UACCM will hold a commencement ceremony in mid-May of each year. The Registrar's office hosts a Grad Fair where, among other things, students who have applied for graduation can pick up their caps and gowns. Academic honor cords, Phi Theta Kappa stoles, Veteran stoles, etc. are distributed immediately before each commencement ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the ceremony?
Consult the academic calendar for specific dates. Please arrive 45 minutes before your specified ceremony time.
Where do I go for the ceremony?
Check the UACCM Academic Calendar for date and location.
How do I get a cap and gown?
Caps and gowns are provided free to our graduates who plan to participate in the commencement ceremony. We hold a Grad Fair on campus a few weeks prior to commencement where students can pick up their cap and gown, have a photograph taken, and receive pre- and post-graduation information that may be helpful. Information about the Grad Fair and cap and gown availability will be posted on UACCM social media and students may receive a notification of the date and time by email. If students are unable to pick up their cap and gown at the Fair, they may pick them up in the Registrar's Office anytime following the Grad Fair. We also post cap and gown information on social media.
Is there a rehearsal prior to the ceremony?
Yes, rehearsals will be at 4:00 pm on the day before the ceremony in location the ceremony is held. Graduates will also be given instructions prior to the ceremony beginning during line-up.
What should I wear?
All attendees, including graduates, are encouraged to wear attire appropriate to honor the occasion. Graduates wear their caps and gowns during the ceremony.
What do I bring to the ceremony?
Graduates must bring their cap, gown, and tassel. Please DO NOT bring purses, cameras, coats, etc., to the line-up area as there is no storage area for these items. We recommend that students leave these items with family and friends whom will be attending the ceremony.
What happens once I arrive?
Signs will direct graduates to the line-up area where they will check in, receive honor cords (if applicable), Phi Theta Kappa stole (if applicable), Veteran stole (if applicable), etc. and a walk card that includes the graduates's name, program/major area, honors, etc., which will be handed to the announcer to use for announcing the graduate's name as they walk across the stage to receive their diploma cover.
NOTE: Graduates must return the Phi Theta Kappa stoles to the PTK Sponsors after the ceremony and prior to leaving the premises.
Once checked in, graduates will line up numerically by the number on their walk-card. Once the ceremony begins, deans will lead the graduates to their seats.
How will I know if I am an Honor Graduate?
To be designated an honor graduate, students must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 or higher at the time of graduation.
Because commencement is held before final semester grades are posted, honors designations for the ceremonies are based on cumulative GPA immediately preceding the graduates final semester. If the graduate's preceding GPA is 3.50 – 3.69, the walk card will state “Cum Laude.” If the graduate's preceding GPA is 3.70 - 3.89, the walk card will state “Magna Cum Laude”. If the graduate's preceding GPA is 3.90 - 4.00, the walk card will state “Summa Cum Laude”.
Actual Honor Graduate designations will be made after the graduate's final semester hours are calculated into your GPA.
Will there be restrooms available for use in the line-up area?
Yes, there are restrooms near the line-up area.
Do my guests need tickets to the ceremony?
No. We do not issue tickets; however, we may ask that you limit the number of guests that can be invited to the ceremony. Normally, seating is limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis. More information will be available closer to the ceremony date and may depend on the CDC or Department of Health guidelines.
Will there be a photographer at the ceremony?
UACCM does not provide a photographer for individual pictures; however, someone from our staff may take pictures and they may be viewed and downloaded following the event on the college's Flickr Page. The college photographs its students, employees, and the public at college functions for use in UACCM promotional and marketing materials. It is assumed that those who attending the ceremony give permission to the college to use their image in printed or electronic communications. A UACCM backdrop will be provided at the reception following graduation for graduates and their guests to use.
Will I receive my diploma at the ceremony?
No. Diplomas are printed only after requirements are checked for all graduates, approximately 6-8 weeks after commencement. Recent graduates will receive an automated text message when diplomas are ready and will be given an opportunity to pick up their diploma or have it mailed to the address on file. Students are advised to check their current contact information on the My UACCM Portal.
Anything else I should know?
Graduates will wear tassels on the right side of the cap until degrees are conferred. Women will wear their caps throughout the ceremony. Men will remove their caps during the national anthem.
Please turn off all cell phones during the ceremony.