COMMENCEMENT FACT SHEET

Saturday, May 12, 2018US Cellular Center, Downtown Asheville

General Information:

The ceremony will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m. and last approximately two hours. The doors to the US Cellular Center will open at 11:30 a.m.

Parking may be found in one of the city parking decks or metered street parking. Please visit the following link information on pricing, parking garage locations, and walk time to US Cellular Center. Please be advised that some sites accept cash only.

Guests do not need tickets to attend the commencement exercises. Please feel free to bring all those who have supported you along your educational journey – let them help you celebrate your success.

There will be a security check as you enter the US Cellular Center. In order to reduce time waiting in line at this security check, please consider securing personal items/bags in your vehicle.

Please be advised that all College policies apply during this College sponsored event.

Graduate Information:

Program Completion Fee

The College charges a Program Completion Fee that includes the processing and posting of the academic credential, printing of diploma, diploma cover, cap and gown for those attending the Commencement Ceremony, and other process related items. The fee is due during the student’s final semester of their program or byApril 27thfor spring and summer completers (attending the May ceremony). The fee is $45 for diploma and degree program completers and should be paid via WebAdvisor or with the Cashier in the Roberson Building.

Caps and Gowns

Your commencement items (cap/gown/tassel)are available for pick up at the bookstore once the Program Completion Fee has been paid. These items must be picked up by May 10th. Additional commencement themed items are also available. The bookstore hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.

Note: All graduates must wear caps and gowns in order to participate in the ceremony. No exceptions will be made.

Regalia

Students receiving honors, high honors, or highest honors recognition will be presented with regalia items upon arrival at the US Cellular Center. The selection criterion for students to graduate with the honors designation is determined by the program GPA. The program GPA can be found in WebAdvisor after May 10th for spring completers.

Honors students will be presentedwith gold and burgundy tassels. Those graduating with highest honors will also receive gold and burgundy cords. Honors designations cannot be tabulated for students who are completing program requirements during the summer semester.

Academic Excellence recipients are encouraged to wear the medallions they received during the spring ceremony. Other regalia items may be purchased by eligible members of Phi Theta Kappa and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Phi Theta Kappa members wishing to purchase stoles and cords may order them online at National Society of Leadership and Success members wishing to purchase cords may order them online at

Photographer

A professional photographer, Grad Images, will take a photograph of you on the stage as you shake hands with College President Dr. DennisKing. Please stand on the X, shake Dr. King’s hand, and pause for a moment to allow the photographer to take the picture. Following the ceremony, graduates will receive an email from Grad Images with information on options for purchasing commencement photographs. For additional information about Grad Images, please visit

Commencement Program Book

If you requested privacy or a FERPA block on your academic record, your name will not be published in the graduation program unless you notify the Registrar, in writing, that you give permission for your name to be published. If you submit the program completion application after April27th, your name may not appear in the commencement program.

Commencement Line-up

Commencement line-up will begin at 12:30 p.m.on the exhibit hall level of the US Cellular Center.There will be event staff and signage to direct you to the location. Pleasebe on-time for line up.

Please put on your cap and gown before you report to the line-up area.

Do not bring personal items, as there is no space to store them during the ceremony.

This will be a long day. We recommend that you have a meal prior to arrival; however, cookies and bottled water will be available during line-up.

During the line-up, you will receive a printed card listing your name and program major. You must have this card in order to walk across the stage at the commencement ceremony.

Commencement Ceremony

Graduates will be walking up and down ramps and stairs during the processional and recessional.If you need special assistance or have questions, please notify Heather Pack, Director of Student Support Services(828-398-7141 or ). Sign language interpreters will be available.

Please be aware that you will not be allowed to leave the arena floor after the ceremony starts and that you are expected to stay for the entire event.

As part of the recessional, the commencement marshals will lead students to the diploma pick-up area. If you are finishing your requirements over the summersemester, your diploma will be available for pick up Monday, August 20that the Records and Registration Office located in the K. Ray Bailey building on the Asheville campus.

If you are not able to attend the ceremony and have completed your program, you may pick up your diploma on Monday, May 14that the Records and Registration Office located in the K. Ray Baileybuilding on the Asheville campus.

Guest Information:

All guests should be seated by 1:30 p.m. Designated wheel chair seating is available. Arriving early will maximize seating options. There will be a security check for graduates and guests.

If guests need special assistance with seating, please notify Heather Pack, Director of Student Support Services(828-398-7141 or ). Sign language interpreters will be available.

We ask that guests not leave the ceremony after their graduate has received their diploma. In honor of other students and their guests, please remain seated for the entire ceremony.

Guests are invited to meet their graduate on the main concourse level after the commencement ceremony.

If you have questions or need additional information, please call 828-398-7900.