Graduation
Students should complete and submit their graduation application by the dates listed on the academic calendar for the term that they will complete all the requirements for their diploma/degree. Students must have a degree audit completed by their program advisor/instructor and attach it to the graduation application before submitting it to Student Services. If your submission is late, you will be assessed a late fee of $50.
Please be sure to use a current email and phone number on the graduation application in case further information is needed. Details regarding the commencement ceremony will be provided below as they become available.
Ceremony Information
Spring 2026
Location: Laborde Earles Coliseum- Google Map Link
5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria, LA
Date: May 20, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Commencement Program: (to be updated May 2026)
Order of Ceremony
Entrance
Graduates will report to the designated area to pick up their line up card at 9:00 AM. Students will then be given instructions to line up for the ceremony. Doors will open for the public at 9:00 AM.
Graduates will proceed to the reserved area directly in front of the platform and be seated. Seating will be reserved for graduates only. A CLTCC employee will be positioned at the beginning and end of each row to assist in seating.
Faculty will then process in to the appropriate seating area. The platform party, which includes special guests and deans, is led by Chancellor Heather Poole, EdD and will process in to the stage after the faculty processional. The platform party will ascend the steps and stand in front of their designated seats, except Dr. Poole, who will move to the podium.
Awarding of Diplomas
Graduates will then be presented their diploma cover. A CLTCC employee will lead the graduates to the appropriate area to ascend the stage. At the appropriate time as the row of graduates shortens, a CLTCC employee will lead the next row to the appropriate area until all diploma covers have been awarded.
Recessional
Following the benediction, as the recessional plays, Dr. Poole will lead the recession out followed by the platform party and the faculty. Graduates will then recess out to the main lobby in a double line.
Cap & Gown
Graduates are required to wear official regalia. You must purchase your cap and gown by April 15, 2026.
Dress Code & Decorations
Please dress in your "Sunday Best." Cap Decoration: You are permitted to decorate the top of your cap only. Please keep designs respectful and flat so they do not obstruct the view of others.
Prohibited Items
To ensure a respectful and safe environment for all guests, the following items are not allowed inside the Coliseum:
- Balloons or posters
- Air horns or noise makers
- Other party items (confetti, streamers, etc.)
Accessibility & Support
If you or your guests require special accommodations, or if you have any specific needs, please contact Lee Wiley at email: [email protected] as soon as possible.
Sharing the Moment
- For family and friends who cannot attend in person, the ceremony will be live-streamed through CLTCC social media channels. Tune in to celebrate from anywhere!
- Professional photographers will be on-site to capture the moment you receive your diploma. Guests are asked to remain in their seats during the ceremony to ensure a clear view for everyone.
Q: Can students decorate their Grad Caps?
A: Yes, students can decorate their Grad Caps - but the top only and nothing can hang down.
Q: Are there any items I cannot bring?
A: Balloons, glitter, silly string, noisemakers, etc. are not allowed. Firearms, smoking/vaping, food, and all beverages, except water, are also prohibited.
Q: How long will the ceremony last?
A: The duration of each ceremony is dependent on the number of graduates who participate but usually runs for 75-90 minutes.
Q: Am I expected to stay for the entire ceremony?
A: Yes, the last degree candidate is as important as the first, so we ask that you be considerate.
Q: Is there a limit on the number of guests I can invite?
A: At this time, there is no limit to the number of guests a graduate may invite to commencement.
Q: Will guests need tickets to attend?
A: Tickets are not required for attending Commencement ceremonies.
Q: I have a guest who will need accommodations. What should I do?
A: Wheelchair-accessible parking will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. A state-issued handicap placard or license plate is required for parking in this area.
Q: Can I view the Commencement ceremony online?
A: Yes, the Commencement ceremony will be live-streamed through CLTCC social media channels.