Commencement

Graduation is an official process whereby the College reviews your academic record to verify that all the requirements for a specific degree, diploma, or certificate have been met. Once verified, the student may graduate with that credential at the end of the semester in spring, summer, or fall in which all final academic requirements are completed, providing there are no outstanding balances or disciplinary issues with the College. 

Commencement is a ceremony where we come together to celebrate students’ academic accomplishments. It is held once a year, in May, and honors students who have graduated with a degree or diploma within the past academic year, as well as those who will complete their program requirements during the upcoming summer semester. These students are eligible to participate in the College’s commencement exercises. 

There is a $35 fee for each degree, diploma, or certificate the student is applying for. 

There is no fee to participate in the commencement ceremonies, making this special day accessible to all graduates. There are, however, some associated costs. Students must have submitted a graduation application, which carries a $35 fee for each degree, diploma, or certificate. A black cap and gown are required, with costs to purchase or rent varying. Any additional cords or stoles earned are optional and may require a separate purchase. For your convenience, regalia can be ordered through the CVCC Campus Store.

Students will receive their tickets to commencement at any of the rehearsals scheduled prior to the day of commencement. These tickets will be attached to their name cards with their printed credentials.

To ensure that all graduates are able to have guests present to celebrate this special day, each student will receive five (5) tickets to commencement that they can share with their family and friends.

Children three years of age and younger, and who will sit on a person’s lap, do not need a ticket. All other children will need a ticket to enter the arena

Doors open one hour before the ceremony for both graduates and guests. 

The ceremony will last approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Please keep in mind that traffic may be heavy both before and after the ceremony and guests should allow extra time to walk from the parking lot, as some parking lots may be farther from the venue as they fill. 

CVCC’s commencement ceremonies at the Tarlton Complex will not be live-streamed. 

For safety reasons, strollers are not permitted in the arena due to the large number of attendees and potential tripping hazards. Parents and guardians are welcome to check strollers in the lobby before entering the ceremony. We greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us keep the event safe and enjoyable for everyone. 

Each student will cross the stage one time during the ceremony, but every degree and diploma earned will be proudly listed in the commencement program, to celebrate all your accomplishments! 

Parking on campus is free; guests will be guided to the closest available parking to make their experience smooth as possible.

Yes, all students participating in commencement exercises are required to wear a black cap and gown appropriate for the occasion. Regalia can be ordered through the CVCC Campus Store.

ADA guest seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Members of the same party are welcome to sit together so your family can enjoy the ceremony side by side. For assistance, or questions, please contact  [email protected].

Students will not receive their official diploma on the day of the commencement ceremony. Whether or not a student participates in the ceremony, all eligible graduates who have submitted a graduation application will receive instructions via their CVCC student email outlining the steps to receive their diploma. 

Graduates will receive an email from Parchment (not CVCC) approximately 2–4 weeks after the end of the term, once all grades and requirements are verified. The email will include a link to access your digital diploma, which can be downloaded and shared on social media. Students have 72 hours to confirm their mailing address, and the paper diploma will be sent out by Parchment within 7–10 business days. This is your official recognition of all your hard work.

Yes! Each graduate will have a commencement program at their seat, and guests will receive programs as they enter the arena. 

High Honors and Honors designations are based on a students’ cumulative GPA at the end of the fall term prior to commencement.  Students can view their cumulative GPA in their My CVCC Portal. 

• High Honors: 3.800 – 4.000 GPA 

• Honors: 3.500 – 3.799 GPA 

The regalia honors package is the same for both designations and can be purchased through the CVCC Campus Store. If a student’s designations changes after the spring or summer term, the updated designation will appear on their official diploma.