Commencement Ceremony Information

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Congratulations, Graduates!

As you approach this milestone in your life, the faculty and staff of Rowan-Cabarrus celebrate your success. Our Commencement Ceremonies are events of significance.  They are accomplished with considerable planning to ensure a memorable occasion of which you can be proud. Congratulations, graduates!

Congrats to the Class of 2024! Watch the Graduation Ceremony on our Facebook Page

Commencement is held at the end of spring semester. To participate in the Commencement Ceremony, you are expected to successfully complete your program requirements in one of the following:

  • fall semester prior to the ceremony; or
  • spring semester of the ceremony; or
  • be enrolled in your final courses in the summer semester following the ceremony.

Commencement Ceremony Date

The Commencement Ceremony will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, located at 4751 State Hwy 49, Concord, NC 28025.

Commencement Ceremony Timelines

Information coming this spring.

Plan to attend the Graduation Fair to get your cap and gown and details about the ceremony. Graduates and pending graduates should check their Rowan-Cabarrus email periodically for updates on guidelines regarding timelines, arrivals, and protocols for the day of the Commencement Ceremony.

Commencement Ceremony Etiquette

It is our desire that your Commencement Ceremony reflect the honor, respect, and dignity of this important day. In keeping with these goals, we ask that you observe the following guidelines:

  • All participants are expected to follow Rowan-Cabarrus Community College behavior standards.
  • Cell phones and any other electronic devices must be silenced during the ceremony.
  • Appropriate clothing should be worn under your academic gown (e.g. dark slacks, dark dress or skirt, dark shoes). Long pants are appropriate.
  • Unauthorized attachments to caps or gowns are not allowed.
  • Balloons or other items cannot be carried during the ceremony.  Balloons are also not allowed in the audience.
  • Appropriate stoles and cords may only be worn by members of Phi Theta Kappa, Sigma Alpha Pi, M.I.S.T.E.R., Student Nurses Association, and Phi Beta Lambda.
  • No alcoholic beverages, weapons, noise-making devices, glass bottles, cans, beach balls or other inflatable items.
  • Every graduate has worked hard to earn this day and we ask that guests be respectful of graduates and other guests.

Tassels and Caps

  • Tassels are worn on the right side of the cap and shifted to the the left side after conferment.
  • Men will remove caps for the Invocation (opening prayer), and the Benediction (closing prayer) and put them back on immediately at the end of each prayer.

High School Equivalency and Adult High School Graduates

For questions regarding High School Equivalency and Adult High School graduation or the purchase of black caps and gowns, please contact Jay Taylor, Executive Director of College & Career Readiness.

**Degrees, diplomas, and certificates are not given out at the graduation ceremony. These are mailed to students following all degree evaluations and verifications. 

Commencement Ceremony Accessibility Information

If you are a student with a disability and need to make an accommodation request for access, please indicate the need on your Graduation Information form and contact the Office of Accessibility at oa@lakeviewbungalow.com. Access accommodations are related to physical, hearing, and visual impairments and disabilities for students.

The ceremony will be live captioned and displayed in the arena for all participants. Seating is first come, first serve; we cannot reserve seats for guests. Students are encouraged to pay attention to the time doors to the arena will open and have guests plan accordingly. For wheelchair users, there are two designated spaces on the main level of the arena for wheelchairs; there is also an elevator and ramps for access.

Parking will be directed. Individuals in wheelchairs or with mobility impairments may be dropped off at the door.

Please contact oa@lakeviewbungalow.com with any questions.