IVC 2013 Commencement Information

Who Participates

You are eligible to participate in Commencement if you meet any of the following conditions during the 2012-2013 academic year:

• Completed or will complete an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree program
• Completed or will complete a Certificate of Achievement program
• Completed or will complete a full IGETC or CSU Certification program for a Certificate of Achievement

When

Friday, May 24, 2013, 5:00 p.m.

Where

The actual event is held outdoors, at the Live Oak Terraces next to the Performing Arts Center. You will be seated in chairs on grass and will be in direct sunlight so please dress accordingly.

Guests

You may invite as many guests as you wish. To ensure adequate seating for the ceremony and refreshments for the reception, we simply ask that you let us know if you plan to attend and approximately how many guests will join you.

Reservations

If you're invited to participate in Commencement, you will be asked to RSVP online to confirm your attendance and the expected number of guests you plan to bring.

Invitations

You may purchase invitations through the IVC Bookstore in a set of 2 ($3.75 plus tax), or in a set of 10 ($18.50 plus tax).

Caps and Gowns

Plan ahead! Order your cap and gown through the IVC Bookstore. They can be reached at 949-451-5258. Certificate recipients will wear a white tassel and degree graduates/candidates will wear the blue tassel. Make sure you purchase the right set. The cost of a cap, gown and tassel is $33.00 plus tax. You may purchase the set or individual items as needed. Contact the bookstore for more information.

Honor Cords and Tassels

If you've earned academic honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude), you will be issued the appropriate tassel and/or cord at check-in. If you are a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Psi Beta or Honors Program, contact your advisor or organization regarding the purchase of cords or other regalia.

Check-In for Commencement:

Check-In will be in the Student Success Center, Business Sciences and Technology (BSTIC) Bldg., First Floor.

Graduate/Candidate Check-In

Check-In for participants begins at 4:00 pm.

Lineup for Commencement is at 4:45 p.m. If you are late you will not be allowed to participate in the processional at the start of the program, so please arrive early.

Tassels should be worn on your right side. You will be asked during the ceremony to switch your tassel to the left. So keep it on the right until then. At check-in, you'll receive a card with your name on it. Make sure it is spelled correctly. This is your official name on record with IVC. If necessary, we will write how your name should be pronounced correctly. Keep this card with you. You will present it to the representative announcing names as you cross the stage to receive your diploma cover.

If you have an honors notation on your card, this will also be announced. Remember, IVC uses a cumulative GPA from all units taken at IVC and all work transferred to the college except basic skills courses. Time will not allow for questioning or changing any honors for commencement. An evaluator will be available at check-in. You may ask her to review your GPA after the commencement weekend.

Please note the following categories for honors and GPA level:

• Cum Laude = 3.50 to 3.74
• Magna Cum Laude = 3.75 to 3.99
• Summa Cum Laude = 4.00

Parking

To accommodate parking and traffic flow for all guests, student participants will be directed to park in Parking Lot 10 located at the Irvine Center Drive entrance to the campus. Lots 4 and 5 will be available for guests only. See our campus map for more information.

Special Services/Accommodations

To best accommodate disabled student participants, you may indicate special needs through our RSVP online service.

Ceremony

At 4:45 p.m. sharp, student participants will be asked to form two lines for the processional. The ceremony begins at 5:00 p.m. sharp and is typically 90 minutes to 2 hours in length.

At the beginning of the ceremony you will be led in the processional to the ceremony area at the Live Oak Terraces next to the Performing Arts Center. Do not stop to talk to guests or to take photos. Keep moving until you are directed to your seat. At the end of the ceremony, or recessional, you will exit your seat in the same two-line formation and will be led away from the lawn area. Your may meet your guests for our reception at that time.

Reception

The reception that follows the ceremony is for you as well as your parents and friends, faculty, staff and administration. It will be held at the Student Services Center Patio outside of the cafeteria.

Personal Belongings

Please try to leave your personal belongings with your guests. You may also leave them in the Student Success Center as it will be secured during the ceremony. However, we ask that you retrieve these items immediately after the recessional.

Photographs

The college has contracted with Interstate Photography to provide a professional photographer for the event. Order information will be provided to you on the day of Commencement. They will also contact you soon after Commencement for your opportunity to purchase prints. Family photos should be taken after Commencement since guests will not be able to approach the stage area before or during the event.

DVD/VHS Copies

The college will have DVD of Commencement available for purchase. The ordering information will be available on the day of Commencement or download the DVD Order Form here and mail it to the address on the form. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. 

Diplomas

Your name will appear on your diploma as it is on file at IVC. Your diploma will be mailed to you. So please ensure that we have your current address. Diplomas that are returned will be held for an additional 90 days. After that time, students must request to have a duplicate diploma printed at an additional cost.

If you would prefer not to have your diploma mailed to you, please email your request to Shanna Moorhouse at smoorhouse@ivc.edu. Be sure to include your name and student ID number on all communications to us. You may contact our evaluations unit at (949) 451-5743 if you have any additional questions.