Commencement Day Instructions
The following instructions and information will help you prepare for and navigate your big day!
Parking and Transportation Options
Free parking and shuttle services will be available from TCC Trinity River Campus.
Paid parking lots will also be available.
Find more information about parking and transportation options.
Arrival Times and Entrance Locations
Arrival Times
| Campuses | Arrival Time | Time of Ceremony |
|---|---|---|
| TCC South and Connect | 4:45–5:15 p.m. | Friday, May 15 at 6 p.m. |
| TCC Northwest and Trinity River | 8:45–9:15 a.m. | Saturday, May 16 at 10 a.m. |
| TCC Northeast and Southeast | 12:45–1:15 p.m. | Saturday, May 16 at 2 p.m. |
Follow the signs to find the check-in location. You will need to use your Digital StagePass at check-in.
Digital StagePass
Use your Digital StagePass for check-in.
Questions about your Digital StagePass? Email graduation@tccd.edu.
Learn more about your Digital StagePass.
Graduate Instructions
After you check in, follow these instructions for graduates:
- Please silence your cell phone
- Fully zip up your gown
- Your cap tassel should be on your right
- The Chancellor will instruct you on when to move it to your left
- Watch for the photographer to show you how to sign up to receive photos using a QR code
- Walk in a single-file line when entering and exiting the building
- Follow all line leader instructions
- Do not interrupt if a line leader is counting graduates as they enter a seating row
- Remain standing until you are asked to sit
- A program will be on your chair
- When you approach the stage have your name card ready to give to the reader
- Leave all personal items at your seat when you leave for the stage—you will return to your seat
- You will pose on stage with a diploma cover held by the Chancellor
- You will receive a diploma cover to keep when you leave the stage
- You are expected to stay for the entire ceremony
- You will exit the building near where you entered
- Decide beforehand where to meet your friends/family outside of the building
- Diplomas are mailed 6–8 weeks after the ceremony (Spring graduates only)
- Have a blast—it's your big day!
Special Accommodations
You should contact the Student Accessibility Resources office on your campus if you need special accommodations (wheelchair access, hearing impaired, mobility impaired).
Ushers will be available at the Fort Worth Convention Center 9th Street entrance for assistance.
You may not bring guests, including children, to sit in the graduate seating areas during the ceremony. All guests will observe the ceremony from the spectator seating areas. Children must be supervised by a friend or family member.
Regalia, Attire, and Personal Items
Learn more about regalia orders from TCC bookstores.
Suggested attire for wearing under regalia is as follows:
- Males: White shirt, tie, dark trousers, and dark shoes
- Females: Dresses or dark pants, dark shoes, minimal jewelry
- Shoes: Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended due to extended periods of walking on hard surfaces
Can I bring food, balloons, signs, noisemakers, or flowers?
Outside food, drinks, balloons, flowers, and noisemakers are not permitted. Please leave these items in your car before entering.
Flowers and concessions will be available for sale at the venue.
Flags or signs must not exceed 11"x17" or have poles.
Can I still walk if I'm not wearing regalia?
No, you are required to be dressed in regalia to participate in the ceremony.
Can I decorate my graduation cap?
Yes! We encourage you to submit your decorated graduation cap to our annual grad cap decorating contest.
Livestream
If you have guests who can’t make it to your big day, share your accomplishment virtually via our TCC Commencement Livestream.
Diplomas
You will be mailed your diploma at a later date. Learn more about when you'll receive your diploma.
Updated May 06, 2026