Application for Graduation
: Candidates for graduation should apply to the Registrar's Office for the degree, diploma, or certificate during registration for the last semester of enrollment. The application should be accompanied by the required graduation fee and be paid to the Cashier in the Patton Building.
Required Attendance: All prospective graduates are required to attend the Commencement rehearsal and the Commencement exercises. If, for any reason, you find it impossible to attend commencement, a request to be excused must be received by the Vice President for Student Services no later than April 30.
Seating: The only reserved seating for Commencement is for graduates and faculty. All other seating is on a general admission basis for relatives and friends. Therefore, no ticket for admission is necessary and there is no limit on the number of guests. Overflow seating will be available in the Thomas Auditorium in the Sink Building.
Special Accommodations:Graduates or audience members needing special accommodations for disabilities should contact Director of Disability Services Maggie Faulkner at (828) 694-1813no later than May 1.
Summary of Dates and Events
REHEARSAL: Thursday, May 13 at 3 p.m.
A required rehearsal for the commencement ceremony will be held in the Blue Ridge Conference Hall in the Technology Education and Development Center (TEDC). You do not need your robes at the rehearsal.
GRADUATION DAY: Friday, May 14
Graduates must be in Technology Education and Development Center Room 213 to line upno later than 5:15pm. Name cards will be passed out at this time. Please secure personal belongings before the ceremony. There will be no place to leave personal belongings (i.e., purses and jackets) on campus during graduation.Family, friends, or children will need to continue on to the Conference Hall and find a seat. They will not be allowed to accompany graduates during the lineup.
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY:
Friday, May 14 at 6 p.m.
Doors will open for family and friends at 5 p.m. Handicapped parking is available at the front entrance of the TEDC Building.
Campus Map and Directions
RECEPTION: Friday, May 14
A reception will be held in the Gallery of the Thomas Auditorium in the Sink Building immediately following the Commencement ceremony.
Other Important Information
CAPS AND GOWNS: Beginning April 12, students may purchase caps, gowns, and invitations from the College Bookstore located in the Killian building. Distance Learning students may order caps, gowns, and invitations by contacting the Bookstore at (828) 694-1720.
COLLEGE FEES: Graduates must pay all fines and fees, return all library books, and meet any other College obligations prior to graduation. If in doubt, please check with the following to see if there are any outstanding obligations that need your attention.
Registrar’s Office (828) 694-1811
Library (828) 694-1879
Cashier (828) 694-1721
APPROPRIATE DRESS FOR THE CEREMONY: Commencement is a formal ceremony; therefore, we request that you dress neatly and appropriately. Graduates without shoes or those wearing sneakers and/or jeans will not be allowed in the processional. Bring bobby pins for your cap.
HONOR CORDS/STOLES: Honor society members (Phi Theta Kappa and National Technical Honor Society) are welcome to wear the honor society regalia of their choice but may wear only one tassel during graduation. Please make your purchases using the honor society Web site(s):
www.ptk.org or
www.nths.org. Please place order in time to allow for arrival well before May 14.
PHOTOGRAPHY: As each graduate is handed his/her diploma, a picture will be taken by a professional photographer. A free color proof will be sent to your current mailing address, including a password for online viewing. You are under no obligation to purchase prints. To receive an e-mail notification the moment your photos are online, visit
www.photospecialties.com to preregister. If you do not receive a proof within a week of the ceremony, please contact Photo Specialties at (800) 722-7033 or by e-mail at info@photospecialties.com.
PROCEDURE FOR AWARDING OF DIPLOMAS: Approaching the stage, you will give your name card to the marshal standing at the bottom of the stairs. When your name is called, you will walk across the stage to the College President, extend your hand to shake hands, and receive the diploma cover in your left hand. You will then shake hands with the Vice President for Instruction and with a College trustee.
DIPLOMA INFORMATION: Diplomas will be mailed the week following the commencement ceremony. The diploma will be mailed to the address provided on the application for graduation.If you need to verify or change your mailing address, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (828) 694-1811.
