Graduation
SPRING GRADUATION IS MAY 15, 2025
Applying for Graduation
*** Before applying for graduation, students must meet with an advisor in Boll Weevil Central or Student Support Services to complete a graduation audit. At that time, your degree plan will be reviewed to ensure you are on track to meet graduation requirements.
The deadline to apply for the Spring 2025 Graduation is March 28, 2025.
For Spring graduation, applications must be submitted by MARCH 28, in order to have it processed, regalia ordered, and your name listed in the graduation program.
PARKING PROCEDURES 2024
**NOTE: Graduation services have been moved to Lolley Gymnasium due to potential inclement weather!
All students will be asked to park in Parking Lot D (behind Forrester Hall), beginning at 3:45 pm. This parking lot will be the only designated parking area for students.
Students are asked to report to Wallace Administration Building lobby once they arrive on campus. After checking in, students are welcome to have their photo taken by the College’s photographer in Talmadge Hall from 3:45-5 p.m.
Friends, family, other spectators and overflow student parking will be located in the Crossroads Community Church (Old College Cinema) Parking Lot across the street from campus and the ESCC baseball/softball complex on George Wallace Drive. Additional overflow parking will be located at Brookwood Elementary School.
Buses will be running to each location every 15 minutes to pick up visitors. Bus drop off and pick up on campus will be located at the track behind Lolley Gymnasium. The last bus will run at approximately 5:45pm for visitor pickup prior to graduation.
Campus police officers and college CERT members will be on scene at all off-site parking locations during the ceremony. All buses will also be available immediately after the ceremony to return visitors to their vehicles.
Handicap parking and parking for special guests will be in Parking Lot A (next to Talmadge Hall). Faculty and staff will park in the green above the track off George Wallace Drive.
GRADUATION INFORMATION
Graduation Regalia
- Honor Society Graduates
- Members of honor societies are welcome to wear regalia (honor cords, stole, and/or tassel) at the graduation ceremony. For more information, contact your honor society sponsor.
Diploma and Certificates:
Diplomas and Certificates will be processed at the end of each term. Once all degree and certificate requirements are verified, the Registrar will post awards to the student’s transcript.
- Whether you participate in Commencement or not your diploma will be mailed to you by Parchment. Parchment handles all College diploma printing and mailing at this time. You can view a digital copy of your diploma once degrees are posted online at parchment.com by creating an account.
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The shipping rates listed below for Parchment Award products are effective October 1, 2024:
- USPS Domestic: $2.75
- USPS Intl: $5.75
- Fedex Domestic Overnight: $33.00
- Fedex Intl: $60.00
Accommodations
Graduates who need to request special accommodations for the ceremony should contact Mrs. Dava Leverette at 334-347-2623, ext. 2293.
Practice
Spring Graduation practice is 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, in Lolley Gymnasium. Graduates are encouraged to attend.
FOR THE CEREMONY
Appropriate Attire
- Ladies: Please wear a dress (preferably without a collar) that does not show below the robe. Hosiery and dark, comfortable shoes are recommended. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum.
- Men: Wear dark-colored dress slacks, dress shirt, tie, and dark-colored dress shoes.
- Caps and gowns may not be embellished. This includes cap decorations of any kind. Note: Press graduation gowns with a cool iron.
Positioning the Graduation Attire
- Position the cap so the top is flat. The cap should not be set on the back of the head. The front of the cap point should be approximately one inch above the eyebrows. Please secure with a bobby pin.
- Place the tassel on the right side during the ceremony. Graduates will be told when to move the tassel to the left.
Proper Stage Etiquette
- When walking toward the stage to receive the diploma, hand the name card to the announcer. Your name will be read as it has been printed on the card.
- Extend your right hand to shake hands with the person handing you the diploma and receive the diploma with your left hand. Smile for the camera, say thank you, and continue across the stage.
Event Etiquette
The Commencement Ceremony is a time of great honor and dignity and a special occasion for our graduates and their family members. We ask that you refrain from talking, cheering, excessive movement, and using electronic devices during the ceremony.