Graduation

Students are eligible to participate in the Fall ceremony if they earned their degree or certificate during the Summer 2026 & Fall 2026 term. In order to participate in the ceremony and/or to receive a printed diploma, Summer graduates must complete the Application for Diploma by Wednesday, July 29, 2026 and Fall 2026 graduates must complete the Application for Diploma by Friday, December 4, 2026.

Fall 2026 Ceremonies

On the day of graduation, please arrive at the College one hour early to receive your instructions prior to the ceremony. If you need special accommodations for the graduation ceremony, please communicate your needs to the Office of Student Services by Tuesday, December 1, 2026, so that provisions may be made.

Caps and Gowns

Caps and Gowns will be purchased through the Herff Jones website. Graduation regalia will be shipped directly to you. The deadline to place your Herff Jones order is Friday, November 6, 2026​ at 10:59 pm CST.  Students should allow approximately 4 weeks for cap and gown delivery and approximately 3 weeks for announcement delivery. Additional items such as the associate degree hood and honor cords are available for purchase from Herff Jones.

Approved attire for ceremonies is as follows:

• Black Gown
  Black Cap
  Tassel
  Associate Degree Hood
  Gold Honor Cords for Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude, or With Distinction Designations
  Honor Society Stoles

Proper Attire and Etiquette

Ceremony Etiquette

• The Commencement Ceremony is a time of great honor and dignity and a special occasion for our graduates. We ask that you refrain from talking, cheering, excessive movement, and using electronic devices during the ceremony.
• Once you have entered the auditorium and have been seated, you are expected to remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony, marked by the candidate recessional.
• You will be asked to remove any improper attire, signs, and insignia.
• Cell phones and other electronic equipment should be turned off.
• Valuables should be left in your vehicle or at home prior to arriving at your assembly location. Do not leave purses, keys, or other personal items in the line-up room or hallway. The College is not responsible for items left in the assembly room, hallways, or in the auditorium.

Suggested Attire for Women

• dark dress or pants, cool fabric
• dark low heel or flat shoes
• no high collars or bows at the neck
• no corsages or jewelry on the robe

Suggested Attire for Men

• dark trousers, white shirts, a tie is optional
• dark shoes and socks
• ​no sandals

Positioning the Graduation Attire

• Position the cap so the top is flat. The cap should not be set on the back of the head. The front of the cap point should be approximately one inch above the eyebrows. Please secure it with a bobby pin.
• Place the tassel on the right side during the ceremony. Graduates will be told when to move the tassel to the left.