When is the Commencement Ceremony?
The 2023-2024 Commencement Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 6pm in the Regional Sports Center.
Who can participate?
2023 graduates and students who have applied for 2024 Spring Semester or 2024 Summer Session are eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony.
Am I required to wear a cap and gown?
Caps and gowns are required for all graduates/candidates who are participating in Commencement.
When and where do I get my cap and gown?
Purchase your cap and gown at the RCTC Bookstore. They will not be available for purchase on the day of Commencement.
Will I receive a printed program?
An order of the commencement ceremony will be provided to audience members. Graduates will receive a complete program. Audience members can purchase a printed complete program for $1. A digital version of the complete program will be available online reachable via a QR Code printed on the order of the ceremony. See the complete Commencement Ceremony Program.
Will I receive my diploma at the ceremony?
No, you will receive a Rochester Community and Technical College diploma case as you cross the stage. When completion of all degree requirements has been verified, your degree will be posted to your transcript and your diploma sent to you. If you do not attend the commencement ceremony, your diploma will arrive at your home with a diploma case. If you do attend commencement, you will receive your diploma case at the ceremony and your diploma will come to your home without a diploma case. In either case, you should receive your diploma in approximately 4-6 weeks after the end of the semester.
Where can I find the official photos from the ceremony?
Arrangements were made with The Grad Team to photograph each graduate for an official graduation photo during the commencement ceremony. Candidates can view their images online 7-10 days after the ceremony at https://thegradteam.com/rctc/. Graduates can register to receive an email when the photos are available at https://thegradteam.com/rctc/. Questions regarding photographs should be directed to The Grad Team at gradteam@thegradteam.com of 1-833-469-4723 x0.
How do I qualify for academic honors?
For the purpose of noting honors status on the commencement program, candidacy for honors recognition will be determined by your cumulative grade point average at the conclusion of the Fall Semester. Candidates with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher qualify for “high honors,” while candidates with a GPA between 3.5 and 3.74 will qualify for “honors.” Officially, the honors status will be determined when all grades have been submitted and degree requirements have been met.
Why are there different colors of tassels?
Honor graduates may wear a gold tassel instead of a multi-colored tassel.
How long will the ceremony last?
Approximately 2 hours.
One of my guests has a mobility impairment. Will there be accommodations and will my guests be able to sit together?
There will be a section of non-bleacher seating reserved for guests with special needs. A maximum of one additional seat per person needing special needs seating will be allowed. You can ask event staff about this seating when you arrive.
When will my name be published in the newspaper?
RCTC will notify your local newspaper after your graduation status is official – which usually takes about a month after the end of your last semester. Each newspaper then determines if and when the information will be printed. Your name will be published only if you indicated on the application for graduation that you wished to have an announcement of your graduation sent to your local newspaper.
I missed the application deadline. Can I still apply, and participate in the ceremony?
Yes, as long as the semester hasn’t concluded, you can still submit your application and you may participate in the commencement ceremony. Unfortunately, however, it might not be possible for your name to be added to the program.
If you haven’t submitted your graduation application before the last day of the semester, you will need to apply for the next term.