Graduation

Dreams come true at Bay College

Female graduate wearing a blue graduation cap and gown

What is Graduation?

Graduation is the completion of the requirements for a program of study. Requirements are found in the Bay College catalog.

Outstanding Graduate Award

Apply for graduation by March 1 to be eligible for the Outstanding Graduate Award! Students should complete an Application for Graduation (myBay login required) when nearing completion of their program.

What is Commencement?

Commencement is a ceremony that celebrates our students' achievements and thanks their families and friends for their support along the way. Bay College has an annual Commencement to honor the graduates for the entire academic year. If you want more details, contact Student Services.

Records and Guidelines

Confidentiality of Student Records

Every effort is taken to maintain the accuracy and confidentiality of student records. The Registrar has oversight of every student's permanent academic record.

Bay College is in compliance with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) which provides that institutions maintain the confidentiality of students' education records. Students have the right to examine and review information contained in their educational records and to challenge the content through the formal and informal guidelines established. Bay College has adopted a policy which explains in detail the procedures followed for compliance with provisions of the Act. Copies of the policy are available from the Registrar.

Students may request to see their educational records being held by the College and petition the Registrar to have records corrected if they believe the record to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of their privacy rights.

Directory Information

FERPA allows disclosure of directory information to appropriate persons. Such information is disclosed with caution and in a manner that protects our students. Directory information is information that is not generally considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. The following information is considered directory information and may be disclosed upon request and without prior consent of the student in question.

  • Name, Address, E-mail address
  • Telephone listing (campus, home, emergency, and cell)
  • Date and place of birth
  • Candid photos from around campus
  • Official photos for ID cards
  • Program of study (Degree & Major)
  • Participation in officially recognized activities
  • Enrollment status (full-time, part-time, classification)
  • Dates of attendance and graduation
  • Degrees and awards received
  • Most recent previous school attended (for transfer students)

Directory information does not include student identification numbers, social security numbers, or any other personally identifiable information.

Students may prohibit disclosure of directory information by filling out the Non-Disclosure Form which is available in the Registrar's Office. Questions concerning general disclosure of information should be addressed to the Registrar. Students may designate individuals who they want to have access to the information in their educational records by completing the appropriate form in the Records Office.

If a student believes his/her educational record is in error or that his/her rights have been violated, he/she may petition the Registrar to correct the records or wrong addressed. Students may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education by writing to:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202-5901

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