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 of 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 2025
Location: Laborde Earles Coliseum
Date: May 20, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM
Commencement Program: (to be updated May 2025)
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 instuctions to line up for the ceremony. Please note that this is one hour before the doors open for the public at 10:00 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 Jimmy Sawtelle, 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. Sawtelle 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. Sawtelle will lead the procession out followed by the platform party and the faculty. Graduates will then process out to the main lobby in a double line.
Q: Can students decorate their Grad Caps?
A: Yes, students can decorate their Grad Caps the top only and nothing can hang down.
Q: Are there any items I cannot bring?
A: Balloons, glitter, silly string, noise makers, etc. are not allowed. Firearms, smoking/vaping, food, and all beverages, except water, are 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 will not be required for the Spring 2025 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.