About Graduation Ceremony

Fall graduates are eligible to attend the commencement ceremony at the end of the following spring term. Spring and summer graduation applicants who are within three classes of completing their degree or certificate are also able to attend the spring ceremony. Students were required to submit a graduation application by March 20 to be eligible to participate in commencement. Graduates who submitted a graduation application by the deadline, and were found eligible to graduate, were sent an invitation to participate in commencement. Graduates who don’t have a desire to participate in commencement can submit a graduation application until May 12.

Graduates will receive six electronic tickets in late April. Tickets are required for all guests, including infants, without exception. Guests will not be able to enter the building without a ticket. Extra tickets are not available. Students are allowed to give tickets they do not plan to use to students attending the same ceremony. Tickets may not be sold or reproduced.

Regalia is required to wear to participate in commencement. If you have been confirmed to participate with an official invitation, you can purchase your cap and gown at Jostens website. Deadline to order regalia is Friday, April 15. Dallas College will also provide a white stole for each participating graduate that they will receive at the ceremony.

Dallas College also encourages you to purchase cords or stoles that represent your time here by contacting DCHonorSocieties@dcccd.edu. Approved stoles and cords are:

• Honors Program
• Service Learning
• Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society
• Mu Alpha Theta
• National Society of Collegiate Scholars
• Sigma Kappa Delta
• Psi Beta
• LGBTQ
• Veterans

If you, as the graduate, need special accommodations during the graduation ceremony, please contact Accessibility Services at DSSO@dcccd.edu prior to Friday, April 29, 2022. Service animals are welcome but must remain on a leash or harness at all times. If you intend to bring a service animal into the building, please note this on your RSVP.

Announcements are typically sent to friends and family to inform them of your accomplishment. Jostens will be available to answer announcement questions at one of the seven Grad Fest events prior to graduation or they can be ordered through Jostens online. Invitations should only be sent to guests who you will give a ticket to the ceremony.

We encourage graduates to carpool with their guests as parking is limited. The Curtis Culwell Center has parking available in multiple lots surrounding the center. There is also overflow parking available at Naaman Forest High School.

There are ample handicap accessible spots. It is recommended that guests who need handicap- accessible spots park on the west side of the arena and enter through the nearest door.

Face coverings will not be mandatory at the ceremony. However, individuals who prefer to wear a mask are encouraged to do so. All graduates, guests, staff and volunteers are asked to self-check for symptoms relating to COVID-19 before attending the ceremony.

No outside food or drink is allowed. However, the Curtis Culwell Center does have a concession stand.

Yes, it is indoors and air conditioned.

Unfortunately, guests will not be allowed to re-enter once they have left the building.

Strollers are allowed. While bags are not recommended, there is a bag policy. Clear totes are allowed if they are see-through plastic, vinyl or PVC bags and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12". Plastic, re-sealable storage bags up to a one-gallon size are approved. Small bags are also approved if they are the size of a small clutch and no larger than 6.5" and 4.5". An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.

Please limit the number of items you bring to the Curtis Culwell Center. Please see the Curtis Culwell Center website for more information.

There will be a professional photographer taking pictures of the graduates. These photos will be available for sale after the ceremony date. The photographer will contact the graduates with the ordering information. Guests will not be permitted near the stage to take photos during the graduation ceremony. Guests may take photos from their seats.

No.

No. Smoking, vaping, and e-cigarettes are not allowed.

The ceremony times can differ. Please allow at least three (3) hours.