Are there any COVID restrictions?
No. However, campus events are subject to County and State Health Department COVID restrictions and regulations at the time the event is held. County and State Health Department COVID restrictions and regulations are subject to change at any time. For more information on COVID restrictions, please visit: https://www.ivc.edu/covid19
Who is eligible to participate in the Commencement Ceremony?
Students who met any of the following conditions during the 2021-2022 academic year are eligible to participate in Commencement:
- Completed or will complete an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts for Transfer or Associate of Science for Transfer 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
If I am completing a Certificate of Proficiency or a Certificate of Competency am I able to participate in commencement?
No, students completing a Certificate of Proficiency or a Certificate of Competency are not eligible to participate in Commencement.
Where is the Commencement Ceremony held?
Commencement takes place at the IVC Live Oak Terraces, which is an outdoor venue.
How many guests can I invite?
You may invite as many guests as you wish. To ensure adequate seating for the ceremony, graduates are asked to reply to their invitation email that is sent in April by creating a MarchingOrder account (your personal link is included in your email) to let us know if you plan to attend and approximately how many guests will join you.
How do I confirm I plan to attend the Commencement Ceremony?
Students who are eligible to participate in Commencement will receive an email invitation to Commencement in April. In that email is a link to create a password and account for MarchingOrder, our online reservation system to confirm your attendance as well as the expected number of guests you plan to bring. Our online reservation service is available through Friday, May 19.
Where can I purchase graduation announcements and cap and gown?
Beginning in April, you may purchase announcements, and your cap and gown through the IVC Bookstore.
What color tassel do I wear?
Certificate recipients will wear a white tassel and degree graduates/candidates will wear a blue tassel.
How much does a cap, gown, and tassel cost?
The cost of a cap, gown, and tassel is $42.00 plus tax. You may purchase the set or individual items as needed. Caps and gowns go on sale starting April 12. Contact the bookstore for more information at 949-451-5258, or visit IVC Bookstore.
Where do Phi Theta Kappa, Psi Beta, and Honors program students receive their cords or medallions?
Specific regalia for Phi Theta Kappa (cord), Psi Beta (cord), Honors Program (medallion) or other clubs/organizations are issued by those organizations. Contact your advisor before the day of Commencement for more information.
I'm a student who has earned an academic honor. How do I receive my tassel and/or cord?
If you've earned academic honors such as cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude, you will be issued the appropriate tassel and/or cord at check-in.
What is the criteria for academic honors recognition?
Academic honors are recognized for students completing degrees. IVC uses a cumulative GPA from all units taken at IVC and all work transferred to the college except basic skills courses.
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
How do I know if I’ll be recognized during the ceremony for honors designation?
If you have an honors notation on the name card you receive when you check-in at the commencement ceremony, you have received an honors designation.
What if I think I should have received the honors designation, but didn’t?
Unfortunately, time will not allow for questioning or changing any honors designation on the day of commencement. However, you may ask the evaluator who is available at the check-in area at commencement to review your GPA after the commencement weekend.
Where can I park on the day of commencement?
Parking for students and guests is complimentary on the day of commencement. Parking permits are not required that day. For your convenience, we recommend that you park in the Lots 4, 5 or 6, which are closest to the Performing Arts Center. See Campus Map.
Where do graduates check-in on the day of commencement? What time does check-in start?
Check-in for commencement participants begins at 2:30 pm between the BSTIC building and the Library. We encourage you to arrive early so that you may take photos at our photo stations throughout the campus.
What time will students start lining up to enter the ceremony?
At 4:20 pm sharp, student participants will be asked to form two lines for the processional. If you are late, you will not be allowed to participate in the processional at the start of the program. When lining up for the processional, you may choose to be together with your friends. When the lines are ready, you will be led in the processional to the ceremony area at the PAC lawn. 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. You may meet your guests for our reception at that time.
How do I make sure my name is pronounced correctly during the ceremony?
At check-in, you'll receive a card with your legal 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.
Which side do I wear my tassels on?
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.
How long will the ceremony last?
The ceremony lasts approximately two hours.
Is there a reception after the ceremony?
There is no reception after the ceremony. However, you are welcomed to stay and take photos with family and friends on campus after the ceremony concludes.
What should I do with my personal belongings during the ceremony?
Please try to leave your personal belonging with your guests. You may also leave them with check-in staff during the ceremony. However, we ask that you retrieve these items immediately after the ceremony.
Are there any restrictions on what I can bring with me into the ceremony?
As a courtesy to all guests, we ask that attendees do not bring air horns, noisemakers or large objects that will obstruct the view of others such as balloons or streamers.
Will I have an opportunity to purchase images from commencement?
Yes, GradImages will photograph all participants in Commencement. You will be contacted after the ceremony with information on viewing and ordering photos. You may also do Pre-Event Email Registration (optional) before Commencement at www.gradimages.com.
How will I receive my diploma/certificate?
Diplomas and certificates for Summer 22 and Fall 22 graduates have already been ordered. If you are a Spring 23 candidate, your diploma/certificate will be mailed to you later in the summer. So please ensure that IVC has your current address. Diplomas/certificates 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 ivccommencement@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.
After my name is called and I walk across the stage, can I leave?
No, to preserve the integrity of the ceremony and out of respect for your fellow graduates, please return to your seat until all students have processed across the stage. Following the ceremony, you will recess out of the ceremony and then can meet up with your family and friends.