The 74th Commencement will be held in the William L. McDuffie Student Services Center on the main campus. On April 29, 2023, the processional will begin at 9:50 a.m., with the program immediately following. A reception will immediately follow the ceremony in the Essie Moore Carroll and Clarence V. Lebby, Sr. Learning Resource and Technology Center. 

Graduates Check-In

All graduates must check in no later than 8:00 a.m. in the Small Auditorium (bldg. 029). Please allow extra time as all individuals participating in Commencement will use the same entry and security checkpoints. 

Regalia and Attire

Full academic regalia (cap, gown, tassel, and hood, if applicable) is required for those participating in the academic processional. Only official academic honor cords, stoles, and medallions are permitted. Graduates that choose to decorate their mortarboard (cap) must obtain approval from the Office of Student Services regarding the design. All designs must be flat on the cap.

Graduates should refrain from bringing personal items (i.e., purses, cellular phones, and other electronic devices). Please also plan to wear appropriate attire and comfortable shoes (no athletic gear).

Regalia will be available for pick-up on April 28, in the Office of Academic Affairs. 

Dress and Decorum

• All graduates are required to wear full academic regalia.
• Mortarboards (caps) are worn with the tips in a horizontal position – not tilted.  All Graduates/Completers should march with the tassel on the right side of their cap. 
• Men can wear caps/hats throughout the program except during the Invocation, the National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, the Black National Anthem, and Benediction.
• Women do not remove their caps during the ceremony.
• Women will wear black dresses or pants under their robes, black shoes, small stud or small hoop earrings, a watch, a wedding band, or a ring. 
• Men will wear black pants, white shirts, dark ties, and black shoes.
• Only official honor cords and/or stoles from national honor societies are to be worn. No Exceptions.
• Purses are not to be carried in the processional. Provisions should be made to leave them with family or friends.
• Cellular telephones and/or any electronic devices are not to be used at any time during the ceremony.

Tickets 

Tickets are required for entrance into the ceremony. Therefore, all guests will be required to have a ticket to gain access to the gymnasium.  Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each graduate/completer will be provided four (4) tickets for their guests. Graduates/Completers do not need a ticket for entrance. Tickets will be available for pick-up on April 28, 2023, immediately following the luncheon. Extra tickets may not be available.

Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates

Credentials will be distributed immediately following the ceremony. Graduates not participating in Commencement should contact the Office of Academic Affairs at (803) 793-5109. 

Names in Commencement Program Booklet

The names of graduates/completers appearing in the Commencement Program will be those who had an application submitted to the Office of Registrar Services (graduates) or the Office of Workforce Development and Continuing Education (completers) prior to the close of business on March 31, 2023. Any 2023 graduates’ applications received after this date may not have their names listed in the Commencement program.  Please note that having your name in the Commencement program does not mean your degree will be awarded.

Participation in the Commencement Ceremony 

Only those students who have been conferred will be allowed to participate in Commencement. Credentials will be distributed to students with no outstanding financial obligations.

All graduates/completers must pay the mandatory $150.00 graduation application fee. The payment deadline is March 31, 2023.  A $21.00 application fee is assessed for additional application submissions.  Students must be financially cleared in order to receive their credentials and transcripts.  This includes payment of the graduation fee, tuition, and all other fees (Business Office, Blatt Hall, first floor) as well as any outstanding parking or library fines.

Failure to be financially cleared will result in a financial hold on your account.  Financial holds prevent credentials from being released and official transcript requests from being processed. 

Photography 

Photography by Guests – It is permissible for Commencement guests to photograph graduates/completers from their seats. 

Professional Photography – A photography studio, contracted by the College, will provide a photographer to take a picture of each graduate/completer as they cross the stage and receive their credentials. Proofs and purchase information will be mailed or emailed directly to each graduate at the address that is provided.