Commencement
Note: A $20 graduation fee will be will be applied to student’s accounts. An additional $20 late fee will be assessed if the petition is submitted after the deadline date.
Commencement Information
The 2024 Commencement Ceremony will take place on May 18, 2024 at Victory Apostolic Church, located at 20801 Matteson Ave, Matteson, IL 60443 at 11 a.m.
Tickets are required for all guests with the exception being children under two years of age. Each student will receive 6 tickets. No ticket is required for students who are graduating. A live stream of the ceremony will be available.
Please see day of details linked below.
PSC grants certificates and the following five associate's degrees:
- Associate in Arts (A.A.)
- Associate in Science (A.S.)
- Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
- Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.; career and technical degree)
Specific curriculum requirements for a particular degree or certificate program are
found in the catalog under Overview of Degrees and Certificates.
When submitting a graduation petition, students will be asked to identify the year of the catalog from which they are graduating. Any modifications of graduation requirements must be approved by the department. A course substitution form must be completed with the program coordinator. The dean of the department also will review the document. If approved, the course substitution form will be submitted to Enrollment Services.
Graduation petitions must be completed by the following deadlines to be eligible for graduation:
- October 1 for December graduation
- March 1 for May graduation or August graduates participating in the annual Commencement ceremony
- July 1 for August graduation
December, May, and August candidates may choose to participate in the annual Commencement ceremony, but it is not a requirement.
There are three categories of graduation honors: Cum Laude (3.30-3.64 GPA), Magna Cum Laude (3.65-3.84 GPA), and Summa Cum Laude (3.85-4.0 GPA). Certificate students are not eligible for graduation honors.
The earned GPA is used to determine the recognition of honors at the ceremony. Any courses in progress during the spring term will not be used to determine honors eligibility for the Commencement ceremony. The official designation of honors will be applied to the student’s transcript once all grades have been received for the semester in which the degree is conferred.
Graduating members of the college's academic honor societies may purchase regalia items as mementos of their achievement. Honors stoles, cords, and tassels that are not provided by the college generally need to be purchased through the online store for their honor society. Students with questions about ordering academic honor society regalia items can reach out to their faculty advisor.
Important Message Regarding Prairie State College's Decision to Host 2024 Commencement at Victory Apostolic Church
Prairie State College Community -
In light of the recent concerns about the decision to hold the 2024 Commencement at Victory Apostolic Church, Prairie State College is committed to finding a new venue that respects and honors the rights of all individuals without any religious affiliation for all future events.
A recent Chicago Tribune/Daily Southtown News article highlighting perspectives from a student leader reflects the opinions and concerns shared by many regarding Victory Apostolic Church. It also brings attention to the homophobic remarks made by the church's pastor. It is important to clarify that Prairie State College does not endorse or support the discriminatory views expressed by the venue.
It is also important to note that the pastor's statements do not dictate how our students should dress or express themselves during the Commencement ceremony. Our dedication to inclusivity and respect for individual expression means that students are free to dress in a way that reflects their identity, including wearing full LGBTQ+ adornments while adhering to the appropriate regalia attire.
We value freedom of speech and respect the rights of our students, as such, we have decided not to host future events at Victory Apostolic Church. We will provide further updates in the weeks leading up to the 2024 Commencement ceremony.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we strive to uphold the values of inclusivity and respect within the Prairie State College community.
For all media inquiries or interview requests, please contact us at pscpresident@prairiestate.edu.