You are almost there.
After all the classes, assignments, exams, early mornings, late nights, and everything else you have balanced along the way, you can finally see the finish line.
But being close to finishing can bring a new set of questions.
“Have I completed everything I need?”
“Do I need to apply for graduation?”
“What happens after my last class?”
If you are asking these questions, you are not alone. Finishing your final classes is a big accomplishment, but there are still a few important steps to take before your program is officially complete.
The good news is that you do not have to figure them out by yourself.
Start With Your Educational Plan
Before assuming you are finished, meet with a counselor and review your academic progress.
A counselor can help you look at your Student Educational Plan and make sure you understand what remains for your degree or certificate.
Coalinga College recommends that students meet with a counselor two semesters before graduation to review their plan and evaluate their units.
Connect With Counseling at Coalinga College
If you attend the Firebaugh Center, counseling services are available there to help you review your progress and plan your next steps.
Make Sure You Are Completing the Right Requirements
Being close to the end of your program does not always mean that your last few classes automatically complete every requirement.
Your degree or certificate may have specific requirements for general education, major courses, units, grades, or other areas.
Take time to review your program requirements with a counselor before your final semester is over.
Review Coalinga College Graduation Requirements
Explore Degrees and Certificates
This is a good time to ask questions rather than discover after your final class that something is still missing.
Do Not Forget to Petition to Graduate
Completing your final courses is not the same as formally applying for your degree or certificate.
Students who plan to complete their program need to file a Petition to Graduate.
Coalinga College states that students should submit the petition no later than the eighth week of the semester in which they plan to complete their program requirements. The petition is available through the myWestHills student portal or through the counseling offices in Coalinga and Firebaugh.
Review Graduation Requirements and Petition Information
If you are not sure whether you need to submit a petition, talk with a counselor.
Check Your Academic Records
If you attended another college or completed coursework outside of Coalinga College, make sure the appropriate official records are on file.
Previous coursework may need to be reviewed as part of determining whether you have completed your program requirements. Coalinga College notes that official academic records must be on file when a student submits a graduation petition if outside coursework is being used.
Learn About Transcripts and Academic Records
If you have questions about transcripts or your academic record, Admissions and Records can help.
Students at the Firebaugh Center can contact Student Services at 559 934 2980 for assistance.
Finish Strong in Your Final Classes
When you are this close to finishing, it can be tempting to mentally check out.
Try not to.
Those final assignments, exams, projects, and classes still matter.
Keep track of your deadlines. Attend class. Communicate with your instructors. Ask for help if you are struggling.
You have already made it this far. Give your final semester the same attention you gave the semesters before it.
Ask About Your Final Grades
Once your final semester is complete, your grades will help determine whether you have met the requirements for your degree or certificate.
Graduation petitions are evaluated after grades are posted.
If you are unsure about your status after grades are posted, contact Counseling or Admissions and Records rather than guessing.
Contact Admissions and Records
Think About What Comes Next
Finishing your program is not only about reaching graduation.
It is also about deciding what you want to do next.
Your next step might be transferring to another college or university. You might be preparing to enter the workforce. You might want to continue your education or earn another credential.
You do not have to wait until after graduation to start thinking about what comes next.
Talk with a counselor about your options.
Connect With Counseling and Advising
Starting that conversation early gives you time to prepare instead of trying to make a plan at the last minute.
If You Are Planning to Attend Commencement
If you want to participate in commencement, make sure you pay attention to the college's graduation information and deadlines.
Coalinga College provides information about commencement, regalia, arrival times, ceremony details, and frequently asked questions through its commencement page.
Visit the Coalinga College Commencement Page
Keep in mind that participating in commencement and receiving your diploma or certificate are separate parts of the process. The college explains that diplomas and certificates are mailed after the ceremony once program requirements have been completed.
Give Yourself Credit for How Far You Have Come
When you are focused on your last class or your final few requirements, it can be easy to overlook everything it took to get here.
Think about where you started.
Maybe there were semesters when you were balancing work and school. Maybe you had family responsibilities. Maybe you struggled with a class and kept going. Maybe you took a break and came back.
Now you are close to completing your program.
That deserves to be recognized.
Your Program Completion Checklist
If graduation is getting closer, take these steps.
-
Review your Student Educational Plan.
Connect with Counseling -
Confirm your remaining requirements.
Review Graduation Requirements -
Make sure your academic records are complete.
Review Transcript Information -
Submit your Petition to Graduate.
Complete the petition through the myWestHills student portal or visit a counseling office in Coalinga or Firebaugh. -
Finish your final courses strong.
Keep up with assignments, exams, attendance, and communication with instructors. -
Check your final grades.
Make sure your program requirements have been completed. -
Plan what comes next.
Talk with a counselor about transfer, employment, or continuing your education. -
Review commencement information if you plan to participate.
Visit the Commencement Page
You Are Almost There
Being close to completing your program is a big moment.
You have already done the hard work of getting this far. Now it is about making sure the final details are taken care of.
Do not wait until your last day of class to ask whether you have completed everything.
Meet with a counselor. Review your requirements. Make sure your records are in order. Submit your graduation petition. Then start thinking about where your education can take you next.
And take a moment to be proud of yourself.
You are almost finished. The next chapter is getting closer, and Coalinga College Firebaugh Center is here to help you make the transition from completing your program to deciding what comes next.
Connect With a Firebaugh Center Counselor
Review Graduation Requirements