should not be shifted from one side to the other when the diploma is received. The entire graduating class will be asked to move the tassel at the end of the ceremony.
Gown
Should be placed on a hanger to let the packing folds fall out. If pressing is needed, only a MODERATELY WARM IRON SHOULD BE USED AND PRESSED ON THE REVERSE SIDE THROUGH A DAMP CLOTH. A hot iron will ruin the fabric. It is not appropriate to wear jewelry, flowers, or other ornaments on gowns.
What to wear under the gown - A white shirt and tie is correct for the men.
Honor Graduates
The wearing of gold honor cords for high honors (3.5 to 4.0) recognizes scholastic achievement. Honor students (3.49-3.0) will wear red cords.
Miscellaneous
- During commencement activities, your cooperation and promptness at all functions is greatly appreciated.
- Students should receive the diploma with the left hand and shake with the party conferring the diplomas with the right hand.
- The registrar's office will mail diplomas after graduation audits have been completed (usually 8-10 weeks after commencement).
Graduation Photographs
Professional photographers from Graduation Images will be photographing all graduates at the Commencement Ceremony. All graduates will photographed receiving their diplomas and as they leave the stage. You may visit the Graduation Images web site at www.gradimages.com and click on Pre-Event Email Registration. Enter your email address and up to six email addresses of family and friends who would like to share in your accomplishment by viewing and ordering your photos. By submitting your information early, you can be assured that photo samples will be quickly and conveniently provided to you and others registered to receive your photo proofs as soon as they are available after the event.
Having a professional photographer on site allows you and your family and friends to enjoy the event without worrying about having to take photos. We encourage your family and friends to remain seated during the event. Graduation Images guarantees complete satisfaction with your photograph package or you will receive a full refund, no questions asked. For more information call 800.242.3686, or email to, service@gradimages.com.
