The Office of Student Activities is responsible for the set up of graduation exercises and the honors convocation. The Student Activities Office is also responsible for the ordering of caps and gowns for the faculty and staff as well as the graduates.

In February, the Office mails a letter to all graduates from January and the previous August, inviting them to participate in the graduation exercises. This letter also contains an order form for those choosing to return for the exercise,and all those that do will receive a graduation packet in April.

In March, the Office notifies all May graduates of the dates for measurements for regalia. Prospective graduates must file a graduation application available in the Registrar's Office. Graduates are informed about the application process by either their academic advisor or through general College Publicity.

The application needs to be filed by a specified date and the graduation fee of $30 paid in the Business Office. This fee covers such expenses as: the Diploma, diploma jacket and cap and gown purchase. The graduation fee is a mandatory fee whether or not you attend the ceremonies.

In the latter part of April, a graduation packet is sent to all candidates informing them of preparations required for graduation and listing the schedule of events for commencement day.

The graduation packet includes: Invitations/announcements, instructions for the day's events, alumni information, photo information, graduation dinner-dance information.

Cap and Gown:

Students must get measured for their cap and gown in the Student Activities Office in March.

All faculty, staff and students pick up their cap and gown the Monday or Tuesday before graduation. The graduates are given a placement card which gives them the line position of where they need to line up for the processional. The office prepares this line as well as the card. Some academic areas request to "sit together" or "graduate together",such as the nursing students, early childhood, etc. These arrangements need to be made well in advance, since the Line of March is prepared approximately 2-3 weeks before commencement.

Rain Admit Tickets:

Each graduate is given only two rain admit tickets. The reason for this is that the gymnasium can only hold a limited amount of people legally. Rain admission tickets are distributed at cap and gown pick up.

In case of inclement weather, a decision will be made by 10:00 a.m. on the day of commencement as to where the ceremony will be held.

Commencement

Location:

The graduation exercises will take place on the George A. Strba Soccer Field at the main campus. Graduation begins at 6:00 p.m. Graduates should be in their caps and gowns and in the line of march by 5:30 p.m.

In case of inclement weather, a decision will be made by 10:00 a.m. on the day of commencement as to where the ceremony will be held.

There is no rehearsal for graduation.

Photos:

The Alumni Association sponsors a photographer who takes a photo of each graduate as they receive their degree. The proof is sent home and then the graduate can decide what and if they will order. The orders are done directly through the photographer.

Honors Convocation:

The Honors Convocation is held each year on the afternoon of graduation. The program for the convocation includes recognizing those graduating students who have achieved the highest cumulative grade point average in each Associate Degree level program of study that has at least ten graduates. These academic awards are presented by the respective department heads, with the assistance of departmental faculty. It also publicly presents scholarship awards to deserving students and graduates. Special awards and scholarships for both continuing and graduating students are presented at the Honors Convocation.