Steps to Participate in Commencement

Step #1: Submit Your Application for Your Degree or Certificate. By submitting this application, you are requesting an evaluation for your degree or certificate. Students must apply for this evaluation to be awarded their degree or certificate.

• Submit your application 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 may not appear in the Commencement Program.

Step #2: Submit Your 2026 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.
• Submit the Commencement Card by 11:59 PM on May 24 to receive a printed copy. Commencement Cards submitted after May 24 will not receive a printed copy. Instead, graduates will receive a blank card to fill out. While names will still be announced as graduates walk across the stage, they will not be displayed on the screen.

Step #3: Attend Grad Fair

• During Grad Fair, you can purchase your Cap, Gown, and Tassel in the Marauder 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. 
• Don't forget to stop by and decorate your cap with us. Location: In the patio directly across from the Marauder Bookstore. 
   
• Grad Fair Dates & Times:
  • Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
  • Wednesday April 22, 2026, from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. (cap decorating only on this day)
  • Thursday April 30, 2026, from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Location: Student Lounge in SCT located on Lot D. 

Step #4: Attend a Commencement Practice Session (You only need to attend one) and receive your Commencement Card

• Dates & Times:
• Monday May 11, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Monday May 11, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday May 21, 2026, from 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Thursday May 21, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Location: Performing Arts Theatre (PAT) on Lot D
• Please Click the link to RSVP for a date and time for Practice 

Step #5: Obtain your Electronic Tickets - Tickets are now available to redeem. 

• Tickets through Purple Pass to Redeem your tickets, Click this link
• 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 select apply and again under the guest portion and select apply. 
• 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 #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 5:00 p.m. (Marauder Stadium)
• All graduates will report to the gym to check in and line-up. Graduates must be checked in no later than 6:00 p.m. The processional will begin from the gym to the field at the start of the Commencement ceremony. 
• The ceremony will start promptly at 6:30 p.m. and will last approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

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

No, students that complete their graduation requirements in Fall 2026 and later semesters will be eligible to participate in the 2026 commencement ceremony. 

Students who complete their degree requirements during the fall, summer or spring prior to the ceremony or who will complete them in the following summer, are eligible to participate. When you apply for Graduation, you will receive notification about commencement. 

Students are required to RSVP for participation in commencement. If you are eligible for commencement, you can complete the Commencement Card. 

We are aiming for the ceremony to conclude within two to two and a half hours. The ceremony will commence promptly. Graduates partaking in the ceremony will not be able to exit the field until the full ceremony has been completed. Check in for graduates begins at 5:00 p.m. 

Yes, the ceremony will be livestreamed on YouTube.

Only students who have submitted their Commencement Card AND show up in person the day of commencement will have their names called live as the graduates traverse the stage. Graduate proxies are not allowed. 

Yes, you may decorate your cap to show pride in your accomplishments. Please keep your decorations tasteful. No foul language allowed. It must meet our Student Conduct Guidelines and be respectful of others. You will not be allowed to participate if your cap violates our community guidelines.

No, diplomas are mailed to graduates. Attending the commencement ceremony will not affect receipt of your diploma.

Diplomas are mailed to graduates approximately twelve (12) weeks after final grades have been posted in which the student applied to earn their degree. Example, if you applied to earn your degree in Spring, your diploma will be mailed out 12 to 15 weeks after final grades have been posted.

If you have not received a diploma, do not worry. Diplomas are mailed to graduates after all graduation petitions have been reviewed after the semester is over. Diplomas are not given at the commencement ceremony. If you do not meet graduation requirements, you will be notified via your AVC student email address of what requirements are missing. If you do not meet certain requirements, you are advised to meet with a counselor or advisor for next steps to earn your degree.

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