About Our Commencement

Commencement 2024 Date Announced: May 23, 2024 at 10am in the Alamodome!

2024 Graduation Commencement Information:

Date: Thursday, May 23rd, 2024
Check-in time starts at 8:00am
Ceremony Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Location: San Antonio Alamodome (Please note, outside food and drinks are not permitted and no balloons are allowed.  Clear Bag Policy in effect for guests).
Parking: 
Each student will receive a free parking pass during Gradfest (Cap and Gown Pickup) good for one vehicle.  The Parking Rate is $15 for each additional guest vehicle. 

Planning to participate in our 2024 commencement? Students who complete(d) their degree requirements in Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Summer 2024 (lacking only 8 credit hours or less and have a 2.0 minimum GPA) must meet with their assigned academic advisor for a degree review by the deadline.

 

2024 Gradfest (Cap and Gown Pickup) Information:

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Diploma Questions

Do I have to attend the graduation ceremony to receive my degree?

No, you do not have to attend the graduation ceremony to receive a degree but you do need to apply for graduation to have your degree reviewed so you can be awarded a degree.

When will I receive my diploma?

Eight to ten working weeks after the official close of the term in which you have graduated.

What if I want to purchase a duplicate diploma or re-print?

Students may request a re-print or duplicate diploma at the link below, the fee is $25.

https://www.alamo.edu/district/virtual-business-office/

Commencement Ceremony FAQs

General

Is participation in the commencement ceremony required?

No, you do not have to participate in the commencement ceremony in order to receive your diploma.

However, you still need to meet with your Academic Advisor to complete mandatory graduation advising as you approach completion of a program. 

What is the difference between commencement and graduation?

Commencement refers to the ceremony, which is an opportunity for students to celebrate their academic accomplishments with their peers, family and friends. There is no cost for graduation. The diploma, cap and gown are provided by the Alamo Colleges District. Participation in commencement does not guarantee or indicate degree completion. 

Graduation is a process consisting of meeting with your certified academic advisor, applying for graduation on paper, updating your diploma name and address in ACES if necessary, along with completing all academic requirements.

Can I participate in commencement if I have not completed all my requirements?

Only students who have applied for graduation are allowed to participate in commencement ceremonies.

I was part of the ceremony, does that mean I graduated?

No. Participation in a commencement ceremony does not imply or infer the awarding of a degree at the time of the commencement ceremony; a final degree audit must be completed before a degree is officially awarded.

Communication

Check ACES e-mail for communication on Cap and Gown Pick and Commencement.

2024 Commencement Time and Check in

2024 NVC Commencement will take place at 10:00am on May 23rd 2024 at The Alamodome (100 Montana St, San Antonio, TX 78203)

Student Check in is from 8:00am to 9:00am

Doors Open to the public at 8:00am

Commencement runtime: 10:00am to 11:30am

 

Participation

You will not need a ticket or QR Code to attend the graduation but you would have had to apply for graduation.

Restricted Items

The following items are restricted and are not allowed for the event:

  • Strollers
  • Balloons
  • Flowers
  • Airhorns
  • Other Loud noisemakers
  • Outside food and drinks
People with Disabilities
  • Graduates
    • Graduates requiring accommodations, you may contact the NVC Access Office at NVC-ACCESS@alamo.edu 
  • Guests
    • Handicap Parking will be available on site
    • Accessible seating is available and ushers will be assisting those needing help.

Cap and Gown Questions

How will I get my cap and gown ahead of the commencement?

Students that designated on their graduation application they would attend a commencement ceremony (this would have happened when meeting with your academic advisor) will be emailed directly about an opportunity to pick up their cap and gown by appointment. These pick up dates will be during the month of April. Check your email for this information (both student and personal).

Can I keep my cap and gown?

Your cap and gown is a keepsake for you to cherish, you will not need to return it.

Guests

How many guests can I invite?

There are no set number of guests you can invite. 

What time should I and my guests arrive for commencement?

You should arrive between 8:00am and 9:00am.

Watch the entire 2023 Commencement below!