About Graduation Ceremony

Fall graduates are eligible to attend the graduation ceremony at the end of the following spring term. Spring and summer graduation applicants who are within two classes of completing their degree or certificate are also able to attend the spring ceremony. Applications must be submitted by the posted deadline for an eligibility review. Once the application is reviewed, graduates and applicants will be sent an invitation to participate one to two months before graduation.

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.

If you, as the graduate, need special accommodations during the graduation ceremony, please contact the Degree Audit Office at graduation@dcccd.edu prior to Friday, May 14, 2021. Service animals are welcomed into the building and 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. Invitations should only be sent to guests who you will give a ticket to the ceremony. Both can be ordered through Jostens online.

We encourage graduates to car pool 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 Neiman 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.

All graduates and their guests, 2 years and older, will be required to wear masks.

No outside food or drink is allowed. However, the Curtis Culwell Center does have a concession stand. Guests may remove masks while consuming food or beverage.

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 as long as they are the size of a small clutch and no large 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.

No.

All carried items and entrants are subject to search. Prohibited items must be returned to the owner’s car or discarded. Any unlawful items are subject to confiscation, and the person in possession of such item is subject to arrest. Items left at the door will be discarded.

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

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