Graduation

Congratulations, you are an ACC Graduate! ACC's Annual Commencement Ceremony celebrates the hard work and dedication of our students. You have worked hard to earn a certificate, or degree, or both. The annual commencement ceremony, scheduled for May 13, 2022 11am - 7pm, is for students who earned a certificate, or degree any time during the academic year. Please note, this date may change given local, state, and federal restrictions regarding COVID-19.

You will be eligible to participate in the annual ceremony if you:

• Finished your program requirements during the Summer or Fall 2021 semester
• Are enrolled for Spring 2022 and will complete all program requirements by the end of the Spring semester
• Will enroll for Summer 2022 and will complete all program requirements by the end of the Summer semester

ACC 55th Commencement Ceremony Speeches

View the playlist on YouTube

Steps to Graduate

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.

Step 1: Apply to Graduate

Apply to Graduate

To receive your diploma and/or certificate:
(If you have already received your diploma / certificate, or applied, 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 and to have your name in the Commencement program

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: Receive Updates About Commencement

We continue to monitor health and safety guidelines. This ceremony will meet the guidance and requirements set by health officials. Let us know if you would like to participate in Commencement, opt-out of updates, or have a question. Please complete the Commencement Assistance form. A member of the Commencement Planning team will follow up with you.

Step 4: Plan to Order Your Regalia Set

ACC will cover the cost of your cap, gown and tassel (including shipping and tax).
Place your order through the Bookstore.

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 being updated daily with student information based on when you have scheduled your timeslot. Give them 24 hours if you have just submitted for a Commencement time. 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 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 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!

Graduating is a really big deal! You should be proud of your accomplishments. Though this year will look different than what you probably had in mind, you've earned a celebration. Tell people! Pick up your FREE graduation announcements in the Dean of Students Office (M2720) or the Welcome Desks at Parke and Castle Rock; supply is limited; first come first served. Get your party started with our digital party pack filled with a graduation announcement, decorations, digital photo props, cap decorating ideas and more.  All of ACC — from your faculty to support staff to administrators — congratulate you! 

Schedule your Ceremonial Walk Time

Digital ACC Party Pack

Commencement Day

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!