Graduation
Congratulations, you are an ACC Graduate! ACC's Commencement Ceremony celebrates the hard work and dedication of our students. You have focused to earn a certificate, or degree, or both. The annual commencement ceremony scheduled for May 14 and 15, 2021, is for students who earned a certificate, or degree any time during the academic year or if you were a graduate after the Spring semester of 2020.
You will be eligible to participate in the annual ceremony if you:
- Finished your program requirements during the Spring, Summer or Fall 2020 semester
- Are enrolled for Spring 2021 and will complete all program requirements by the end of the Spring semester
- Will enroll for Summer 2021 and will complete all program requirements by the end of the Summer semester
Before you celebrate, there are a few more steps you need to take to receive your diploma/certificate and take part in ACC’s Commencement Ceremony. What is the difference between Graduation and Commencement? Graduation is earning your degree or certificate. Commencement is the ceremony celebrating you earning your degree or certificate.
Step1: Apply to Graduate
To receive your diploma and/or certificate:
(If you are a 2020 Graduate and have already received your diploma/certificate, you can skip this step.)
- Complete a graduation application for each degree or certificate. Did you earn a certificate while completing your degree? Apply to receive both!
- ACC will email you a degree audit
- ACC reviews degrees and certificates throughout the semester
- Application deadlines: (Did you miss a deadline? Apply now.)
- June 30 for graduation in the summer semester
- October 31 for graduation in the fall semester
- March 15 for graduation in the spring semester
Step 2: Confirm your mailing address
We will mail your diploma/certificate to the home address we have on file. The graduation application has a box for you to check if you have a new address. Not sure you checked the box? You can update and check the address we have on file in myACC, under Personal Information, on the Student tab.
Step 3: Schedule Your Commencement Time
Students expressed the importance of an in-person ceremony for 2021. While current health and safety guidelines prevent us from having a traditional ceremony, we will conduct a celebratory walk, outdoors, at the Littleton Campus for our 2020 and 2021 graduates. Log in to Navigate to select a 15-minute time slot that works for your schedule Friday May 14 2:00 - 7:00 or May 15 9:30 - 3:00. You will be able to wear your cap and gown, cross the stage, receive your diploma cover*, take photos and maintain physical distancing.
This ceremony will meet the guidance and requirements set by health officials. This is not a seated event. Guests are welcome to attend and celebrate with you. All graduates and guests will be required to wear a CDC approved facial covering, complete our On Campus Screening Form, and the graduates party must maintain 6 feet physical distancing from other guests. *Degrees/certificates will be mailed 4-6 weeks after the ceremony.
Unable to access myACC, Navigate, participate in Commencement, or have a question? Please complete the Commencement Assistance form. A member of the Commencement Planning team will follow up with you.
Step 4: Order Your Regalia Set
ACC is will provide and ship your regalia set (cap, gown, and tassel) at no cost to you. Beginning April 1, please place your order through the Bookstore. Need help with ordering your cap & gown? View step-by-step instructions. Orders will begin shipping the week of April 19. Black cap / gown for bachelor’s degree; purple cap / gown for associate degree and/or certificate. All graduates will have a purple / white tassel.
Step 5: Join the Alumni Association
The ACC Alumni Association will keep you connected to ACC, your fellow graduates, and ACC Services. As a member we will help you with career services, campus discounts and networking events.
Step 6: Plan to celebrate!
You should be proud of your accomplishments. All of ACC — from your faculty to support staff to administrators — congratulate your effort and success with your academic goals! Check back here for updates on Commencement Celebration plans.
What you can look forward to:
- Commencement details
- Commencement announcements to share with your friends and family
- Ordering and receiving your cap and gown
- Photographs
- Digital ACC Party Pack
Contacts
Graduation Requirements
Allison Lemmertz
Graduation Coordinator
303.797.5630
allison [dot] lemmertz [at] arapahoe [dot] edu
Commencement Ceremony Planning Committee
Dean of Students Office
303.797.5730
acc [dot] dos [at] arapahoe [dot] edu
Related Links
Arapahoe Community College's 54th Annual Commencement
A Physically Distanced Ceremony
ACC Littleton Campus
Friday, May 14, 2021 – 2:00-7:00pm
Saturday, May 15, 2021 – 9:30am – 3:00pm
