Arrival/Assembly for Academic Procession
Graduates must arrive in cap and gown promptly at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, December 13, 2024. Please report to Alumni Memorial Hall (old gym next to the SARC).
Family and friends will not be permitted to enter Alumni Memorial Hall. Staff members will be available to help direct graduates to the appropriate line-up areas as well as to direct family and friends to seating areas in the SARC.
It is suggested that you leave cell phones, purses, etc. in your locked vehicle or with someone in the audience. We cannot guarantee security of personal items.
Ceremony Etiquette
The Gordon State College commencement ceremony is a celebration of your academic accomplishments. In order to fully recognize each individual, we ask that you observe the following guidelines. Please share these guidelines with your family and guests.
- Please silence all electronic devices during the ceremony.
- Guests may not approach the stage to take photos or video while the ceremony is in progress.
- Guests are encouraged to celebrate their graduate by cheering and applauding when their name is announced! However, so that each graduate's name may be heard, please ask your guests to refrain from EXTENDED out-cries of joy when your name is called.
Diplomas/Degrees
Diploma covers (not diplomas) will be issued to each candidate as he or she walks across the stage at the commencement ceremony. Upon verification of degree requirements, diplomas will be mailed to the address listed on file within 8 weeks of graduation. Please verify and update your address, if necessary, in BannerWeb immediately.
Name Cards
Graduates, you will be issued a name card when you check in at your assigned location. The information on your card includes your name and the pronunciation that you have provided; the degree(s) you are receiving; and honors designation, if applicable. You will hand this card to the announcer just before you walk across to receive your diploma cover.
DO NOT LOSE, DESTROY, FOLD OR MODIFY YOUR NAME CARD.
MOST IMPORTANTLY DO NOT LEAVE THIS NAME CARD IN YOUR SEAT WHEN IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO APPROACH THE ANNOUNCER.
If you have an unusual or difficult name to pronounce, please call Academic Affairs at 678-359-5018 as soon as possible.
Parking
Graduates should park in lot E by the Fine Arts Building and Gordon Village. Parking lots will be open to all participants and guests, as well as to all college employees. Parking Lot C, which is by the athletic fields, is the recommended location for guest parking. Carts will be in use to transport guests from the parking lots.
Please allow some extra minutes for finding a parking space.
Click here to view parking map
Special Needs
Accessible parking spaces are available in the small lot off College Drive. However, parking is not guaranteed in this area. Please refer to the campus map for additional parking locations.
The campus provides access for guests with permanent or temporary disabilities. There will be accessible seating throughout the ceremony site for guests in wheelchairs. Attendants are available to assist guests and provide directions.
Graduation candidates who need special accommodations should contact Academic Affairs at vickih@gordonstate.edu or call 678-359-5018 as soon as possible.