Commencement

Congratulations on your academic achievement at Phoenix College! Get pumped to turn your tassels and leave your PC home with a sense of accomplishment and pride. This is a very exciting time of the year as you receive the degree/certificate for which you have worked so hard to complete.

Phoenix College’s 98th Annual Commencement Ceremony, honoring the achievements of the Class of 2020, will take place on May 8, 2020.

Check out our 2019 Graduate Thank You videos on YouTube. You can find the playlist here.

Graduation Ceremony

Date: Friday, May 8, 2020
Time: 7:00 pm
Place: Desert Financial Arena (Formerly Wells Fargo Arena)
Theme: 2020: The Future is Clear

Spring 2020 Application Deadline: March 2, 2020

Fall 2020 Application Deadline: November 2, 2020

How to Wear Your Cap & Gown

RSVP for cultural convocations

Preparing for Spring Graduation Ceremony

Prepare for graduation and ensure a successful and enjoyable commencement ceremony. Follow the steps outlined below:

Note: Since the graduation ceremony is held once per year, previous year Summer and Fall degree/certificate completers may participate. Students may be awarded after the completion of each semester (Spring, Summer, Fall).

Step 1: Obtain Official Transcripts

Obtain your Official Transcripts

Ensure that all credits received at other institutions is sent to Phoenix College by ordering official transcripts and sending them to:

Phoenix College Admissions, Records, and Registration
1202 W. Thomas Road
Phoenix, AZ 85013

Please note: You do not need to have other Maricopa Community College transcripts sent to PC.

Step 2: Submit Application & Pay Fees

Submit Your Application

Applications are located at the Welcome Desk in the Hannelly Center or you can download the application below. Submission can be done in-person with an advisor, at Cashier’s office, or an Admissions representative. If you cannot submit the application in-person you may submit via e-mail to ar@phoenixcollege.edu. Phoenix College commencement is open to all degree and certificate graduates.

Instructions:

Download a degree application or certificate application [PDF].
Submit a separate application for each degree/certificate.
Attach a completed check sheet or degree progress report for each degree/certificate. Check sheets should be picked up from the Hannelly One-Stop Enrollment Center (you can also find check sheets and more information at the MCCCD Curriculum website)
Note: It is strongly recommended that students schedule an appointment with an Academic Advisor or Program Coordinator for a review of your check sheet.

Pay Your Fees

$25 commencement participation fee (includes cap, gown, tassel, and hard cover)
$5 hard cover
$5 tassel
$5 reorder/reprint of certificate or diploma
$0 if you wish to only receive your diploma/certificate in the mail

Outstanding Balances

This is a good time to be sure you have no outstanding balances, fees, or traffic fines before you submit your graduation application. Any debts within the Maricopa Colleges must be cleared before a degree/certificate can be awarded.

Step 3: Grad Trax

Grad Trax is a graduation information session for all potential graduates who are targeted to complete a degree or certificate. In this informational session, you will learn about the many resources available to assist you with your transition from Phoenix College to your next step. The resources include, the next steps to transfer to a university or the tools needed to apply for your career. You will gain knowledge on the importance of paying off student debt and payment options available to you. The session will wrap up with what to expect on commencement day and what you can do to get involved with Phoenix College’s Alumni Association.

Steps to Sign Up for Grad Trax

1. Select the Grad Trax Session with the date and time convenient for you

Tuesday Afternoon Sessions 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Location: E Building

February 10, 2020 (Monday) - room 221
February 25, 2020 - room 224
March 10, 2020 - room 221
March 24, 2020 - room 224
April 7, 2020 - room 224
April 14, 2020 - room 224
April 21, 2020 - room 224
April 28, 2020 - room 224

Thursday Night Sessions 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Location: E Building

February 6, 2020 - room 220
February 20, 2020 - room 220
March 5, 2020 - room 220
March 19, 2020 - room 220
April 2, 2020 - room 220
April 9, 2020 - room 220
April 16, 2020 - room 220
April 23, 2020 - room 220
April 30, 2020 - room 220

2. If you have trouble registering, you can receive help by:

Visiting the Welcome Center inside the Hannelly Building
Calling the Contact Center at 602.285.7777
Or e-mailing ar@phoenixcollege.edu. Please include your full name, ID number, and date you wish to attend.

Step 4: Order Special Regalia

Honors Program Cords & Special Designation

If you are receiving honor’s designations from the Honors Program, contact the coordinator of this program directly at 602-285-7305 or PC-Honors@phoenixcollege.edu. This designation is not handled through Admissions, Records & Registration.

Phi Theta Kappa Graduation Regalia

If you are planning on ordering regalia for your graduation, please go to http://www.ptk.org/Store.aspx and click "login" in the upper right corner. Then follow the instructions for entering your Phi Theta Kappa membership number and school information (you should have received your PTK membership card in the mail). Once you have successfully entered the information, you'll be able to order your graduation regalia. You may choose to order the cords, the stole, or both. PTK regalia MUST be ordered early and will not be available at the commencement ceremony.

Veterans

If you are a veteran and would like to wear the Veteran's commencement stole, please contact Veterans Services at 602.285.7342.

Cultural Stoles

You may attend a cultural convocation and receive a cultural stole. Please RSVP here.

Distinction Cords

Degree-seeking students may receive a distinction cord which is based on the grade point average at the end of the previous fall semester. There will be no spring semester grades taken into consideration for your graduating GPA. If you are participating in commencement, the distinction cords earned will be disbursed at check in.

Step 5: Cap & Gown

Cap and gowns will be available at the Phoenix College Bookstore starting March 23. Their hours of operation are Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

**Deadline to pick up your cap and gown and complete the graduation questionnaire at the Bookstore is April 17. If you pick up your cap and gown after April 17, your name may or may not be displayed on the live screen at the ceremony.

When picking up your regalia, the Bookstore will provide you with a “Commencement Ceremony Information Fact Sheet” and map for the commencement ceremony at Desert Financial Arena. The Bookstore sells graduation announcements if you would like to purchase them.

What do you wear under your cap and gown?

What you wear under your cap and gown is about comfort and style! Think business-casual dress, and remember: your shirt collar or dress top will show. Wear comfortable shoes suited for the surface — a football field? Stairs to climb or descend? Check to see what the temperature will be during the ceremony and make sure you are prepared. Most importantly, wear something that won’t distract from the formality of the ceremony and is the right fit for post-ceremony dinner or an outing with family and friends.

How do you wear a mortarboard?

Wear your mortarboard like the academic pro you are. Place the cap on your head so the point is in the front, about 1 inch above the eyebrows. Your mortarboard should be worn level on your head, and the tassel should be placed on the right side.

How do you iron a graduation gown?

If you choose to iron your graduation gown, here are a couple of quick tips:

Turn the gown inside out and use the “Warm” setting on your iron. If you are ironing your stole, iron it face down, not directly on the stitching on the front.
Move the iron continuously; don’t stay too long in one spot! Hang the gown to keep it wrinkle-free. You can use a steamer on your graduation stole, too!

What side do you wear your graduation cap tassel?

Wear your graduation tassel on the right side of your mortarboard. When you have received your diploma, you will be told to flip your tassel to the left side!

How do you wear honor cords at graduation?

Here’s how to properly wear your graduation honor cord(s):

Once you are in your gown, first place your graduation stole around your neck, making sure the ends are at the same length.
Place your honor cord(s) on top of your graduation stole, again making sure the cords are at the same length.

Student Speaker

If you would like to be a part of making Phoenix College history, apply to be the “Student Speaker” at the 2020 Phoenix College Commencement Ceremony!

To be considered for this honor, please submit the following:

A one-page personal letter discussing why you should be selected to be the Student Speaker.
A draft of your 3-minute speech (approximately 500-600 words). The purpose of the speech is to welcome the audience to the commencement ceremony.
Include your personal contact information (email, telephone, etc.) as to how we may reach you.

* Submissions must be received by Friday, March 27 by 4:00 p.m. via e-mail to brooke.sexton@phoenixcollege.edu

Finalists will be contacted to schedule their audition time, in which they will present their speech to the Selection Committee.

Applications will be judged on the following criteria:

Student must be graduating in May 2020 and be participating in the Commencement Ceremony on May 8, 2020.
Content of speech.
Organization of speech.
Appropriateness for welcoming the audience to the commencement ceremony.
Time limit (can be done in 3 minutes).
Ability to appropriately represent the 2020 graduating class of Phoenix College.
GPA Requirement 2.0

If you are selected as the “Student Speaker” for Commencement, you will be expected to rehearse (and revise if necessary) your speech with a faculty mentor from the Communication Department. For further information, contact Brooke Sexton at 602.285.7513.

Day of Ceremony

Commencement Ceremony

The doors open at Desert Financial Arena at 6:00 p.m. for graduates and their guests. Graduates will be directed to the check-in area and should arrive no later than 6:15 p.m. The ceremony begins at 7:00 p.m. sharp with a processional of our graduates entering the Arena. Balloons, strollers, flowers or blow horns are not allowed in the Arena, and there will be security scanners at the main entrance.

A Clear Bag Policy is put in place at Desert Financial Arena. For more information please visit ASU's Clear Bag Policy page here.

Graduates must stay in the arena for the entire commencement and are not allowed to leave early.

If guests need to leave the arena, they will be directed to a designated door if they wish to re-enter. Guests must present their ticket marked for re-entry.

If you are participating in the Phoenix College Spring 2020 commencement, graduation computations are not finalized until all grades are posted for the degree/certificate. All participants will receive an award cover as you approach the stage.

After commencement, graduates will be directed outside of the Arena.

Parking

Be certain to review information and parking details before coming to campus for Phoenix College Commencement or before attending. Click here for commencement parking information.

Free parking is available in lots around the campus venues and in most parking areas on campuses the day of commencement. Parking will be restricted in residence halls and locations where special permits are required. Regular fees will be collected at meters and visitor lots. Disabled parking and a drop-off site for elderly guests will be available. You can view all ASU parking maps here.

Please note: Be sure to review this important information regarding traffic delays and road closures in Tempe.

Desert Financial Arena Parking Maps

Lot 58 | Accessible spaces are available.
Lot 59 | Accessible spaces are available.
Packard Drive South Structure.

METRO Light Rail

The use of public transportation is strongly encouraged. Visit http://www.valleymetro.org or https://cfo.asu.edu/transit for neighborhood shuttles and Valley Metro public transportation options.

Disabled Parking

Disabled parking is available for students and guest. A disabled placard or license plate is required to park in these areas. For more information about disabled parking, please contact ASU Parking and Transportation Services online or at 480-965-6407.

**Graduates should bring minimal personal items to the area. There are no lockers or areas to store personal items.

Special Accommodations

Seating for disabled guests will be available.
Interpreters for the deaf and hard of hearing will be present.
Desert Financial Arena’s (Formerly Wells Fargo Arena) disabled seating is located on the interior concourse level of the arena. One additional guest may accompany the disabled guest in this area. To assure disabled seating for all who need to be accommodated, we ask that other guests be seated in the rows directly in front of the disabled seating areas. Download the Wells Fargo seating chart (PDF) displaying locations for disabled seating.
ADA seating inside the area is on a first-come, first-served basis. If you or your guests need ADA accommodations, call Disability Resource Center at 602.285.7477.

Guest Ticketing

Tickets are not required for students and guest.

Graduate Check-in

Due to traffic, graduates should be at Desert Financial Arena by 6:00 p.m.
Graduates will be directed to the check in area. All graduates should be checked in by 6:30 p.m.

Portraits

GradImages Inc. will take “no obligation” portrait photographs during the ceremony. When you check in at commencement, you will receive a photo card to complete and give to them before going across the stage. Order photographs online at www.gradimages.com or call 800-261-2576.

Family and friends may take pictures AFTER the conclusion of the recessional march. Faculty, administrators, and staff will remain a few minutes for pictures.

Social Media

#PCgrad20

#PCproud

#Heartofthebear.

Phoenix College Geofilters will be available on Snapchat!

Alumni Membership

Alumni

Once you graduate, you will become a proud alum of Phoenix College. Please fill out the alumni membership form to receive information about events and activities that are alumni specific. Membership into the Phoenix College Alumni Association is free to all alumni who either attended or graduated from Phoenix College. Make sure to visit our Facebook page and Like us!

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the Frequently Asked Questions for graduation and commencement:

What do I wear for graduation?

Students are required to wear caps, gowns and tassels when participating in the Phoenix College Commencement Ceremony as well as any college convocation ceremony and most special interest convocation events.

How do I get tickets for graduation ceremonies?

Tickets will not be required for the Spring 2020 Commencement Ceremony at Desert Financial Arena.

Will my name be read at the ceremony?

Graduates names will be called as they walk across the stage. The degrees and certificates will be recognized on the live screen as the graduate walks across the stage.

What happens if I show up late for any ceremony?

It is recommended that you arrive 45 minutes before your ceremony is scheduled to begin. Most ceremonies require that students check-in and receive their reader card. This is the card that you hand to the reader before you cross the stage. If you arrive as the ceremony is beginning or after the event begins, you are not guaranteed a seat or that your name will be called.

How long is the ceremony?

Two hours.

What is a program book?

A program book has all the information about the commencement ceremony and list ALL graduates with their name, degree/certificate earned, distinction, honors, PTK.

When will I receive information about the ceremony?

All students who submitted their application will receive an e-mail and a letter with all details about the ceremony. They will receive a “Fact Sheet” when they pick up the cap and gown. All information is on our commencement page on our Phoenix College website.

Can certificate holders participate?

YES!! :) They go through the same process as degree holders.

Are there professional photographic services offered?

Yes, we will have GradImages there to take pictures. The students will be given directions on how to order with when they pick up the cap and gown.

Where is the ceremony located?

Desert Financial Arena
Arizona State University

What time is the ceremony?

7:00 pm

Will there be a fee for parking or other charges outside of the $25 for ceremony?

No, there should not be any additional charges outside of the $25. Free parking will be provided at the Arena.

How many people can a student invite to the ceremony and do guest need tickets?

Tickets are NOT required for friends and family.

Do I need to have invitations for my family?

If the students wish to send out announcements they can purchase those at the Bookstore.

Can I still participate even if I have more classes to take? (Summer in-progress classes)

Yes, students can participate in ANY spring semester they want. They will not receive their diploma until ALL courses and ALL grades are posted.

If I don’t want to participate in the commencement ceremony, how much would a graduation fee be?

If a student does not wish to participate, it is no cost to them to receive their diploma in the mail.
If a student wishes to have their diploma mailed with a diploma cover, it is a cost of $5 paid to the cashier's office.

I do not want to participate in commencement, but I would like to have a program book.

The program book is also available on our website located under commencement. Program books are only given out to students who participate in the commencement ceremony.

Do students get a special cord for GPA?

Students will receive a distinction cord if they earned a 3.5 GPA or higher.
(CORDS will be picked up on the day of Commencement, at ASU) ** GPA for the ceremony/cords will be calculated based on the previous semester.GPA is calculated by the grades for the students degree. Transfer credits are also included.
The final GPA will be calculated when grades are posted and will be reflected on the student’s diploma/transcript.

Do students receive tassels or stoles for PTK or honors?

Phoenix College does not provide PTK tassels or stoles. The student will need to purchase these items on the PTK website. If they have any questions they can speak to our PTK rep, in the honors department.
Students in the Honors Program can connect with Safia Sampson in regards to graduation regalia.

Do any extra steps need to be completed to receive such honors?

PTK- Students sign up for PTK on the website. I believe there is a deadline to be apart of PTK and the student would need to check on the website. Also, the minimum GPA to withhold PTK is 3.25.
Honors- Honors students would need to complete 15 credit hours of honors classes to be an eligible honor student. Students need to connect with Elaine P. for any information regarding honors. Also, students would need to maintain at least a 3.5 for their degree.

When can I pick up my cap and gown?

March 16, 2020.

When is the last day to pick up my cap and gown?

April 17, 2020- This date is set to make sure all students complete the survey in the Bookstore. The information gathered from the survey is used for the reader cards at the ceremony.

What is included in my $25 dollar commencement payment?

Cap, gown, tassel, diploma cover, program book

Can I purchase just the tassel?

Yes, it is a $5 payment with the cashier’s department. Extra tassels will be at the Student Businesses Services office for students just wanting the tassel.

I want a copy of my diploma/ certificate sent to me, what do I need to do?

Students who are in need of a copy of their diploma will need to submit a graduation application and pay the $5 reorder fee with the Student Businesses Services office. Processing time for a reorder is about 7-10 business days.

Do students really need to have a check sheet to turn in a degree application?

Yes, providing a check sheet makes the graduation process faster. It also states on the application to attach a check sheet.

Are the degree applications online?

The applications are online for students to download under step two on the graduation page
https://www.phoenixcollege.edu/students/admissions/graduation

How late can a student submit the application?

Students NOT participating in commencement- these students can submit their application at any time; however, sooner than later.
Students participating in commencement- these students need to submit their application before March 1st to have their name printed in the commencement program book. If they submit after March 2nd, their name may or may not appear in the program book.
Also, students who participate in the ceremony will definitely need to submit their application and pick up their cap and gown before April 17th. If they submit after April 17th, their name and degree will not appear on the big screen at the ceremony.