Graduation Applications and Commencement

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Commencement 2024 Information

Commencement exercises for 2024 will be held at the Show Place Arena on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 10 a.m. More information will be available during the spring 2024 semester, so be sure to check back often for any new information.

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Caps and Gowns

Graduates can order their cap and gown online at Herff Jones. You may have it shipped directly to your home for a shipping fee. The final deadline to place cap and gown orders for shipping is April 27, but for the best prices on cap and gown shipping and other Commencement items, place your order by April 18!

• Please note that there is a cost to have your cap and gown shipped. Orders placed after April 18, 2024, will be subject to a higher fee. 
• There is no cost to have your cap and gown sent to the PGCC bookstore for pickup, but your order must be placed by April 1. Any orders made after April 1 must be shipped to your home.
• Other items available to order include:
  • StageClip: A video recording of your big moment crossing the commencement stage ($19.99).
  • Stoles to wear on Commencement Day reflect pride in your achievements and identity ($25.00-$48.00).
  • Diploma frames.
  • Announcements and thank you notes.
  • Souvenir tassels.

Order your cap and gown and other Commencement memorabilia »

The final deadline to place cap and gown orders is April 27.

Ceremony Guidelines

Please follow proper decorum for this special ceremony. You are expected to be on time and remain for the duration of the program. You should plan to arrive at Show Place Arena by 8:45 a.m. latest to allow time for parking and walking to the designated entry for graduates. You should also plan to stay until 1:00 p.m. and should make celebratory plans after this time to show respect to your fellow graduates. 

The following items are prohibited: balloons, cowbells, air horns, beach balls, whistles, electronic devices, wrapped packages, coolers, bottles, cans, and backpacks.

Please do not bring personal items. It is recommended that you leave valuable items at home or with a family member. The College will not be responsible for items left at the Show Place Arena.

Diplomas

All diplomas will be mailed to your address on file with the College. You are encouraged to review your address in Owl Link and make any changes within Owl Link prior to May 1, 2024. Changes may also be made by completing the Personal Information Update form and emailing it to registrar@pgcc.edu or submitting it in person to the Office of Records & Registration in Bladen Hall, Room 126. Graduates can expect to receive their diplomas and certificates prior to or during the week of June 10, 2024.

PGCC graduates will also be able to download and view a free digital version of their diploma or certificate once the diploma or certificate is issued. You will receive an email with instructions from Parchment for electronically claiming your diploma/certificate. Also, you can share your achievements with family and friends on social media platforms. Check your PGCC email regularly for more information on diploma mailing and instructions for downloading and sharing your achievement with your digital credential!

GradFest Events

We want to celebrate YOU! Keep an eye on your email and this website for more information about GradFest activities during the week of May 13.

In the meantime, mark your calendar for the "Know Before You Go" series from April 22-27! This is a series of seminars and guest speakers to prepare you for job-searching, understanding your employee benefits, and marketing yourself to employers. More information will follow.

Graduation Honors

The College recognizes high academic achievement by awarding the following Honors designations to associate's degree recipients based on overall grade point average (GPA). These standards are:

With Honor	GPA from 3.50 to 3.69
With High Honor	GPA from 3.70 to 3.94
With Highest Honor	GPA of 3.95 or higher

Students who graduate with an honors designation will receive a yellow tassel to honor their achievement. Please note that honors will not be designated for students who have not completed all requirements for graduation, such as summer 2024 graduates.

Live Webcast and Television Playbacks

Commencement will be broadcast live in real-time via the College’s PGCC TV YouTube channel. The live broadcast may also be viewed on PGCC TV on Verizon FiOS channel 44, on Xfinity Channel 75, and in HD on Xfinity Channel 995.

Besides the live broadcast, many repeat viewing opportunities will be available on PGCC TV on Verizon FiOS channel 44, on Xfinity channel 75, and in HD on Xfinity channel 995. All of these channels are within Prince George’s County.

Parking and Directions

The Show Place Arena is located at 14900 Pennsylvania Avenue, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772. Directions and map can be obtained here. Allow for traffic and allot adequate time to park. There is free and ample parking on-site with 2,500 spaces and 3,000 additional spaces within walking distance. Handicapped accessible parking is located on the right side of the Show Place Arena. Ramps are available by the lobby doors on either side of the lobby. If the event has parking attendants, please follow their directions.

Photography

Classic Photography will be capturing your graduation photos during your 2024 Commencement ceremony.

Proofs and ordering information will be sent directly to each graduate. Graduates and families can also click here to view and order.

Robing and Line-Up Information

All graduates participating in Commencement must arrive robed and ready to begin the procession no later than 9:30 a.m. Graduates will begin the procession from the lower level of the Show Place Arena in the North Tunnel. The procession will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. Dress appropriately for the Commencement ceremony. Graduates will be wearing a light blue cap and gown. The cap and gown are yours to keep.

Graduates will be lined up by division, which will be noted on your color-coded card. Upon arrival, check in with Prince George's Community College staff representatives at tables located at the entrance to the North Tunnel. In early May, the Office of Records and Registration will mail out a graduation ceremony name card to the address on record with the College. PLEASE BRING THIS CARD TO THE CEREMONY. This card will be used to announce your name when you walk across the stage at Commencement. 

In addition to your name, your card will also indicate your division and any graduation honors, if applicable. You may write the phonetic spelling of your name on your card. If your name is misspelled, please notify the Coordinator for Graduation (graduation@pgcc.edu), and a new card will be printed and distributed at the Commencement ceremony.

Special Accommodations

Prince George’s Community College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons; to that end, no person with a disability will be denied the benefits of any activity associated with the Commencement exercises. If you need any special assistance for Commencement, please notify the Office of Records and Registration no later than Monday, May 13, 2024, by emailing graduation@pgcc.edu.

Graduates who need special accommodations or who are unable to stand or walk long distances should enter the main entrance and take the elevator down to the North Tunnel. Handicapped parking and seating are available.

Ticket Information

Beginning May 13, 2024, Commencement guest admission tickets will be available in the Charlene M. Dukes Student Center (in front of the PGCC College Store) in conjunction with other festivities in celebration of our graduates. Ticket distribution will occur Monday-Thursday, May 13-16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Each graduate attending the ceremony is allotted four guest tickets. Admission to Commencement is by ticket only. Guests should be seated by 10 a.m. for the start of the procession.