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Group of recent graduates sitting and holding up their diploma.

Graduation

The 2026 Commencement Ceremony for 2025 Fall, 2026 Spring and 2026 Summer semester graduates will be:
Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 10 a.m.
on the OCH Main Campus

Graduation vs. Commencement

Graduation is the certified completion of your degree, diploma or certificate program requirements – it is not a ceremony. When you apply for graduation completion, you are not registering for any ceremony. To receive a credential (degree, diploma or certificate), all students must apply for graduation during the term in which they are completing their final program requirements. 

Commencement is a symbolic ceremony that marks your academic achievement. It is an opportunity for you, your family and friends and South Piedmont Community College to celebrate that achievement. Participation is not required. To participate in the commencement ceremony, students must apply for graduation, pay graduation fees, and order their regalia – cap and gown – by posted deadlines.

Steps to Graduate

Verify Eligibility

• Check your SPCC email for an email from the Registrar’s Office with subject: Potential Graduate – Response Requested.
• If you do not receive an email from the Registrar’s Office by midterm of the semester you are set to graduate, reach out to your advisor or the advising center to review your program evaluation.

Submit Graduation Application

• Complete the Etrieve Graduation Application, regardless of ceremony participation. (April 2 deadline to participate in commencement)
• The graduation application verifies your mailing address and how you want your name displayed on your credential.
• Students completing requirements for their credentials during the summer semester can participate in the spring commencement. Application is due by April 2.

Graduation Application

Graduation Date and Transcript Requests

  • Graduation for students completing courses or requirements vary as follows: 
    • Between terms: First day of the term
    • Between first day and midterm: Midterm date
    • Between midterm and last day: Last day of the term
  • For high school students, SPCC’s graduation date is based on the official high school graduation date AND completion of program requirements.
  • Detailed information about ordering transcripts can be found on the SPCC Website. Make sure to choose, hold for degree’.
Transcript

Pay Graduation Fees

  • Graduation Fees are automatically added to a student’s account based on the following:
  • A $10 graduation fee for students not participating in commencement. This fee covers credentials.
  • A $25 graduation fee for students participating in commencement. This fee covers credentials & hardcover case.  Payment due date is April 2.
  • Contact the business office at 704-290-5849 or 704-272-5355 or log into Self-Service to pay graduation fees once they are posted to your account.

Obtain Regalia

  • SPCC regalia includes a black matte gown, cap, and tassel.
  • If you are participating in commencement, order your regalia from the SPCC Campus Store by the deadline. *Financial Aid may be used for regalia purchased through the SPCC Campus Store if purchased before March 1
  • Contact the Registrar’s Office (registrar@spcc.edu) to have borrowed or previously purchased regalia approved by April 2.
  • If purchasing regalia is a financial hardship, please email the Registrar’s Office (registrar@spcc.edu) to discuss options by the April 2 deadline.
SPCC Campus Store

Commencement Information

Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10 am
Location – OCH Main Campus

  • Special Needs Parking – Guests with a handicap parking permit will be directed to designated parking spots.
  • Due to ongoing construction, each graduate will receive a maximum of two on-campus parking passes.  Information about available off-campus parking with a shuttle service that does not require a pass will be provided closer to commencement.
  • Tickets and parking passes will be available at the graduation fairs.
  • Graduates should arrive in full regalia 1 hour prior to the start of the ceremony.
  • The formal procession starts promptly at 10 am. Graduates are required to remain in their designated places throughout the entire ceremony.
  • Do not bring personal belongings other than regalia.
  • Graduates do not need a ticket.
  • Graduates may request up to six (6) guest tickets with 2 marked ‘rain or shine’. In the event of severe weather, if the ceremony is moved inside, only 2 guests may attend.
  • *If extra seats become available, an email will be sent to your SPCC email by the beginning of May.
  • Tickets and parking passes will be available at the graduation fairs.
  • Pictures of tickets will not be accepted.
  • Children under 4 years old do not need a ticket IF seated on a ticketed guest’s lap. A space at the back of the audience will be available for guests with strollers.
  • Obtain your regalia from the SPCC Campus Store (https://spcc.edu/student-life-resources/campusstore/)
  • Men – Slacks, a collared or lightweight button-down shirt and dark shoes.
  • Women – A dress, skirt, or nice pants and blouse. Avoid fabrics that wrinkle easily or are too heavy.
  • Wear comfortable yet dressy shoes. Since outdoor venues can vary, avoid high heels if walking on grass or uneven ground; wedges, flats, or low heels are usually more suitable.
  • Caps: Wear FLAT on your head, with the tassel over your right eye during the procession and ceremony.
  • Caps can be decorated – all decorations must align with SPCC’s mission and vision. Inappropriate caps will require removal before the ceremony. Decorations should be flat on the cap or not more than ½ inches above the cap.
  • Cords: Allowable cords are available through SPCC clubs/organizations. Cords represent a graduates’ collegiate experience at South Piedmont.

Monroe – Tuesday, April 14 from 9 to 6:30pm in the Main Building

Polkton – Thursday, April 16 from 9 to 6:00pmin the Garibaldi Building

  • Additional graduation ceremony information and guest tickets will be available at the graduation fairs.
  • Graduates will verify commencement information, pick up previously ordered regalia from the SPCC Campus Bookstore, and pay any outstanding fees.
  • If you or your guests require special accommodations such as ASL Interpreting at the commencement ceremony, please contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@spcc.edu.
  • Handicap parking permits are required to park in handicap spots/lots.
  • Commencement will be livestreamed.
  • GradImages is the official graduation photographer and will take photos of each graduate during the ceremony. Photo proofs will be sent to the graduate’s home address with purchasing options.
  • GradImages contact information:
  • 1-800-261-2576
  • www.gradimages.com
  • Graduates will receive a blank credential cover when crossing the stage and shaking the President’s hand.
  • An email with instructions for *obtaining credentials (digital and print) will be sent to your SPCC email 3 to 4 weeks after the semester that all program requirements are completed.

*FOR students that have submitted their graduation application and paid graduation fees, regardless of participation in commencement.

  • Can I wear cords, stoles, or different tassels?

Allowable cords are available through SPCC clubs/organizations. Cords represent a graduates’ collegiate experience at South Piedmont. Any non-SPCC organization issued cords/stoles/tassels will need to have prior approval by the Registrar’s Office.

  • Can I decorate my cap?

Yes, caps can be decorated. All decorations must be in line with our school’s mission and vision statement. Inappropriate caps will result in the removal of the cap before the ceremony. Decorations should be flat on the cap or not more than ½ inches above the cap.

  • Is there a rehearsal?

No, there is no rehearsal for commencement. Detailed information in commencement Instructions.

  • Can I request extra tickets or parking passes?

Students can request up to six (6) graduation tickets when applying for graduation. An email will be sent to your SPCC email if extra tickets and/or parking passes become available.

Children under 4 years old do not need a ticket IF seated on a ticketed guest’s lap. A space at the back of the audience will be available for guests with strollers.

  • Is there a dress code for commencement?

Commencement is a formal event and appropriate attire is expected. You will be standing for periods of time. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended (not responsible for damaged footwear).

  • Do you have a place where I can store my stuff during graduation? (Ex. jacket, purse, etc.)

No, leave your personal items in your car or give them to a ticketed guest upon arrival.

  • Are balloons/noisemakers allowed at commencement?

No, they are a distraction for other guests.

  • What if I need or have a guest that needs special accommodations?

Email the Registrar’s Office at registrar@spcc.edu

  • When will I receive my credential (degree, diploma, or certificate)?

Provided that you have met all graduation requirements, an email will be sent to your SPCC email 3 to 4 weeks after the semester that all program requirements are completed with information about obtaining your digital and/or paper copy or paying to have your credential mailed.