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Commencement Information

Are you expected to graduate with the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 and Summer 2027 class? If so, please review the information below to prepare for Commencement!

Commencement will take place at Marauder Stadium on Friday, June 4, 2027. 

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

Commencement 2026 Live Stream and Digital Program

Commencement Program

Important Deadlines

  • Monday, May 3: Submit the Commencement Card to receive five guest tickets and be included in the Commencement Program.
  • Monday, May 17: Submit by this date to be included in the Commencement Program (no guaranteed tickets).
  • Sunday, May 23: Submit the Commencement Card by 11:59 PM on May 23 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. Name will not appear on Commencement Program.
  • Monday, May 31: Submit by this date to walk across the stage (no tickets and no program inclusion). Guests can watch via Live Stream on YouTube. Name will not appear on Commencement Program.

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 2027 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 23 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 20, 2027, from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
    • Wednesday April 21, 2027, from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. (cap decorating only on this day)
    • Thursday April 29, 2026, from 10 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: TBD
  • Location: Performing Arts Theatre (PAT) on Lot D

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

  • Tickets through Purple Pass to Redeem your tickets, release date TBD
  • If you are having issues redeeming your tickets, please email us at commencement@avc.edu for assistance.
  • 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 your 1 graduate ticket and your 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!

 

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

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • 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 6:00 p.m. 
     
  • The ceremony will start promptly at 6:30 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***

If interested in purchasing a Commencement gift, please click this link to place an order. All online orders will be available for pickup on site the day of the graduation. To retrieve your order, please stop by their booth located conveniently inside the entrance before the ceremony begins.

  • 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 5:00 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 Map

Commencement Ceremony Map

• Download the 2026 Commencement Map.

Commencement Walkthrough Video

Further Questions?

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

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