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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. 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 a message from the Registrar’s Office titled “Potential Graduate – Response Requested.”
  • If you don’t receive it by midterm of your graduating semester, contact your advisor or the Advising Center to review your program evaluation.

Submit Graduation Application

  • 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, the SPCC graduation date is based on the official high school graduation date AND completion of program requirements.
  • Transcript requests are available on the SPCC website; select “hold for degree”.
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, South Piedmont’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 South Piedmont website. Make sure to choose, “hold for degree.”
Transcript

Pay Graduation Fees

  • Fees are automatically added to your account:
    • $10 for students not attending commencement (credentials only)
    • $25 for students attending commencement (credentials and hardcover case; due April 2)
  • Pay fees by contacting the Business Office at 704-290-5849 or 704-272-5355
  • Fees cover processing and conferral of the highest credential only; additional credentials can be purchased through Parchment

Obtain Regalia

  • SPCC regalia includes a black matte gown, cap, and tassel.
  • Order your regalia from the SPCC Campus Store by March 3. *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.
Regalia through Jostens

Commencement Information

Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10 a.m.
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 one hour prior to the start of the ceremony.
  • The formal procession starts promptly at 10 a.m. 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 guest tickets, with two marked “rain or shine.” In the event of severe weather, if the ceremony is moved inside, only two guests may attend. If extra seats become available, an email will be sent to your South Piedmont 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 they are 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 South Piedmont Campus Store.
  • 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 you will be walking on grass or uneven ground; wedges, flats, or low heels are usually more suitable.
  • Caps: Wear your cap 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 South Piedmont’s mission and vision. Inappropriate caps will be removed 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 South Piedmont clubs and organizations. Cords represent a graduates’ collegiate experience at South Piedmont.

Monroe – Tuesday, April 14, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Main Building

Polkton – Thursday, April 16, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in 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 South Piedmont Campus Store, 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.
  • 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 and 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 South Piedmont email three to four weeks after the semester that all program requirements are completed. You must have submitted your graduation application and paid graduation fees, regardless of your participation in commencement.
  • Can I wear cords, stoles, or different tassels?

Allowable cords are available through South Piedmont clubs/organizations. Cords represent a graduates’ collegiate experience at South Piedmont. Any cord/stole/tassel issued by a non-South Piedmong organization will need to be approved 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. You will receive detailed information in your commencement instructions.

  • Can I request extra tickets or parking passes?

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

  • My sister is only 2 years old. Does she need a ticket for the outdoor commencement?

Children under 4 years old do not need a ticket IF they are 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. South Piedmont is not responsible for damaged footwear.

  • Do you have a place where I can store my stuff (examples: jackets, purses, etc.) during graduation?

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.

  • 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 South Piedmont email three to four 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.