Application Process
The quarter before you plan to graduate, you must meet with a counselor or adviser who is required to sign your graduation application. To make an appointment, call (206)764-5387, or stop by the Information Desk in the Registration Area (Robert Smith Building).

All students who have applied to graduate will receive a packet of information in late April, or early May, regarding the Commencement Ceremony. The packet will include the graduation information pamphlet, the video order form, the Student Exit Survey and the graduation attendance form.

Attendance
If you plan to attend the graduation (commencement) ceremony, your attendance form must be submitted to Student Services Information (in the Registration area) by the third Friday of May. Students who expect to complete their degree/certificate requirements during summer quarter are also eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony. If you do not return the form, we will assume you are unable to attend graduation.

Caps and Gowns
Order your cap and gown in the bookstore (Jerry Brockey Center) on, or after the first school day of May. There is a fee for the cap and gown set. It is yours to keep after the ceremony.

Announcements and Name Cards
Personalized Graduation Announcements have your name, degree, and major printed into the text of the announcement. Announcements may be purchased (while supplies last) in the Bookstore, online or by phone. Please see the announcement PDF for more details. Each student will be responsible for ordering his or her own name cards to insert into the announcements. The price for name cards depends on the style and number of cards desired.



Pictures
We make arrangements for a professional photographer to record the moment you are given your diploma scroll. You will receive a passport-sized, full-color proof in the mail approximately one week after the ceremony. There is no obligation to purchase, but you will have the option of ordering enlargement packages. Prices will be included with your proof.

You will also have the opportunity to have a posed, formal portrait taken before the ceremony, typically from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., in the student robing area.

NOTE: If you do not want your home address given to the photographer for your proof(s) to be mailed, please indicate this preference on the commencement attendance form. Please be aware that not releasing your address will result in your proofs being delayed by several weeks.

You and your guests may take informal pictures before and after the ceremony. To show respect to your fellow graduates and their families, please ask your guests to refrain from taking pictures (either with cameras or camcorders) during the ceremony. Fire regulations prohibit blocking aisles for any reason.



Video / Order Information
A professionally produced video of the entire ceremony may be ordered. The order form, prices and further instructions will be included with the commencement package sent to all eligible graduates. All sales are final. Payment is made at the cashier's office located in the Registration area. You will be given a receipt for payment which you must present when picking up your video. Videos of the ceremony are usually available for pickup at the library media desk by the second Monday of July.

Check-In Time
Check in is between 6:00 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Instructions for the procession will be given beginning at 6:30 p.m. Graduates arriving later than 6:45 p.m. may not be able to sit with their division during the evening. Out of respect to your fellow graduates and to honor them as they honor you with their attendance, you are expected to remain for the entire ceremony.

Guests and Tickets  
Graduation seating is limited and is by ticket only. The number of tickets per graduate will be determined after all attendance forms are received. You will be eligible to receive tickets and your name will appear on the distribution list only if you have turned in your green attendance form by the 3rd Friday of May. When you pick up your tickets, in the Bookstore instructions will be posted advising the procedure for obtaining extra tickets (if any remain). Guests should plan to arrive for the ceremony no later than 7:15 p.m. The graduation ceremony typically lasts for two hours. It may not be appropriate for small children.



Rehearsal
There will be two commencement rehearsals, or information sessions. Please try to attend one session. You will be given information about the ceremony itself and what is expected of you. You will be able to ask questions about all aspects of commencement. Information regarding rehearsal dates will be sent to graduates in May.

Maps and Parking Information
A detailed map of the campus and designated parking areas will be included in the commencement packet. There will be no charge for parking the night of graduation.

Security
Please leave purses and other valuables at home, or with your family or friends. SSCC is not responsible for your personal belongings.



Restrictions
Smoking is not permitted inside the Jerry Brockey Center or within twenty feet of the entrance of any building on campus. No food or beverages are allowed in the Jerry Brockey Center the day of commencement. Also, please be aware that Washington State law prohibits any alcoholic beverages on the college campus.

Special Needs
If you are disabled, or will require assistance at the ceremony, please notify the Vice President of Student Services (764-5315) by the third Friday of May. The entire ceremony will be interpreted by Disability Support Services, Seattle Central Community College.

Questions may be directed to Arne Reed at 206-764-5829 or areed@sccd.ctc.edu