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Graduation FAQs

WHAT IS THE STATUS OF MY GRADUATION APPLICATION/WHEN WILL I KNOW IF I’M CLEARED TO GRADUATE?

AFTER the application deadline, your advisor will begin reviewing your degree plan to make sure you are on schedule to graduate. They will submit the “grad check” form to the graduation office. Once we receive them, we do an additional check of your requirements and then email you with your status. This step can take almost the entire semester so please be patient, and if you have questions about your status, contact your advisor.

WHEN DO I GET MY CAP AND GOWN?

We recommend ordering your cap and gown after the graduation application deadline. You do not have to wait for “clearance” or approval to order. Please note: The application fee does not cover the cost of your gown, and the graduation application is not your order form. Ways to order:

www.amcbookstore.com/home
Texas Book Company at 903-886-5830
Graduation Showcase

DO I NEED TO PURCHASE A STOLE AND/OR CORDS?

Purchasing a Texas A&M-Commerce stole is optional. All other stoles worn should be academic in nature. Please go here Commencement Regalia (Cap and Gown) and Merchandise for details. Our office does not provide cords. For students with academic distinction, we provide medallions on the day of the ceremony.

DO I GET ANYTHING FOR HAVING ACADEMIC DISTINCTION?

Please visit Commencement Regalia (Cap and Gown) and Merchandise for academic distinction information. We provide a medallion to you at the ceremony, your distinction is announced along with your name, and you are recognized in the program. Academic distinction is only recognized for undergraduates.

WHEN IS THE CEREMONY?

The dates of the ceremony are posted at the beginning of each semester on the Ceremony Details page. Times are updated on the same page AFTER the application deadline.

WHEN AND HOW MANY TICKETS CAN WE GET/CAN I GET EXTRA TICKETS?

Ticket information is updated AFTER the application deadline on the Ceremony Details page. We calculate tickets in a manner that allows us to allocate as many tickets as possible to each student while still maintaining safety regulations. Many of you have a large circle of family and friends and would like more tickets than we allot. Extra tickets are ONLY available if some students do not claim all of their tickets. Please DO NOT email us asking for more if we have not made an announcement letting you know there are extras available.

All guests (regardless of age, including infants and toddlers) must have a ticket. Tickets are free of charge and general admission. Graduates do not need a ticket.

WHAT DO I DO IF I NEED TO CHANGE THE INFORMATION I PROVIDED ON MY GRADUATION APPLICATION?

Email our office.

WHAT TIME ARE THE GRADUATES REQUIRED TO ARRIVE AT THE CEREMONY?

Graduates need to be at the ceremony location at least 45 minutes prior to the ceremony start time, so that they can get their name card, academic distinction medals (if applicable), and their instructions for lining up, seating, and walking.

WHAT TIME DO THE DOORS OPEN FOR GUESTS?

One hour prior to the start of the ceremony

WHERE SHOULD VISITORS PARK THEIR CARS?

Please go to the Ceremony Details for parking information and a campus map.

WHERE CAN I GO TO TAKE AN INDIVIDUAL GRADUATION PICTURE?

During the ceremony, you will have your picture taken two times by a professional photographer. Flash Photography is pleased to provide this complimentary service for each graduate who crosses the stage during the commencement ceremony. If a valid e-mail address is available to the photographer, a link to commencement photograph proofs will also be sent to participating graduates via e-mail. For more information about your photos, please feel free to contact the photography company, Flash Photography at: https://www.flashphotography.com/contact

I CLEARED THE HOLD ON MY ACCOUNT, WHEN CAN I GET MY DIPLOMA?

We are not notified when your hold is cleared. You have to email our office to let us know and to request release of your diploma- graduation@tamuc.edu. Please include your CWID and the address where you want the diploma sent.

I’VE COMPLETED MY DEGREE REQUIREMENTS, WHY DO I HAVE TO WAIT TO GET MY DIPLOMA?

The University offers a variety of programs, some of which allow students to accelerate their pace and complete requirements early. Degrees are only awarded at the end of each semester- fall, spring, and summer II, regardless of whether or not requirements are met early.

DOES PARTICIPATION IN THE CEREMONY MEAN I GRADUATED?

No, a student officially graduates when their degree is awarded.

WILL THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY BE LIVE STREAMED?

Yes, the link will be posted on the Ceremony Details page 1-2 weeks before the ceremony.