Graduation Requirements

An overall cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in the Craft Specialization are required for graduation.

Candidates for the A.A.S. degree must finish all required coursework and successfully complete one eight-week summer externship to be eligible for graduation. Upon meeting all requirements for graduation, an Associate’s of Applied Science Degree in the Building Arts will be awarded.

Candidates for the B.A.S. degree must finish all coursework and successfully complete three eight-week summer externships. Upon meeting all requirements for graduation, a Bachelor’s of Applied Science Degree in the Building Arts will be awarded.

Please note: any student lacking at most 3 credit hours toward fulfillment of the graduation requirements (either due to an incomplete grade or the need to take an additional course) may apply to “walk” in graduation with prior permission of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Registrar. Students must complete any incomplete work within thirty (30) days of the end of the term. Students must present the Registrar with a plan to complete any outstanding course by December of the year of graduation.

Commencement Details

Parking Information

The Charleston Visitor's Center has a non-metered parking lot across the street from the Charleston Museum. Additionally, for overflow parking, the Charleston Visitor's Center has a parking garage located adjacent to the open lot. Rates are $1 per 30 minutes with cash or credit cards accepted at either location.

Traditional Invitations

Traditional Invitations are available through the Office of the Registrar for those who are interested in mailing their invitations.

Academic Regalia

Caps and gowns will be ordered through the Office of the Registrar and must be picked up the day of the Ceremony. The graduation fee covers the rental costs of caps and gowns. The rental outfit must be returned no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, May 15. There will be a charge for outfits returned incomplete.

Academic Honors

ACBA grants the following graduation honors for graduates: Cum Laude (GPA 3.25-3.49), Magna Cum Laude (GPA 3.50-3.74), and Summa Cum Laude (GPA 3.75-4.0). In addition, the Valedictorian of the graduating class is that senior maintaining the highest overall cumulative GPA at the end of the first semester of the senior year (December).

Accomodations

We strongly recommend that you make reservations as soon as possible to guarantee rooms as there are other events bound to happen in Charleston, a popular tourist destination.