Frequently Asked Questions

All graduates will report for the lineup with full graduation attire one hour prior to their commencement time is to be completed at least 30 minutes before the ceremony begins.

• 10 a.m. for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; Human Services and Public Safety; Aviation; and Adult Education
• 3 p.m. for Humanities and Social Science; Industrial, Construction, and Transportation Technologies; and Business, Creative, and Performing Arts

The formal procession will begin promptly at the published time for the commencement ceremonies. Graduates are required to remain in their designated places throughout the entire ceremony. If you are obtaining dual degrees, you may walk across the stage only once; please line up with the department with which you choose to walk.

Guests not bringing graduates should plan to arrive 30 minutes before the ceremony.

Faculty and staff should review information arrive here.

• Tickets are not required to attend GTCC's commencement and there is no limit to the number of attendees for each graduate.
• Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved prior to the event.

For Graduates

• Basic Dress: It is recommended that you avoid wearing brightly colored clothing, shoes, earrings, or other costume jewelry. Women should wear a simple white or dark dress or dress slacks (no jeans, please) and dark shoes with low or medium heels. Men should wear dark pants (no jeans, please) and dark shoes. If your gown is wrinkled, either hang it in a place where steam is generated (e.g., a shower stall) or press it with an iron on a lukewarm setting.
• Academic Regalia: Caps and gowns may be ordered online. There is no charge for the basic regalia set. Regalia may shipped to your home, picked up at the annual Grad Fair, or picked up at the Jamestown Campus Bookstore before May 8, 2024. Caps and gowns will not be available at the commencement ceremony.
• Caps: Graduates will wear their caps in the academic procession and throughout the ceremony.
• Tassels: Graduates are to wear their tassels on the right front side before degrees are conferred. Graduates will reposition their tassels to the left side in unison on cue from the school's president after degrees are conferred.
• Cords: Honors cords may be worn to indicate membership in recognized campus organizations.

For Guests

• We recommend that guests wear comfortable, business-casual attire when attending commencement. The coliseum is located a distance from guest parking, so low heels or flat shoes for walking is advised.

For Faculty and Staff

• Please review requirements here.

• Go to the bookstore website for pricing and ordering information.
• The Jamestown College Bookstore also offers generic announcements, frames for credentials, rings, veteran's cords, and more to help you celebrate your accomplishment.

Graduates will receive a blank credential cover when they cross the stage. Printed credentials will be mailed to the graduate's home address approximately two weeks after the commencement ceremony by Parchment Credentials.

Please verify your address information in Self-Service and submit any corrections using an online Change of Address/Telephone form to records@gtcc.edu at least one week prior to the ceremony to ensure proper delivery. More information concerning credential mailing will be sent after the ceremony.

Please visit the Academic Regalia page.

Yes, students are allowed to decorate their mortar board caps to celebrate their accomplishments.

GradImages is the official GTCC graduation photographer. GradImages will take photographs of each graduate during the ceremony. Photo proofs will be sent to the graduate's home address with several options for purchase.

Contact GradImages customer service for more information:

• 1-800-261-2576
• giservice@gradimages.net
• www.gradimages.com

Commencement programs are available on the morning of commencement. Programs list each graduate's name, degree, and honors.

Commencement Archives

There are no rehearsals for commencement.

All students should complete an application for graduation to be eligible to participate in the Commencement Exercises and receive a printed copy of their credential.

There is no requirement for participating in the Commencement ceremony, but it is strongly encouraged. Printed credentials for all graduates will be mailed to their permanent address on file with the College approximately two weeks after the graduation date.

Graduates are asked to verify their permanent address in Self-Service and submit an address change if required.

There is no requirement for participating in the commencement ceremony, but it is strongly encouraged.

Printed credentials for all graduates will be mailed to their permanent address on file with the college approximately two weeks after the graduation date.

Graduates are asked to verify their permanent address in Self-Service and submit an address change if required.

Gold tassels are given to students to demonstrate academic excellence during the check-in process for commencement. Members of Phi Theta Kappa, the National Adult Honor Society, the North Carolina Global Scholars of Distinction, and completers of the Titan Trail are noted in the commencement program.

Please visit the Academic Regalia page for more information.

The coliseum does not allow balloons in the arena. Please see its Entry Polices page for more details.