Completion Coaching

What is a Completion Coach?

A completion coach is like your personal guide and advocate, helping you stay on track to reach your academic, career, and personal goals. They provide personalized support, connect you to resources, and keep you motivated to overcome challenges and successfully cross the finish line to graduation.

How Can a Completion Coach Assist You?

  • Coach students through academic, financial and/or personal struggles
  • Help with understanding funding options for your final classes.  
  • Assist with applying for graduation.
  • Assistance with understanding program progress and remaining requirements.
  • Referrals for funding and employment resources.
  • Referral to other SSC Resources.
  • Personalized Check Ins.

Meet with us!

Our Completion Coach, Chelsea Hoffman, offers individual advising and support to students to finish their degrees or certificates.

Photo of Chelsea HoffmanChelsea Hoffman
South Seattle College
Completion Coach
Schedule an Appointment

 


 

Our Commitment to You

Mission

To empower students through holistic, strengths-based coaching that fosters resilience, removes barriers, and equips them with the tools to achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals. We are committed to creating a culture of care and belonging, delivering timely support and guidance, and preparing students for success beyond academia.

Vision

To be a trusted partner in every student’s journey, transforming challenges into opportunities and cultivating a supportive community where every individual feels valued, inspired, and prepared to thrive in life beyond the classroom.

Your goals, our guidance – let’s cross the finish line together!

What You Otter Know

Higher Lifetime Earnings

  • Completing a credential pays off—literally.
  • On average, associate degree holders earn $400,000 more over their lifetime than those with just a high school diploma.
  • Even many certificate programs lead to 10–30% higher wages, especially in skilled trades and technical fields.

Career Advancement

  • A certificate or degree isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s a launchpad.
  • Credentials can open doors to promotions, leadership roles, and licensing in many professions.
  • Employers often look for formal education when considering someone for a higher-level job.

Job Stability

  • When times get tough, credentials help you stay standing.
  • Workers with postsecondary credentials have lower unemployment rates and better job security.
  • Education gives you the skills and flexibility to adapt when industries change.

Career Flexibility

  • Looking to pivot? Education makes it possible.
  • A certificate or degree makes it easier to switch industries or roles.
  • Many certificate programs are stackable, so you can build toward a higher credential later without starting over.

Yes! You need to officially apply to graduate. This is how the college confirms you’ve completed your program and can award your degree or certificate.

If you don’t apply, your graduation won’t be processed—which means:

  • You won’t get your diploma or certificate.
  • You can’t list your degree as completed on your resume or job applications.
  • You won’t have that credential to transfer with or fall back on later.

So even if you’re already working, transferring, or just super busy—don’t skip this step! It’s quick, and it’s how your hard work becomes official.

Commencement

  • Official completion of all degree or certificate requirements
  • Degree is posted to your transcript
  • Friends, family, and fun—no diploma needed to attend!

In short:
Graduation = official
Commencement = celebration

Test your knowledge about graduation and commencement with some fun games! Whether you're confident or curious, it's time to gear up, play hard, and make sure you're on track to finish strong — the fun way!

Step one. Apply to graduate! After that, your diploma usually gets mailed a few weeks after the quarter ends—make sure your address is up to date in ctcLink!

Navigating Your Path to Success

It's completely normal to run into challenges along your academic journey. Below are some common topics, and links to help point you in the right direction. If you ever need extra help, our Completion Coach is just a message away. Feel free to reach out anytime!