Information for degree candidates
Who qualifies for this year’s ceremony?
The 2026 Commencement includes anyone who had their degree conferred for Fall 2025, is on pace for conferral for Spring 2026, or meets the criteria to participate but will be a Summer 2026 conferral. Your eligibility to participate is included in the official review information that is provided after you apply for graduation.
If a student wants to be allowed to participate in the other Commencement group, they need to submit an聽聽providing context to their request.
If you graduated last fall and wish to walk in the spring Commencement ceremony, contact the Registrar’s Office to let them know of your intent.
Graduation Application
Graduation Application Deadlines
Fall Term 鈥� November 1, 2025
Spring Term 鈥� April 1, 2026
Summer Term 鈥� July 1, 2026
Graduating students must submit a degree application through their聽 by聽April 1, 2026 to be eligible to participate in Spring 2026 Commencement activities. Any graduation applications received after April 1, 2026 may result in a student鈥檚 name not being listed in the Commencement program and a delay in receiving a physical diploma.
Degree candidates must finish 鈥淚ncomplete鈥� grades and send any necessary official transcripts prior to having a degree conferred. To participate in Commencement activities and receive a diploma, degree candidates must also clear all holds on their account.
If you have any doubt that all holds have been cleared from your record,聽please visit your聽聽and the Student Planning module to see if there are any holds listed there.聽Learn more about the graduation application process.
Graduate Attire
Acceptable attire includes:
- Short-sleeved white or light colored shirt/blouse (with dark tie)
- Light-weight dark-colored trousers/pants
- Light-weight dress
- Dark shoes
- Dress sandals (as long as they are not loud when walking)
Unacceptable attire includes:
- Jeans
- Shorts
- Athletic shoes
- Sandals
- Flip-flops
- Stilettos
- Platform shoes
Arrival Time for Graduates
Graduates should arrive by 8 a.m. on the day of the ceremony and report to the Library Atrium in Lowry Hall.
How and when will I get my diploma?
Diplomas will be mailed 3-4 weeks after the graduation ceremony to the address designated on the graduation application.
New graduates will also be sent a digital diploma. Read more about the new digital diploma here!
Cap and Gown Packages from Herff Jones
You must have a cap and gown if you plan to walk for Spring Commencement.
The online order deadline for ordering a cap and gown from Herff Jones for campus pickup is March 20, 2026.聽The deadline to order for home delivery is April 6 ( $14.90 shipping fee).
Or, order your cap and gown on campus:
- March 3 – 4, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 鈥� Turner Lynch Campus Center
Pick up your cap and gown* and cords on these distribution dates:
- April 21 -22, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Turner Lynch Campus Center Group Study Room
- April 21 鈥� 22, 11 a.m. 鈥� 2 p.m.: Latin Honor Cord Distribution in TLCC
Latin Honors Requirements (Latin Honors are based on your Fall cumulative GPA)
*You must pick up your order. If you cannot make it, you can send a designated person to pick up your order, but you must email [email protected] with their information before pickup.
If you have any questions about ordering your cap and gown, please email us at [email protected].
Additional products are available on the