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Am I eligible for the Dual Credit Program?

Eligible Students in 11th & 12th Grade
Eleventh and twelfth grade students with an overall minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) are automatically eligible for dual credit courses. Students with an overall grade point average between 2.5 – 2.99 (on a 4.0 scale) must provide a signed letter of recommendation from their principal or guidance counselor and provide written permission from a parent or legal guardian.

Eligible Students in 10th Grade
Tenth grade students must have an overall minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), provide a signed letter of recommendation from their principal and guidance counselor, and provide written permission from a parent or legal guardian.

Eligible Students in 9th Grade
Ninth grade students must have an overall minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), score at the 90th percentile or above on the ACT or SAT, provide a signed letter of recommendation from their principal and guidance counselor, and provide written permission from a parent or legal guardian.

Am I required to attend the ceremony?

Graduates are not required to participate in the Commencement Ceremony; however, we encourage you to do so. An email will be sent to potential graduates in early February requesting confirmation of participation in the ceremony. If you are participating, you will need to submit measurements for your cap and gown at that time. There is no charge for the cap and gown. However, if you order a cap and gown and do not participate in the Commencement Ceremony, you will be charged $30. A word of caution: You may not wish to participate in commencement, but your family may have other ideas. Please discuss this matter with your family before declining to participate.

Can I decorate my cap?

You can decorate your cap. All decorations must be on top of the cap without any items hanging from the sides. The decorations cannot have any profanity or inappropriate embellishments. You will be asked to remove the cap if it is inappropriately decorated.

Can I get a replacement diploma?

Keep your diploma in a safe place.
Replacement diplomas cost $25 and may be ordered at https://trcc.edu/diploma-replacement-form/

Can I order graduation announcements?

Yes, graduation announcements and other gifts are available for purchase at The College Store. You can email collegestore@trcc.edu for more information.

Can I wear an honor cord from high school or another organization?

Only honor cords and veteran cords distributed by the Office of the Registrar, PTK stoles, and Alpha Delta Nu stoles may be worn during the ceremony.

Do I get to keep my regalia?

Yes, the cap and gown are yours to keep. This allows you to get as many pictures as you desire, even with people who could not attend the ceremony. There is no charge for the cap and gown. However, if you order a cap and gown but do not participate, you will be charged $30.

Do I have to apply for graduation?

The simple answer is yes. You must apply for graduation. Three Rivers College has an enrollment of approximately 4,000 students who enter the College in different semesters and different years. Some have early college, advanced placement, or transfer credit, so they will complete their requirements more quickly than other students. Some are pursuing degree programs with different hour requirements. Some change majors or options and will need more hours to complete their recently declared major. With all those individual differences, it is nearly impossible for the College to determine who will actually be graduating when. So if you don’t apply for graduation, no one but you will know that you are planning to graduate.

Do other colleges and universities charge gift fees?

Yes, a gift fee of 3-6% is not uncommon at higher education foundations throughout the country. The University of Missouri currently charges a 3% fee. We are a relatively young organization with a comparatively small endowment, and thus endowment management fees only partially cover our costs of doing business. However, even older organizations with much larger endowments frequently charge gift fees.

Does the Three Rivers Endowment Trust charge other fees?

Like the vast majority of other foundations and trusts, the Three Rivers Endowment Trust realizes an annual fee to manage endowed funds that are invested in perpetuity by our investment agency. Because we want to maximize our endowment’s growth over time, we keep this annual management fee to a minimum, currently 1.15% of the market value of the endowment.

Does Three Rivers College have a partnership with my high school?

Current High School Partners

  • Advance High School
  • Bell City High School
  • Bernie High School
  • Bloomfield High School
  • Campbell High School
  • Caruthersville High School
  • Clarkton High School
  • Dexter High School
  • Doniphan High School
  • East Carter County High School
  • Greenville High School
  • Kennett High School
  • Malden High School
  • Naylor High School
  • Neelyville High School
  • Oran High School
  • Poplar Bluff High School
  • Richland High School
  • Risco High School
  • Scott City High School
  • Sikeston High School
  • Southern Reynolds High School
  • Van Buren High School
  • Zalma High School

If your high school is not partnered with us, but you are interested in Dual Credit, please contact our Dual Credit Coordinator, Amanda Taylor or 573-840-9619.

How are the operations of the Three Rivers Endowment Trust funded?

Endowment Trust operations are funded through a combination of unrestricted gifts, gift fees and direct support from Three Rivers College.

How can I ensure my name is pronounced correctly during the ceremony?

A name card will be provided during the ceremony where graduates can write their name out phonetically. The name card will be provided to the announcer, so that they can announce the graduate’s name correctly. The graduate can also meet with the announcer during the rehearsal or before the ceremony.

How do I get my Alpha Delta Nu stole?

Members of the nursing program’s honor society, Alpha Delta Nu, will receive the stole at the Nursing Pinning ceremony.

How do I order a transcript?

You are encouraged to preorder final transcripts and indicate on the request to hold these transcripts for a degree. Transcripts will be processed once the student’s academic records reflect graduated status. Learn more about transcripts here.

How do I order my regalia?

You will submit your cap and gown order online.
In early February, an email will be sent to potential graduates with information about the regalia order. Please check the Important Deadlines page for the deadline to order.

How do I set up and access myMail, myTRCC and Blackboard?

Get help setting up and accessing myMail, myTRCC and Blackboard.

View Log-In Instructions

How do I withdraw or drop a Dual Credit course?

Complete the Withdrawal/Drop Form and submit it to your advisor. Students are strongly encouraged to talk with their instructor and/or advisor before making the decision to drop a class.

How long will the ceremony last?

Traditionally the ceremony lasts 70 minutes.

How many guests may I bring to the commencement ceremony?

There is no limit to the number of guests you may invite.

How much does it cost to graduate?

There is no fee for graduation. There is also no charge for the regalia. However, if you order regalia and do not participate in the Commencement Ceremony, you will be charged $30.

How often does the gift fee change?

The Three Rivers Endowment Trust’s funding sources are recommended by our Finance Committee and approved by our Board. The Finance Committee reviews the gift fee on an annual basis. In order to assure budgetary and financial stability, it is changed only rarely.

How was the amount of funding issued through the CARES Act determined?

Three Rivers College determined that all Title IV eligible, degree seeking students who were attending face-to-face were impacted due to the change in the method of instruction on March 23, 2020. If you were originally enrolled in all on-line courses, you are ineligible. Due to this change, students lost access to technology on campus which included computer usage, printing, internet connectivity, etc. In addition, with the closure of campus housing, some students were required to relocate.

Grants were awarded based on estimated family contribution (EFC) that was calculated based on FAFSA information and current credit hour Spring 2020 enrollment status. Students with an EFC of $5,576 and below received approximately 80 percent of the funding. Awards were distributed as follows:

  • Full time—12 or more hours: $1,119.30
  • Three quarter—9 to 11 hours: $839.00
  • Half time—6-8 hours: $560.00
  • Less than half time—1-5 hours: $279.98

Students with an EFC of $5,577 or higher received the remaining portion of the funding. Awards were distributed as follows:

  • Full time—12 or more hours: $813.30
  • Three quarter—9 to 11 hours: $609.98
  • Half time—6-8 hours: $406.65
  • Less than half time—1-5 hours: $203.33

How will I get my diploma if I do not attend the ceremony?

Diplomas are not handed out at the ceremony. Diplomas will be printed after academic records are evaluated and degrees are posted on the academic record. When diplomas are printed, you will receive an email to your TRC student email account informing you diplomas are ready for pick up. We hold the diplomas in the Office of the Registrar for one week for students wishing to pick up the document(s). After one week, diplomas will be mailed to the address of record. Please confirm your mailing address is correct on your myTRCC account before diplomas are mailed. We are not responsible for diplomas lost or damaged in the mail.

I received my CARES Act payment as a refund. Does it mean my TRC account balance has been paid off?

No. Per federal guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, funds should be distributed directly to students.

If my family cannot attend commencement, how can they see me graduate?

We will have a live broadcast for your family and friends who cannot attend. The link can be found on the Commencement page.

Is there anything special I need to do if I take a course somewhere else during my final semester?

Yes. You will need to provide proof of enrollment for your application for graduation to be approved. You will then need to have your official transcript(s) sent to the Office of the Registrar when you complete the course.

May I participate in commencement other than in the semester when I graduate?

The annual Commencement Ceremony is held in May of each year. Students graduating in December are eligible to participate in the Commencement Ceremony the following May.
Students graduating in July can participate in the Commencement Ceremony in May before completing their degree or certificate.

The local non-profit organizations I support don’t charge gift fees. What’s the difference?

The difference is primarily one of terminology. All community organizations have operating costs. In general, revenue from contributions helps in part to support them, whether or not a formal gift fee is identified. United Way, for example, typically charges fees of 15% or more. In the non-profit sector, best practice standards hold that operating costs in the range of 15-20% are considered to be excellent, assuring that approximately $0.80 of every dollar contributed goes to providing direct services. By comparison, $0.96 of each dollar you give to the Three Rivers Endowment Trust gets put to work by Three Rivers College for the specific purpose you choose to support.

What do PTK members wear for the ceremony?

PTK members wear a stole from PTK. You will not wear the tassel, medallion, or cord from PTK. You can order your stole directly from PTK at www.ptk.org.

What if I am late for the ceremony?

It is very important to arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony to allow adequate time for line up. Late arrivals will not be allowed to have a seat on the floor after graduates have been seated. If you are late, you will be placed at the end of the line. Do not be late!!!

What if I fail a course or get an incomplete in my final semester?

Candidates for graduation have three weeks after commencement to complete grades of incomplete, submit official transcripts from other institutions, and verify the accuracy of grades received. If you believe you have received an incorrect grade, please discuss it with the instructor. If a failing grade is received in a course you need to graduate; you will need to enroll in suitable course work in a subsequent semester and apply for graduation in that semester.

What if I have questions regarding graduation and/or commencement?

Visit the Graduation webpage
You can also email us at registrar@trcc.edu, stop by the Office of the Registrar, or call the Office of the Registrar 573-840-9665.

What is on my diploma? When will I receive it, and how will it be packaged?

The diploma will show your name, your degree, honors, if applicable, and graduation date. Diplomas are 10″ x 8″ and printed in landscape format. You will receive an email when diplomas are ready to be picked up. If you do not pick up your diploma within one week, your diploma will be mailed to the address of record. It will arrive in a flat 9×12 cardboard mailer.

What is the Federal CARES Act?

Based on guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), IHE/Student Aid provides emergency financial aid grants to students to cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to the Student Aid funding, the CARES Act section 18004(a)(1) also provides an equal amount of Institutional Aid funding to cover college expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, the CARES Act section 18004(a)(2) Strengthening Institutions Program provides funds to institutions that are not participating in the other Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) programs but have at least 50 percent of their degree students receiving need-based assistance under Title IV of the Higher Education Act or have a substantial number of enrolled students receiving Pell Grants, and have low educational and general expenditures.

What is the proper dress for the ceremony?

You must wear the Three Rivers College Commencement regalia consisting of the black gown, cap, and tassel. No corsages or other items may be pinned or worn on the gown.
As a rule, graduates should dress up but dress comfortably. This is a formal event. Avoid T-shirts or jeans and pick shoes that you can wear for an extended period.

What is the Three Rivers Endowment Trust’s gift fee?

Each donation to the Three Rivers Endowment Trust is assessed a 4% one-time administrative fee. Endowed scholarships are excluded from the gift fees.

Gift fee revenue is directly related to the Endowment Trust’s cost of doing business. Effective fundraising requires the deployment of financial resources to cover direct costs of soliciting, processing and accounting for donated funds. As gifts to benefit Three Rivers College increase, the costs of gift receipting, accounting, and investing/disbursing funds increase. Additionally, the gift fee allows the Endowment Trust to reduce its reliance on direct funding for its operations from Three Rivers College, thus freeing College funds for education.

When do I get my diploma cover?

Diploma covers are presented during the ceremony to graduates who participate in the ceremony.

When do I need to arrive at the ceremony?

Graduates should check in to the designated place for line up at least 30 minutes before the beginning of the ceremony. Please allow adequate time for parking and a shuttle ride to the complex. Graduates should not bring any personal items into the lineup area.

When is the deadline to apply for graduation?

October 1 – Fall graduates
February 1 – Spring graduates
February 1 – Summer candidates wishing to participate in the Commencement Ceremony
June 1 – Summer candidates who do not wish to participate in the Commencement Ceremony.

When is the rehearsal for the commencement ceremony?

The rehearsal is at 11 a.m. on the same day as the commencement ceremony at the Libla Family Sports Complex. Graduates are highly encouraged to attend rehearsal as every aspect of the ceremony will be reviewed. Please arrive 15 minutes early. You should not wear your regalia to rehearsal.

When should I apply for graduation?

We encourage you to apply for graduation as soon as you have completed enrollment for your final semester. Applying early allows for time to resolve any unexpected problems.

When will I receive my diploma?

You should receive your diploma within four weeks after the term you complete the degree requirements. When diplomas are printed, you will receive an email to your TRC student email account informing you diplomas are ready for pick up. We hold the diplomas in the Office of the Registrar for one week for students wishing to pick up the document(s). After one week, diplomas will be mailed to the address of record. Please confirm your mailing address is correct on your myTRCC account before diplomas are mailed. We are not responsible for diplomas lost or damaged in the mail.

Where do I park on the day of the ceremony?

Graduates and guests can park in the parking lots across from the baseball field, in front of the Tinnin Fine Arts Center, the Bess Activity Center, and the Westwood Event Center. Designated pick-up and drop-off spots on those lots are marked with Event Pick-up banners. There will be shuttles running from the parking lots to the complex. Please allow adequate time for parking and a shuttle ride to the ceremony.
You may pull up to the front of the Libla Family Sports Complex to drop off family members, then proceed to park in the designated areas.

Where do I pick up my regalia?

When you submit your order for your cap and gown, you will choose which TRC location you wish to pick up your order. Please check the Important Deadlines page for the dates to pick up your cap and gown.
You will receive an email with detailed information regarding your pick-up location, dates and times.

Where is the ceremony held?

The ceremony will be held in the Libla Family Sports Complex on the Three Rivers College Poplar Bluff Campus. The Libla Family Sports Complex is a 60,000-square-foot gymnasium that seats over 3,000 people and is home to the College’s Raiders and Lady Raiders basketball teams.

Where is wheelchair-accessible entry and seating?

The wheelchair ramp is located on the northeast corner of the building. The wheelchair-accessible entry and regular seating can be accessed through the main entrance of the Libla Family Sports Complex. Individuals using a wheelchair and one guest will be positioned on the upper west side of the facility. Individuals with other accessibility needs will be assisted as needed.

Who do I contact if I need disability support at the ceremony?

Graduates who anticipate needing accommodations to participate will submit this information with their regalia order. If you have specific questions, please contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@trcc.edu.

Why did I get money through the CARES Act?

The U.S. Department of Education has made CARES Act funds available to students who incurred expenses as a result of COVID-19 related disruptions to campus operations. Based on federal guidance, these funds are provided to help students cover expenses related to food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and childcare expenses.

Will I receive a college transcript?

By registering for classes through Three Rivers College, the student agrees that his/her transcript will be released (without charge) at the conclusion of the semester directly to the high school’s authorized contact person.

You can request an additional transcript from the Registrar.

Will my credits transfer?

The Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE) has identified a common set of general education courses, commonly known as CORE 42. CORE 42 courses are guaranteed to transfer to any Missouri public college or university to satisfy general education requirements. All courses fall under the Core 42 MOTR Guarantee unless noted otherwise.

CORE 42 offers several courses across five knowledge areas: Communications (oral and written), Humanities and Fine Arts, Mathematical Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. The state designates these courses with a Missouri Transfer (MOTR) course number. This designation guarantees the one-to-one transfer of these courses to all Missouri public institutions of higher education.

Courses that do not have the CORE 42 designation may still transfer. Three Rivers College encourages students to confirm the transfer equivalency and requirements of the institution to which they plan to transfer.

Will my program of study be announced as well as my name?

No, program of study and degrees will not be announced, just students’ names.

Will there be a photographer?

Yes. All graduates will have a photo taken before the ceremony and another photo on the stage receiving their diploma cover. These photos will be available to download at no charge. Graduates should check their TRC email account in the weeks following the ceremony for information.

Will we sit in alphabetical order or by program of study?

Graduates are not arranged by program of study or by name. Graduates are invited to line up with their friends at the rehearsal to increase the likelihood they will be seated next to one another at the ceremony,

Main Campus
2080 Three Rivers Blvd., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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