Graduation Timeline Overview

Graduation is a multi-step process that begins before your final term ends and continues until the commencement ceremony. Below is a simplified timeline of what typically happens.

Phase 1 — Records Evaluation (Penultimate Term)

When: During your second-to-last term

During your second-to-last term, the Records, Registrar and Academic offices begin evaluating student records to determine potential graduation eligibility.

This includes reviewing:

• completion of all required courses in your curriculum
• verification that the curriculum audit reflects zero remaining units after your final term
• confirmation that all admission documents are complete

Students may be contacted if there are missing academic or admission requirements.

Phase 2 — Final Academic Review (End of Final Term)

When: After the final term ends and all grades are posted

Once the final term ends and all grades are posted, another review is conducted to confirm:

• completion of all academic requirements
• final academic standing
• eligibility for Latin honors and academic awards

The results of this review are presented to the Academic Council, which formally approves:

• the list of Candidates for Graduation
• the list of award recipients

Phase 3 — Declaration of Candidates for Graduation

When: Typically 4–10 weeks into the succeeding term

The final list of graduating students is presented to the MMCL Academic Council for approval and official declaration. After approval by the Council, students who meet all academic requirements will receive an official notification confirming that they are Declared Candidates for Graduation.

Students will then receive instructions to:

• complete graduation clearance
• confirm participation in the commencement ceremony
• process graduation-related requirements

Phase 4 — Graduation Clearance

When: After the declaration of candidates

Declared candidates must complete clearance with the required offices before they can:

• participate in the commencement ceremony
• receive their diploma and transcript of records
• request official exit credentials

Clearance ensures that all academic, administrative, and financial obligations have been fulfilled. Clearance confirms they have: 

• no outstanding financial obligations 
• no pending disciplinary concerns 
• completed all institutional requirements

Phase 5 — Commencement Exercises

When: Typically held twice each year

The Commencement Ceremony is the formal graduation event where degrees are conferred.

MMDC students participate in the Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna Commencement Exercises, which are typically held twice a year. 

Typical ceremony schedule:

• July/August Commencement
• October/November Commencement

Example schedule:
Term 1 and Term 2 completers may be invited to the July/ August commencement ceremony. Term 3 completers may be invited to the October/ November ceremony. Exact dates are announced each year.

.

Example Graduation Flow

Here is an example of how the timeline may look for a student completing their program in Term 1 and Term 2:

Important Reminder

Completing all academic units does not automatically mean you are included int he list for declaration of candidacy for graduation immediately.

The ff must first be completed:

• final academic verification
• Academic Council declaration
• completion of graduation clearance

Related Articles

• Part 1: Understanding the Graduation Process at MMDC
• Part 2: Graduation Eligibility and Records Evaluation (Penultimate Term)
• Part 3: Declaration of Candidates for Graduation
• Part 4: Graduation Clearance Process
• Part 5: Graduation Fees and Ceremony Participation
• Part 6: Commencement Ceremony and Graduation Attendance Options