About Graduation Ceremony
Students must have submitted a graduation application by March 13, 2026 to receive an invitation to participate in the ceremony and have their name printed in the commencement program. An RSVP is required to participate and be guaranteed guest tickets.
Ceremony Basics
- Dallas College holds an annual commencement ceremony at the end of the spring semester to honor the previous fall’s graduates and spring and summer potential graduates.
- Students are eligible to participate in the ceremony if they plan to complete their remaining requirements during the summer and no more than (3) three course hours remain at the end of the spring semester.
- Commencement is only ceremonial and does not confer the right of a degree upon a student. Students must complete all remaining requirements before a degree or certificate will be awarded.
- Participation in commencement is optional.
Attending the Ceremony
- Eligible students who have submitted a graduation applicationand are found eligible to graduate will receive an invitation to participate in commencement and will need to indicate if they plan to attend.
- An RSVP is required by the deadline of Friday, April 17, 2026 so graduates wil be able to receive their allotted number of guest tickets for the ceremony.
- Diplomas/certificates are not handed out at the ceremony. They will be mailed to the student’s address provided on the graduation application within (5) five to (7) seven weeks after the end of the semester if all requirements have been met.
About the Facility
- Do not bring personal items with you to the commencement ceremony (purses, cosmetic bags, cell phones, etc.). There is no place in the facility to secure your belongings.
- Students should arrive on time (between 30-90 minutes prior to ceremony start time) to prepare and line up with their School to be seated on the floor.
- Tickets are required for all guests.
- A professional photographer will take individual photos of graduates crossing the stage and an official portrait immediately after exiting the stage. Packages will be available for purchase. Guests will not be permitted near the stage to take photos during commencement. Guests may take photos from their seats.
Graduation Ceremony FAQs
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 – or 9 credit hours – of completing their degree or certificate are also able to attend the spring ceremony. Students are required to submit a graduation application by March 13 to be eligible to participate in commencement. Graduates who submitted a graduation application by the deadline, and are found eligible to graduate, are sent an invitation to participate in commencement. Graduates who don’t have a desire to participate in commencement can submit a graduation application by the last day of the semester in which they intend to graduate.
Graduates will be given two opportunities to claim guest tickets. Graduates have until Friday, April 17 to claim up to five electronic tickets, which will be sent between Monday, April 20-Friday, April 24. Additional tickets are based on availability and the full amount requested is not guaranteed. Tickets are required for all guests, including infants, without exception. Guests will not be able to enter the building without a ticket. Tickets may not be sold or reproduced.
Regalia is required and must be worn to participate in commencement. If you have been confirmed to participate with an official invitation, you can purchase your cap and gown from the Dallas College Jostens website. Deadline to order regalia is Wednesday, April 22, 2026. 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@DallasCollege.edu.
If you, as the graduate, need special accommodations during the graduation ceremony, please contact Accessibility Services at DSSO@DallasCollege.edu prior to Friday, April 24, 2026. 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.
There are 1,700 surface-level spaces all around the facility for your convenience. ADA-accessible parking can be found near the East, West, and Conference Center entrances. Visit the Curtis Culwell Center Directions and Parking page for more information.
Announcements are typically sent to friends and family to inform them of your accomplishment. They can be ordered through Jostens online. Invitations should only be sent to guests who will receive a ticket to 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.
Curtis Culwell prohibits the following items:
- purses, backpacks, or diaper bags (see bag policy above)
- video cameras or cameras with lenses greater than 6"
- flags, signs, or banners
- outside food or beverages
- noisemakers
- umbrellas
- balloons
- weapons
- animals (excluding certified service animals)
- flowers
- cigarettes or e-cigs
- wrapped gifts
No. Smoking, vaping, and e-cigarettes are not allowed.
The ceremony times can differ. Please allow at least three (3) hours.