In order to accommodate graduates and guests, you will select the ceremony you wish to attend based on the desired time or your school when you order/pick up your graduate packet. Ceremonies are at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Participation in your school ceremony is encouraged but not mandatory. Preferences are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. Each graduate may claim up to five guest tickets. Tickets are included in your graduate packet. These are different from invitations so be sure to inspect the materials closely and bring only the tickets with you to the ceremony.
General guest seating opens one hour prior to each ceremony. Tickets are required for each guest — even children — attending. Guests should plan to be seated before the ceremony start time. Graduate procession will begin at the ticketed time. The ceremony is expected to last two hours. Graduates are expected to remain for the entire ceremony.
To ensure the event is enjoyable for everyone, there is no standing in the aisles, strollers must be parked in the designated areas and disruptive behavior could result in being asked to leave the event.
In order to participate in commencement, each graduate/potential graduate must receive a graduate packet consisting of a cap, gown, tassel, invitations and ceremony tickets.
Tickets for your preferred ceremony are available on a first-come, first-served basis, therefore we recommend students purchase the graduate packet as soon as distribution begins.
Up to two additional tickets may be requested at the time of graduate packet pickup and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional tickets are only available if space permits and are issued the week before commencement. Please request information from the AACC Bookstore staff when you select a ceremony time.
To participate in commencement, all fees and other financial obligations to the college must be paid. If you have an outstanding obligation, you are not eligible to reserve your ceremony time or pick up the regalia packet or tickets during the distribution dates.
If you are an active duty member or a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, you may be eligible to receive a cord to wear with your cap and gown in recognition of your military service. Contact AACC’s Military/Veteran Resource Center (MVRC) at 410-777-4838 or veterans@aacc.edu for information.
Note: Graduates on active military duty are invited to wear their service dress uniform to the ceremony.
Graduates who have been inducted into the Omicron Theta chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society will have a notation on their diplomas. See PTK website for PTK regalia items that may be worn during the commencement ceremony.
For PTK information call 410-777-2218.
Honors for summer and fall graduates reflects grade point averages at the time of summer or fall graduation. For spring degree candidates, the honors indicated in the program and announced during the ceremony reflect grade point averages as of April 1. Final graduation honors will be designated on diplomas and transcripts after the records office reviews final spring grades.
Graduates must report to the The HALL at Live!® one hour before the start time of your reserved ceremony for instructions on lineup. Allow adequate time to arrive and park. Do not be late. There is no rehearsal for commencement, so it is important to arrive before the ceremony begins. Signage will direct you to the appropriate area.
Surface parking is available directly across from the hotel entrance or to the side and in front of Burlington Coat Factory. Walk through the hotel lobby, passing LUCKIES on the right. Turn left.*
As you plan your attire to be worn under your gown, please remember that this is a formal academic event. Consider your comfort as there will be considerable walking and standing. You may not carry purses, cameras, phones, etc., while marching in the procession. Leave valuable items at home or with a family member. The college is not responsible for lost items. Masks are not mandatory for graduates or guests and can be worn at an individual’s discretion.
During the ceremony, a professional photographer will take pictures. Proofs to review and purchase prints will be available for the 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. ceremonies. Due to safety regulations, aisles need to remain clear. Family and guests will not be permitted to stand in the aisles to take pictures.
Immediately following the ceremony, graduates are encouraged to meet their guests outside in the celebration zone. There, you’ll be able to take pictures with your family, friends and faculty, and interact with AACC 's mascot, Swoop.
Guests with limited mobility should arrive one hour ahead of the ceremony start time to allow adequate time to be seated. Graduates and guests requiring other accommodations are highly encouraged to contact Disability Support Services (DSS) by calling 410-777-1411, emailing dss@aacc.edu, or by visiting the DSS office in Student Union Building Room 140 by May 4 to ensure accommodations are coordinated for the event.
Commencement is an academic ceremony that is dignified and joyful. We will call graduates to the stage to be individually congratulated. For many graduates and guests, the name announcement is the highlight of the ceremony. For others, enjoying the singers and speakers is important. We ask everyone to express excitement in positive ways that respect others’ enjoyment. Balloons and noisemakers are prohibited. Electronic devices should be silenced and graduates must remain until the ceremony ends.
*NOTE: Guests of all ages are welcome to The HALL at Live!®. However, only guests over 21 are permitted to enter the casino. For the convenience of guests under 21 years, we encourage using the surface parking. Younger guests attempting to access commencement ceremonies through the casino floor will be redirected.
Do you have additional questions about the ceremony? Check out our frequently asked questions below.
The ceremonies will be recorded and available on the college’s YouTube channel for rebroadcast.
Notation of spring graduation on transcripts will occur in mid-June. Diplomas will be mailed before July 1 to all spring graduates. Use a copy of your graduation status letter for transfer institution and job purposes since spring graduation will not be finalized or certified before June 15.
Do you have questions about the ceremony? Check out a few of our frequently asked questions below. Review the details above for additional information about the ceremony.
Guests of all ages are welcome to The HALL at Live!® However, only guests over the age of 21 are permitted to enter the casino. For the convenience of guests under the age of 21 years, we encourage using the surface parking. Younger guests attempting to access commencement ceremonies through the casino floor will be redirected.
General guest seating opens one hour prior to each ceremony. You should plan to be seated before the ceremony start time. Graduate procession begins at the ticketed time.
Anyone outside of The Hall when the procession begins will be held back until the procession is complete. Please ensure you are seated and ready so as to not miss your graduate.
Graduates walk in from behind the seating from the main lobby area. They will use the same entrance as the guests.
Graduates walk from stage right to stage left, or from left to right if you are facing the stage.
You can request a wheelchair, if available, through security at Live! Casino.
You are not able to take balloons or noisemakers inside the event space, but you can leave them at the information desk to pick up after the ceremony.
Below is a list of restaurants located at Live! Casino with their standard hours the day of the ceremony.
11 a.m. Ceremony (available 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.)
4 p.m. Ceremony (available 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Bathrooms are located across from The Hall entrance and slightly to the left.
The gift shop will stock flowers, small arrangements, cards, teddy bears and graduation pins.
Venue event staff members in red jackets will be able to assist you.
You will need to provide a photo ID and are not allowed to take in any cameras. If you have a phone, you are not permitted to take any photos once inside the casino area. Note: Only guests over the age of 21 are permitted to enter the casino.
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