Commencement Ceremony

• Each row of graduates will be given a signal from their respective Aisle Marshal on when to stand and proceed to the stage. All other graduates will need to remain seated.
• Upon reaching the podium, each graduate will give their identification card to the announcer. Each graduate will be greeted with a handshake by President Capps after their name is called and will be presented with a diploma case. Graduates are then to proceed straight ahead where a photograph will be taken by Photo Specialties. *Information on how to order your pictures will be sent from Photo Specialties 1-2 weeks after the graduation ceremony. The Graduation Coordinator does not handle any information about photographs.
• NOTE THAT PARTICIPATION IN THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY IS NOT CONFIRMATION OF GRADUATION. FINAL CERTIFICATION WILL BE COMPLETED WHEN ALL FINAL GRADES HAVE BEEN POSTED AND REVIEWED.
• Diploma mailing: All degrees will be mailed to the address that you used when you completed your graduation application. If you need to change your address, you will need to complete a student records change form.
  • Fall degrees will be available in late March
  • Spring degrees will be available in late August
  • Summer degrees will be available in late October

Rehearsal for the annual commencement event will be held on Thursday May 14, 2020, at 10 AM at Liberty University. The facility will open at 9 AM for graduates who wish to participate in the rehearsal; there will be no early admission. Only CVCC graduates will be admitted at 10 AM. Students should arrive no later than 9:45 AM to be placed in line. Students who arrive after 9:45 AM can watch the rehearsal in the stands, but will not be able to be placed in line for the rehearsal. While graduation rehearsal is not required, it is strongly encouraged that all graduates attend the rehearsal. Graduates are required to stay during the entire length of the graduation rehearsal; rehearsal will last until 12 PM. At 12 PM all graduates will be asked to vacate the facility as we will need to continue our set up for the event, so please plan accordingly. The facility will re-open at 5:00 PM for graduates and guests.

Aisle marshals will direct graduates and faculty how to recess.

Graduates are required to be in graduation regalia to participate in the ceremony. Students are able to purchase all graduation regalia from the CVCC bookstore. Graduation regalia includes, but is not limited to, cap, gown, tassel, and CVCC stole. Honors graduates will receive a gold tassel at the check-in for the ceremony.

Graduates who are Phi Theta Kappa Members can wear the PTK stole in place of the CVCC stole. Members may also purchase the PTK Honor Cord as part of their graduation regalia. Information on this can be found at at https://portal.ptk.org/Store/Graduation/GraduationDetail.aspx?productId=55173679. 

Business attire is encouraged under gowns.

Dress or blouse and slacks/skirt.
If you're wearing heels, be sure to try them on before the ceremony to ensure they are comfortable. You will be walking down stairs. Low heeled or flat shoes are highly recommended.

Dress shirt with slacks (tie optional) and dress shoes.

Please note these specific exclusions: no flip flops, tennis shoes, or jeans

If you wish to donate your cap/gown/stole for future graduates in need contact the College Registrar or it can be dropped off at the Admissions & Records Office.