What is Proactive Graduation?
We’re committed to empowering you on your academic journey. As part of this commitment, we are piloting a process in which eligible students who have completed all program requirements will be awarded a selection of certificates with no formal graduation application necessary.
If you qualify, you will receive an email at the address we have on file informing you of the certificate(s) we are awarding you. We will take care of everything, including updating your transcripts, ensuring that your hard work doesn’t go unrecognized.
Am I Eligible for Proactive Graduation?
Our process involves reviewing each student’s successfully completed courses toward the current program requirements. Please note: Proactive Graduation is a pilot program. A limited number of certificates will be reviewed and awarded at this time.
To be eligible, you must have:
What is Proactive Graduation?
What are the Benefits of Proactive Graduation?
While the convenience of Proactive Graduation makes receiving your earned certificates easy, the real benefit is what it does for your future. As you complete courses toward your degree, you may also meet the requirements for one or more certificates along the way. We make sure you receive those awards.
Even if your ultimate goal is an associate or bachelor’s degree, each certificate you earn adds a credential to your transcript and résumé, showing employers and universities that you’ve gained verified, job-ready skills and have a commitment to learning. These extra credentials can help you qualify for more job opportunities, stand out in competitive fields, increase your salary, and build momentum toward a career or transfer path—without any extra work on your part.
If you wish to opt out, please respond to the survey link in the email award notification within five business days from the date of the email. If we do not receive a response by the timeframe specified, the award(s) will be awarded to you and posted on your transcript.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can opt in to receive an award automatically on the admissions application, or opt out during the timeframe stipulated in your award email notice. If you opt to receive an award on the admissions application, no further action is required.
If we do not receive a response by the timeframe specified, the award(s) will be awarded to you and posted on your transcript.
No. You do not need to apply for graduation to earn these certificates, as they will be automatically awarded to you and posted on your unofficial and official transcripts. This is part of a pilot project to award certificates to students who have completed course requirements, but did not apply for graduation.
Yes. You can still apply to participate in the graduation ceremony at the next opportunity. Connect with your college’s graduation office to find out more information and follow the Steps to Graduation.
Your award email notice will list the certificate(s) you have earned. Additionally, once awarded, the certificate will be posted on your unofficial and official transcripts, located in your Student Center.
No. Currently, the Proactive Graduation pilot efforts will include a limited number of Certificates of Completion (CCLs) at one of the Maricopa Community Colleges for a specific catalog year.
You should continue to apply for graduation if you have or are about to earn an award. Also, in cases where you believe you qualify for a degree or certificate not listed in the award letter email notification, you should manually apply for it. Please follow Steps to Graduation.
No. Awarding this certificate will not negatively impact your other academic plans, financial aid, International status or Veteran benefits at your college. At this time, we are only piloting this project for certificate programs. Please continue to stay in touch with your academic advisor for your current plan.
However, if our efforts identified that you have completed your current plan, you should meet with an academic advisor to discuss additional academic plans you may want to pursue.
- For Financial Aid questions, please contact a Financial Aid Specialist for more information
- For Veteran benefits questions, please contact your Veteran Services college representative
- For international students with an F-1 or J-1 visa, please contact your International Student Advisor.
All financial obligations to Maricopa Community Colleges must be cleared before your degree and/or certificate and transcripts can be released. According to 2.3.9 General Graduation Requirements, “Candidates for graduation must satisfy the following requirements: Fulfill any financial obligations with the college.” Please contact Student Business Services at your college with any additional questions you may have.
- Please reach out to your college's graduation services department to inquire about the different options available for receiving a physical and/or digital copy of your certificate(s). Each college may have varying methods for this process.
- The first copy of your certificate(s) are free. A fee may be assessed for duplicates or replacements.
- Be sure your home/mailing or email address is up-to-date in your Student Center.
If you need to update your current email or home/mailing address, you may do so by following one of the two options below:
- Open your Student Center > Click the Profile tile > Click Contact Details on the left toolbar > Click Save.
- Submit the electronic form for your college to change your email address within two to three business days.
Please reach out to your college’s graduation services department to inquire about the different options available for receiving a physical copy of your certificate(s). Each college may have varying methods for this process.
You may view your award(s) on your unofficial transcript.
Log in to your Student Center and select the “Academic Records” tile. Then choose either:
- “Student Unofficial Transcript” to view and print
- “Official Transcript” and follow the instructions
If, during our proactive graduation review, we find that you already applied for graduation and received your award—great! We’ll catch it in our system and won’t duplicate the effort.
Additional Questions? Contact Us!
Additional Questions? Contact Us!
We’re here for you! Contact us at proactivegraduation@memo.maricopa.edu.