When and where does Commencement take place?
It is traditionally held on the last Friday of May in the college gymnasium. This year's ceremony will take place on Friday, May 31, 2013 in the Gymnasium, Bldg. 600.
What time does the Commencement Ceremony start?
The procession into the gym begins at 7:25 p.m. and the program officially starts at 7:30 p.m. The ceremony usually ends by 9:00 p.m. Seating will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Who is eligible to participate in the Commencement Ceremony?
Only students who have completed their course work from the previous summer 2012 and fall 2012 semesters, as well as those graduating in the spring 2013. Students graduating in the coming summer 2013 will be invited to next year's graduation--not this year.
How many students participate in the ceremony?
Approximately 200-250 graduates participate in the commencement ceremony each year.
Do students get a graduation information packet mailed to them?
No, all communications regarding graduation are emailed to the graduates, so it is critical that we have a valid email address for each graduate. The first communication will be sent to graduates during the first week of April 2013. Continue checking the Commencement website for up-to-date information.
Where can I obtain a cap and gown and what is the cost?
Graduates can purchase their cap and gown at the NVC Bookstore for $33 including tax begining mid April. The cap and gown attire is not required; however, most graduates do wear one. The Bookstore will NOT be open on Friday, May 31st and it closes at 5:15 p.m. the Thursday before commencement, so don’t wait till the last minute to purchase them.
Are graduating students given tickets for their guests?
Yes, this year graduates participating in the ceremony will be given 6 tickets for their family and guests. The tickets will be distributed on Friday, May 31 after the 10 a.m. morning rehearsal. If a student is unable to attend the rehearsal and can't pick up their tickets in the morning, they will be able to pick them up at 6:00 p.m. at the Graduate Check-in Table located in the Quad.
Do graduates need to RSVP to participate in Commencement?
Yes, students who plan to participate in the commencement ceremony will need to fill out an online RSVP form that will soon be available. The RSVP deadline is Friday, May 24. It is critical that we have an accurate count of graduates, so that we have sufficient seats reserved for all participating graduates and so that we can prepare your tickets.
Can I get a Graduate Information Card?
The Graduate Information Card will be distributed to graduates before the morning rehearsal on May 31, so that graduates can fill them out and have them ready for when they go up the stage during the practice. The cards will be collected from each graduate at the rehearsal and will be picked up in the evening by each graduate when they arrive to check-in and line up.
The graduate information cards will also be available the week before commencement outside of the Office of Student Services, Rm 1330, for any graduate who wishes to pick it up in advance and have enough time to fill it out before the morning rehearsal.
Graduates who cannot attend the rehearsal can pick up a card from the Office of Student Services or they just need to arrive by 6:00 p.m. in the evening to obtain one from the Graduate Check-in table. The check-in table will be located at the south end of the Quad (next to the Bear Fountain). This will give you enough time to fill out the card and have it checked prior to lining up with the rest of the graduates. All graduates must have a fully completed card in their hands as they walk to the stage. Names are read from this card--not from the program.
Do graduates need to Check-in the evening of Commencement?
Yes, all graduates MUST stop at the Graduate Check-In Table near the Bear Fountain starting at 6:00 p.m., prior to lining up with the other graduates, to pick up a program book, your “Graduate Information Card” and tickets if you did not attend the rehearsal. Your name will be read from this card--not from the program.
The information card will be the only item graduates will have on their hands when they walk up the stage to receive their diploma cover.
If graduates can't/don't attend rehearsal, can they still attend the ceremony?
Yes. The graduation rehearsal is not mandatory; however, it is strongly recommended for students to attend the rehearsal (about 1.5 hrs but could be up to 2 hrs including distribution of tickets), so that they understand exactly where to check-in in the evening, how they will line up in the Quad, how they will proceed into the gym and which side they will be sitting. The more students we have participating in the rehearsal, the smoother the ceremony will run in the evening.
The rehearsal also gives students the opportunity to ask any questions they might have. In addition, students will be able to pick up their 6 tickets after the rehearsal.
How do students petition for graduation?
Students must petition for degrees by a specified date in the semester prior to the term they anticipate to graduate. Check the Graduation section under the Admissions & Records page for details on how to petition for graduation.
When are diplomas mailed out to graduates?
Diplomas are mailed in October to all graduates, even if you do not participate in the ceremony. If your address changes before then or if you have other questions regarding your diploma, please call the Admissions and Records Office at (707) 256-7207.