Graduation Ceremony

• The President’s Office must be notified if you plan to attend the commencement ceremony prior to April 26^th.
• Orders for Cap and Gowns may be placed in person with Barnes and Nobles Bookstore located in the Student Services Building.
• Regalia (Cap and Gown):  Regalia (All black) can be purchased at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore on Campus. For questions about regalia, please call: (334) 876-9284.

Arrival:  Please arrive at 9:00 a.m. to the gymnasium and park in the rear of the campus. Officers will direct parking. Please read contingency plan below in case of bad weather.

Attire: Please dress appropriately.  Students are expected to wear appropriate business attire clothing. (Men must wear button down shirt with necktie or bowtie... we will have neck ties on site if you do not have one) Sneakers and flip flops are inappropriate. 

Where & when to Report:  All students participating in the graduation ceremony must report to Wallace Community College Gymnasium one hour before the published start time of their ceremony.  

The ceremony will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. for all programs:

Associate in Science, Associate in Arts, Business Administration, Computer Information System, Associate Degree Nursing (ADN), Practical Nursing (LPN), Dual Enrollment (Technical or Academic), Cosmetology, Drafting, Welding, Electrical Technology, Office Administration, Masonry, Industrial Maintenance, Patient Care Technician (PCT).

Upon Arrival: All graduating students should enter the gymnasium from the lobby area, Check-in to receive your reader’s card and find your program of study. The reader card bears the candidate’s name and is used to recognize each candidate as they cross the stage.

Processional: College marshals will meet candidates inside the gymnasium for the lineup. Graduates will follow the college marshals to the appropriate seating location. All candidates should remain standing until the ceremony begins and they are instructed to be seated by the President.

Degree Conferral: College marshals will direct graduates to the stage at the appropriate time to receive degree/certificate. All graduates should bring their reader’s card to the stage. After crossing the stage, all graduates must return to their seats.

Duration: The commencement ceremony will last approximately 1 hour. All graduates once seated are expected to stay until the conclusion of the ceremony.

Photographs:  Each graduate will be professionally photographed on the right side of the stage after receiving their diploma. The photographer will provide additional information.

Streaming Video:  Family and friends who are unable to attend the ceremony may watch through live video coverage. The link will be provided.

Personal Property:  Please DO NOT bring any personal items (purses, cameras, cell phones, etc.) with you. WCCS will not be held responsible for your personal property.

Tickets: Tickets are NOT required for the outdoor ceremony. In case of bad weather, the ceremony will move to the inside of the gymnasium. Five tickets will be included in your packet in case of inclement weather.

Parking:  Shuttle Services will be available for attendees.

Expectation: 

• Students will not be allowed to receive flowers or balloons during the ceremony.
• Students are expected to return to the parking lots for pictures with family members.

Degree/Certificates: All Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 graduates can pick up degrees/certificates in the Student Service Building (The grill area) at 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. after the graduation ceremony on May 10, 2024. If your degrees/certificates are not picked within this hour it will be mailed to the address you have on file in the Admission and Records Office.