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Commencement Information

Are you expected to graduate with the Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 class? If so, please review the information below to prepare for Commencement!

Commencement will take place at Marauder Stadium on Friday, May 30. Gates open at 3:30 p.m. and graduates must be checked in no later than 4:30 p.m. The ceremony will start promptly at 5 p.m. and will last approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

For details on applying for graduation, eligibility, and requirements, visit: Graduation Office.

Important Deadlines

  • April 30: Submit both the Graduation Application and Commencement Card to receive 5 guest tickets and be included in the Commencement Program.
     
  • May 14: Submit by this date to be included in the Commencement Program (no guaranteed tickets).
     
  • May 28: Submit by this date to walk across the stage (no tickets and no program inclusion). Guests can watch via Live Stream (Link TBD).

Ensure both forms are submitted by the appropriate deadlines to fully participate in Commencement.

Steps to Participate in Commencement

Step #1: Submit Your Graduation Application

  • Submit your application in person, by U.S. mail, or online through the Graduation website.
     
  • Priority Processing Deadlines:
    • Spring/Summer graduates: September 6
    • Fall graduates: February 14
       
  • Registered Nurses must submit by the end of the second term.
     
  • Applications submitted after the deadline will not appear in the Commencement Program.

Step #2: Submit Your 2025 Commencement Card

  • The commencement card confirms your participation in the ceremony. It's' your RSVP. If you encounter an error, log out of any non-AVC email accounts and use your AVC email to complete the form.

Step #3: Attend Grad Fair

  • During Grad Fair, you can purchase your Cap, Gown, and Tassel in the AVC Bookstore (Items are for purchase in person not online) and get your Graduate Portraits taken by Ultimate Exposures. Appointments for portraits are required. Schedule Your Graduation Portraits early for best availability.

  • Grad Fair Dates & Times:
    • Monday, March 17 from 12-5 p.m. 
    • Tuesday, March 18 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
    • Thursday, March 27 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 
    • Student Lounge and the Student Center

Step #4: Obtain your Electronic Tickets

  • Tickets availability through Purple Pass TBD.
  • If you are having issues redeeming your tickets, please email us at commencement@avc.edu for assistance.
  • Due to stadium capacity students will receive no more than 5 guest tickets. Children under 4 years of age who can sit on an adult's lap do not need a guest ticket. Guests who are unable to receive a ticket will be able to cheer their graduate on while watching the live stream from the comfort of their home.
  • Students will go to the website and add 1 graduate ticket and up to 5 guest tickets to their cart.
  • Then enter your entire 900 # as your code. If you are not a verified graduate you will not be able to checkout.
  • You will need to enter your code twice. Once under the graduate portion and once under the guest portion
  • You can only go in once to redeem the tickets. Please redeem both yours and your guests' tickets at the same time. You will not be able to go back in once you check out.
  • Enter your information and confirm your order.
  • Download your tickets and send them to your guests!

Step #5: Attend a Grad Practice Session

  • 5/26/25 or 5/27/25
  • Performing Arts Theatre
  • More information coming soon

Step #6: Make sure you and your guests are ready for Commencement Day!

  • Review the information below for important details and disclaimers and continue monitoring your AVC email and the Commencement website for important announcements.

Step #7: Attend Commencement and celebrate your achievements!

  • Gates open at 3:30 p.m. (Marauder Stadium)
  • Graduates must be checked in at the back check in tables no later than 4:30 p.m.
  • The ceremony will start promptly at 5 p.m. It will last approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

  • The traditional black cap and gown with the AVC Tassel is required to participate. 
     
  • Clothing under the gown should be business casual.  
     
  • For your safety, do not wear shoes with heels and/or spikes. If found wearing shoes with heels and/or spikes, you will be asked to remove them, or you will not be able to participate in the ceremony.  
     
  • At the end of the ceremony, staff will be collecting any regalia items you wish to donate to aide graduating Marauders in future commencements.
  • Graduates must be checked in no later than 4:30 p.m. 
     
  • The ceremony will start promptly at 5 p.m. It will last approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours. 
     
  • Wear flat shoes. High heels/spiked shoes are not allowed due to safety concerns. If you do wear high heels or spiked shoes you will not be allowed to participate. 
     
  • At check-in, you will receive your name card and will be asked to take a photo for facial recognition. This card is important and cannot be replaced. 
     
  • Once you receive your name card, you will need to verify your name as you would like it read aloud. 
     
  • Next, you will go stand in line for the student processional, which will begin around 30 minutes before commencement begins. 
     
  • Once graduates have entered the check-in area, they will not be able to leave. 
     
  • All graduates must remain seated during the commencement ceremony. 
  • Students who complete at least 60 units in degree-applicable, letter-graded courses and earn a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher are eligible for graduation with honors. Please note, individuals graduating with a certificate are not eligible for honors distinction.

If you are graduating with honors, your name will be highlighted in the program with asterisks based on the following designation:

  • 3.25-3.49 Cum laude*
  • 3.50-3.74 Magna cum laude**
  • 3.75-4.0 Summa cum laude***
  • While it is customary for graduates to enjoy and celebrate with their peers, Graduates must adhere to the Standards of Student Conduct and maintain professionalism.  
     
  • Please ensure sufficient time to arrive and check-in for Commencement and remain present for the entire program. 
  • Watching your graduate take this step toward their future is a memorable one. Please follow these tips for making this ceremony a pleasant and special experience for everyone. 
     
  • Make sure your guests have their tickets as well! We do not have a way to process tickets at the gate. Please ensure your tickets are either downloaded and can be scanned electronically or printed. Do not forget your tickets! 
  • Gates will open at 3:30 p.m. 
     
  • Seats are first-come, first-served; saving seats will not be allowed, please assemble your party before entering the stadium. 
     
  • Arrive early and be in your seat 15 minutes prior to the start time of the ceremony. 
     
  • Please remain seated throughout the ceremony. 
     
  • Be respectful of fellow guests around you. 
     
  • Guests are not permitted on or in front of the stage to take photographs or video. 
     
  • For the safety of your pets and all guests, please leave your pets at home. Only service animals are permitted on campus during commencement. 
     
  • During the ceremony, medical personnel will be present. 
     
  • Coordinate a place and time to meet your graduate after the ceremony that does not inhibit the flow of guests at venue entrances/exits. 
  • Parking during the commencement event is free in the student parking lots around Marauder Stadium. Accessible Parking will be available in the lot nearest the stadium entrance. Please plan accordingly to allow sufficient time to enter and exit the stadium lots. 

The following items are prohibited, and possession of these items can result in your removal from the stadium. 

  • Alcohol/drugs/tobacco (including e-cigarettes) 
  • Outside food/bottles and cans (clear water bottles allowed) 
  • Camera tripods/selfie sticks 
  • Firearms/weapons/fireworks 
  • Balloons/noisemakers/confetti 
  • Pets (only service animals permitted) 
  • Make sure you dress appropriately for the weather. The month of May can be quite warm during the day and windy at night.
     
  • Hydrate! Don't forget to drink plenty of water and eat before arrival. The ceremony may take a few hours, and we want to ensure everyone feels their best. No food will be allowed on the field but we will provide a water per graduate. 
     
  • Make sure your phone is charged and with you! You will need your phone to register at the check in tables. 
     
  • Make sure to arrive in plenty of time. We start promptly at 5pm and you don't want to miss your commencement ceremony! 

 

 

Commencement Ceremony Map

Download the 2025 Commencement Map.

 


Further Questions?

If you have any additional questions, you can contact the Commencement team at: commencement@avc.edu.