At the end of each academic term, a commencement ceremony is held for students to celebrate their achievement of completing degree, diploma, or certificate requirements for programs approved by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges.

Applications for commencement must be approved by the student's advisor and submitted to the Office of the Registrar by the deadline listed in the academic calendar. Following verification of the completion of requirements by the Office of the Registrar, the degree, diploma, or certificate is awarded to the student.