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Commencement Information

Our next commencement ceremony is scheduled for:

A Guide to TCC's Spring 2021 "Rolling" Ceremony at Dickies Arena on May 15

Graduation

It's the crowning achievement of any college student! For many TCC graduates, participating in a traditional commencement ceremony is a significant component of their celebration. The COVID-19 pandemic causes us to adjust this year's plans to keep everyone safe, but we will still provide you with the opportunity to celebrate in style with us on May 15 at the beautiful Dickies Arena!

What's a "rolling ceremony?"

It means the graduates and guests will form an extended but constantly moving processional from the time they arrive at the Exhibit Hall entrance to Dickies, located off Trail Drive.

Our goal is that graduates and guests will spend no more than about 30 minutes inside the building. Graduates and guests won't be seated at any time; they will be placed in line and will process through the exhibit area of the venue, before entering the arena and crossing the stage as their name is read.

Our Chancellor and other college leaders will stand by on the stage to acknowledge each graduate's accomplishment. Professional photographers will be on duty and guests can snap their own photos from the arena floor, near the stage.

Once the graduate crosses the stage, they will immediately leave the building with their guests. If weather cooperates, there are many nice spots for outdoor photos around the arena. Of course, many graduates will want to continue the celebration elsewhere such as at a restaurant, home, or outdoors.

What time does this start?

Each graduate will be given an arrival time block so that we can minimize crowding and keep the line moving.

Most students will be assigned a time block reflective of their last name, A-Z. TCC Early College High School (ECHS) graduates will participate at the start of the day.

We expect to start about 10 a.m. and end by about 3 p.m. It's important to arrive during your time block, not before or after it. Graduates are expected to approach the stage in Dickies Arena approximately 15 minutes after their assigned arrival time.

Guests must arrive with their graduate.

Go to the current tentative schedule of graduate arrival times.

The Chancellor's Message

A recorded message from the Chancellor will be available to view on or before the day of commencement. We will also publish comments from other leaders who would normally offer remarks at our ceremony and hand out a program with this information.

Regalia

TCC will provide regalia free of charge for those attending commencement. Learn how to get your regalia, as we have a new plan for this year!

Guests

Because we are keeping safety first, this year each graduate may bring up to four guests with them. There is no general admission to the arena.

We encourage graduates to carefully consider the mobility and comfort of their guests before deciding whom to invite due to the need to walk a fairly long distance on a concrete surface. Find more information for commencement guests.

Remember, we do offer a livestream of the event and a recording of the livestream is available afterward.

Grads with Special Needs

TCC's Student Accessibility Resources (SAR) staff will assist graduates with any concerns about mobility or other issues requiring accommodations. Contact SAR for help.

Safety Requirements

All participants must agree to wear face masks and comply with social distancing (as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control) at all times in the building. This is consistent with Govenor Greg Abbott's order allowing organizations and businesses to establish their own safety requirements.

In addition, all participants must pass through a security check including bag inspection, and must clear a temperature check upon entry to the facility. Firearms and other weapons are not permitted at Dickies Arena.

Livestream

TCC will continue its longstanding tradition of livestreaming the commencement ceremony, so other friends and family unable to attend as guests can still watch the 'special moment' from anywhere they have a computer or phone (or a smart TV) and internet access. The livestream broadcast will be recorded and accessible after our event is over, too!

Faculty, Counselors and Advisors

While they won't be on hand to watch and cheer on the graduates this year, TCC will publish a video (similar to what was done in 2020) to allow these staff to express their heartfelt congratulations to this year's graduates.

Grad Cap Decorating Contest

Yes, we will still have the popular Cap Decorating Contest! Learn more about this year's contest.

Deadline to Sign Up for Commencement

The deadline to sign up for commencement is April 16, 2021.

If you plan to participate in commencement and haven't already signed up, follow instructions to complete the Graduation Interest Form in WebAdvisor.

Updated March 30, 2021