Graduation

Congratulations, you are an ACC Graduate! ACC's Annual Commencement Ceremony celebrates the hard work and dedication of our students. It is time to celebrate the degree or certificate you have earned. ACC's 56th Annual Commencement Ceremony will take place Friday, May 12th at 2:00pm at Magness Arena with in the Ritchie Center on the University of Denver Campus. Commencement is for students who earned a certificate, or degree at any time during the academic year. 

You are eligible to participate in the annual ceremony if you:

• Finished your program requirements during the Summer or Fall 2022 semesters
• Are enrolled for Spring 2023 and will complete all program requirements by the end of the Spring semester
• Will enroll for Summer 2023 and will complete all program requirements by the end of the Summer semester

Steps to Graduate

Before you celebrate, there are a few 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 your earning your degree or certificate.

Step 1: Apply to Graduate

Apply to Graduate

To receive your diploma and/or certificate:
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 and to have your name in the Commencement program
    *We cannot guarantee your name will be in the program if you apply after March 15.

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.
*Degrees/certificates will be mailed 4-6 weeks after final grades are posted for the semester in which you complete your program requirements. 

Step 3: Confirm you will participate in Commencement 

Let us know if you be a part of the celebration, receive updates, opt out of updates, or ask a question. Complete the Commencement form. Watch your email and To Dos in Navigate for details and information on the Grad Fair, Commencement Day and for a link to create a Grad Slide that will celebrate YOU and run on Campus TVs and the Magness Arena Jumbo Tron for your families and friends to see at the Ceremony.

Step 4: Plan to Order Your Regalia Set

ACC will cover the cost of your cap, gown, and tassel (including shipping and tax).
We will let you know how to place your order through the Bookstore soon.

Bachelor's Degree - Black cap and gown
Associate's Degree and/or Certificate - Purple cap and gown
All graduates will have a purple / white tassel.

Please Note: The Bookstore is updated daily with student information. Give them 24 hours if you have just RSVP'd. Please reach out to the acc [dot] dos [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (Commencement Planning Committee) if you are experiencing any issues.

Information on cords, stoles, or other organization graduation items:

• Graduation Honors (cords) will be communicated to students earning a bachelor's or associate degree once details are finalized.
  • Cum Laude (“with honor”): 3.50 to 3.749 Cumulative GPA
  • Magna Cum Laude (“with great honor”): 3.75 to 3.99 Cumulative GPA
  • Summa Cum Laude (“with highest honor”): 4.00 Cumulative GPA
• Cords, stoles, pins, or other organization and club items will be communicated to you by your advisor or mentor.

Step 5: Join the Alumni Network

I'm an ACC Alumnus

The ACC Alumni Network 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! 
We are updating these items for our 2023 Ceremony. Here's what you can expect.

Graduating is a really big deal! You should be proud of your accomplishments. Tell people!  you will be able to pick up your FREE graduation announcements in the Dean of Students Office (M2720), the Welcome Desk at the Sturm Collaboration Campus at Castle Rock, or at the Spring Grad Fair March 1 & 2; supply is limited; first come, first served.
Get your party started with our digital party pack filled with a digital and downloadable graduation announcement, decorations, digital photo props, cap decorating ideas, and more. All of ACC — from your faculty to support staff to administrators — congratulate you! 

Digital ACC Party Pack

Commencement Day

Doors will open at Magness Area at 1:00pm. Family members and guests of graduates do not need tickets for the ceremony. 
All bags will be checked at the entrance. Items prohibited at Magness Area:

• Outside food and drink
• Artificial noisemakers, air horns, whistles, etc.
• Glass bottles, containers, etc.
• Confetti, frisbees, balls, helium balloons, projectiles
• Laser pointers or other disturbing items
• Oversized signs or banners or signage with a stick or pole attached
• Firearms, weapons, explosives, or other harmful items
• Illegal drugs or alcohol
• Hard-shell coolers, containers, thermoses
• Candles
• Animals (except licensed service animals)

ASL and Spanish translation services will be available. ASL interpreters will be located on the floor below Section 4. Details for English to Spanish translation services coming soon.
Free Parking details coming soon.

GradImages will be taking photographs of graduates at Commencement as you receive your diploma cover* and as you exit. GradImages® is proud to be the official graduation photographer for Arapahoe Community College. Finding your photos will be easy. You will receive your free photo proofs via email or mail after the ceremony or visit GradImages.com to view and purchase custom photo products like prints, plaques, specialty gifts, and more. For assistance, please contact the GradImages Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576.

Congratulations Pumas! We can't wait to celebrate with you!