Commencement FAQs
What is the difference between commencement and graduation?
Commencement ceremonies are the services held in May each year. These are the ceremonies in which the achievement of the degree or certificate is recognized and celebrated by the college and the students’ friends and family.
Graduation is the process of being awarded a degree or certificate. All students wishing to graduate must apply for graduation by the application deadline that is advertised on the Academic Calendar. Applying for graduation is a college requirement that must be met by each student wishing to graduate. If you do not apply for graduation, you have not met all your degree requirements.
What day is commencement?
The December 2024 commencement ceremony will be held at the International Center for Trade on Tuesday, December 17th at 7:00 pm.
What do I wear and where do I get it?
- All participants must wear academic regalia that is approved and provided by the institutional departments. This applies to gowns, caps, stoles, cords, etc. No custom regalia may be used at the ceremony.
- Caps, gowns, and tassels are available at the Campus Bookstore.
- The tassel is worn on the right side of the cap until the end of the commencement ceremony when graduates are instructed to shift the tassel to the left side.
- It is recommended that you take your regalia out of the bag and place it on a hanger a few days before your ceremony in order to decrease the wrinkles.
- Caps may be decorated as long as it is in good taste. Decorations may not include profanity, reference to alcohol or controlled substances, political statements or symbols, or political party references.
Do I need tickets for my guests and family to attend commencement? (NEW: Please Read)
Due to limited capacity of the venue, in addition to safety and security, graduates will receive “6 tickets” each to distribute to family and friends. Graduates should have their gowns on while in line to enter venue and be directed to their check-in station.
All guests, including graduates will enter the venue at the main front entrance. Everyone entering the venue will be subject to a security screening.
Can I participate in commencement if I have not completed all my requirements?
Only students who have applied for graduation before the deadline are allowed to participate in the commencement ceremonies.
Can I participate in a different ceremony other than the one for my respective degree?
In the event you have met requirements for more than one degree/certificate you may choose the ceremony in which you will participate.
Dual Credit/Early College students from Uvalde, Knippa and Sabinal high schools will attend the Saturday, May 18th commencement ceremony at 10:00 am. Please communicate with your high school counselor for more information.
Can a military student wear their dress uniform in lieu of the cap and gown?
Students in the military must also wear academic regalia. Uniforms may be worn underneath the regalia.
Is there a commencement rehearsal?
No, there is no rehearsal for commencement. Please arrive early before the scheduled start time for check-in and lineup.
What time should I arrive for commencement?
You should arrive 1 ½ hours prior to the ceremony start time.
How many guests can I invite to the commencement ceremonies? (NEW: Please Read)
Due to limited capacity of the venue, in addition to safety and security, graduates will receive “6 tickets” each to distribute to family and friends. Graduates should have their gowns on while in line to enter venue and be directed to their check-in station.
All guests, including graduates will enter the venue at the main front entrance. Everyone entering the venue will be subject to a security screening.
I walked in the ceremony, does that mean I graduated?
No. Participation in a commencement ceremony does not imply or infer the awarding of a degree at the time of the commencement ceremony; a final degree audit must be completed before a degree is officially awarded.
Why won’t I get my diploma at commencement? I have completed my degree.
Diplomas for graduates who have officially completed their certificate/degree programs will be mailed in January 2025 to mailing address on record. Transcripts with degree information will be available to be requested approximately 2-3 business days after the official closing of the semester. Due to the December holiday break it is recommended to complete the online transcript request and select “hold for grades”.
*All obligations (fines, transcripts, device check-out, etc.) with the college must be cleared before diplomas and official/final transcripts will be issued.