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Part 3: Declaration of Candidates for Graduation

April Rose Punay
Updated

 

Overview

After the completion of the final academic term and posting of final grades, MMDC conducts a final review of all graduating students’ academic records. This review confirms that all degree requirements have been completed and determines eligibility for graduation and academic honors.

Students who have completed all academic requirements must still undergo a formal College approval process before they are officially declared Candidates for Graduation.

Students who successfully pass this final review are formally declared as Candidates for Graduation. Once declared, students will receive instructions to complete graduation clearance and prepare for the commencement ceremony.

 

Table of Contents:

  1. When Are Students Declared Candidates for Graduation?
  2. What Students Should Know
  3. Expected Timeline
  4. Notification to Students
  5. Important Reminder
  6. What Happens Next

 

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When Are Students Declared Candidates for Graduation?

The declaration happens after the final term ends and all grades are posted.

At this stage, the following evaluations take place:

Final Academic Review

The academic and records offices verify that the student has:

  • completed all required courses in the curriculum
  • earned passing grades for all required subjects
  • satisfied internship, capstone, thesis, or integrative course requirements 

Students must reflect zero remaining units in their curriculum audit.

Academic Standing Deliberations

The academic office also confirms the student’s final academic standing, including eligibility for:

  • Latin honors (e.g., Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude)
  • academic awards or recognitions

Academic Council Approval

The final list of graduating students is presented to the Academic Council.

During this stage, the Academic Council formally approves:

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

Only after this approval will students be officially recognized as graduation candidates.

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What Students Should Know

  • No action is required from students during this phase.
  • This stage is an internal academic review, deliberation and approval process conducted by the college, the records team and other MMDC-MMCL teams.

Your inclusion in the final list of graduates depends on the following:

✔ Successful completion of all course and unit requirements (zero remaining units)
✔ No pending disciplinary cases
✔ Final approval by the MMCL Academic Council

Once the review process is completed:

  • An official announcement will be released by the College.
  • Each eligible student will receive official confirmation that they have been declared a Candidate for Graduation.
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Expected Timeline

The declaration process typically takes place within the first 4–10 weeks of the succeeding academic term, after final grades have been posted and reviewed.

This period allows the College to complete:

  • final grade verification
  • academic standing review
  • Latin honors and award deliberations
  • Academic Council approval

Students are encouraged to monitor their MMDC email and official announcements during this period.

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Notification to Students

Once approved by the Academic Council, students who are eligible will receive an official email notification confirming their status as:

Declared Candidate for Graduation

The email will also include instructions on the next steps, including:

  • graduation clearance processing
  • commencement ceremony participation
  • graduation photo and documentation requirements
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Important Reminder

Being declared a candidate for graduation means that your academic requirements have been approved, but you must still complete the graduation clearance process before you can:

  • participate in the commencement ceremony
  • receive your diploma
  • request official exit credentials such as Transcript of Records or Transfer Credentials
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What Happens Next

After receiving the declaration email, students must proceed with graduation clearance processing. Graduation clearance processing period will also be announced per term. This will typically be 1-2 months before the scheduled commencement ceremony. 

This ensures that all academic, administrative, and financial obligations have been completed.

 

👉 Refer to the next article:
Graduation Clearance Process

 

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