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Commencement FAQs

 
 
 

When and where is Spring 2024 commencement?
Date: Saturday, May 18, 2024

Ceremony Times:

  • Health Sciences Division - 10 a.m.
  • Arts and Sciences Division/Early College - 12:30 p.m.
  • Career Technologies Division - 3 p.m.

*Arrival of guests and graduates must be prior to the start time of the ceremony attending. Visit the Commencement page for full schedule.

Location: Myers Auditorium, inside the Balsam Center on SCC's Jackson Campus in Sylva.

 
When and where is commencement rehearsal?
Date: Thursday, May 16, 2024
Time: 4:00 p.m. for all divisions
Location: The Balsam Center on the Jackson Campus
Check-in will be held prior to rehearsal beginning in the Balsam Center lobby. Honors cords may be picked up at this time if earned-based on current program GPA (calculated prior to any missing final grades of active courses). Consult the current SCC catalog for levels and details of honors distinctions.

 

Livestream Link: *Available the day of the ceremony
Health Sciences Livestream Link

Arts & Sciences/Early College Livestream Link
Career Technologies Livestream Link

 
What do I wear for commencement?
All graduates must wear the current dark blue SCC cap and gown to march. A graduation kit (cap, gown & tassel) can be purchased from the SCC bookstore, located on the first floor of the Burrell building on the Jackson campus. There are no specific requirements for your shoes or outfit worn with the SCC regalia. Purchased caps may be decorated, if desired.
 
What honor cords, stoles, or tassels can I wear?
Only academic regalia pertaining to honor societies or acquired from SCC may be worn.
No souvenir stoles or cords will be permitted for use during the ceremony. Please review the
Appropriate Honor Society Academic Regalia for more details.
 
What side should the tassel be on?
Prior to the ceremony, tassels should hang on the right. During the ceremony, you will be instructed to move your tassel over to the left side to signify you have graduated.

 
Can I send commencement announcements?
Announcements are available for purchase online through Herff-Jones. SCC does not offer announcements and they will not be included in graduation kits ordered. Announcements are not required for entrance to any commencement ceremonies. 
 
How many people can I invite to commencement?
As many as you would like. No tickets or fee will be required of your guests to attend your graduation.
Please provide an estimated number of guests attending and any updates to that amount to the Registrar's Office to anticipate the most accurate head count possible.
 
Can guests take photos at commencement?
Yes, but please be mindful of any flash photography or blocking the view of other guests. SCC photographers will be taking pictures before, during, and after each ceremony as well.

 
 
What if I need accommodations for attending the ceremony?
If you or a guest need assistance or accommodations for attending or participating in commencement; such as navigating stairs, moving across the stage, hearing or seeing the ceremony, or any other related activity, please contact the Office of Learner Accessibility & Equity by calling 828.339.4398 , emailing accessibility@southwesterncc.edu or visiting office 129A in the Balsam Center on our Jackson Campus.
 
 
When will I cross the stage?
Graduates may line up in any order prior to entering commencement and will cross the stage according to seating order. Name cards received at check-in must be held onto in line to present the speaker on stage.
 

When will I get my diploma(s)?

Physical paper diplomas will be mailed approximately 6 - 8 weeks following graduation.
 
Parchment digital credentials will be issued approximately 2 - 4 weeks after graduation.
  • An email from Parchment will be delivered to your SCC email address with a link to claim your credential(s). This service will allow you to have permanent online access to a secure official digital version of your diploma- for free! This makes it easy to share your credentials with employers, social media, family, or however you'd like!

 

If you have questions regarding your Graduation status, application, or receiving your diploma, please contact the Registrar's Office at registrar@southwesterncc.edu

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