The Event

Congratulations, Thunderbirds!

Graduation is a time to pay tribute to each member of the graduating class. As students of Mesa Community College you have left, and will continue to leave, an indelible legacy of achievement and a tradition of excellence for generations to come.

Please join us at the May 2023 Commencement Ceremony so we may celebrate your academic accomplishments with your family and friends.

Please note the deadlines and information below, which will help you and your guests prepare for this important and festive occasion.

Ceremony Details

Date: Saturday, May 13, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m., Doors open at 8:00 a.m.
Location: Arizona State University
Desert Financial Arena
600 E Veterans Way, Tempe, AZ 85281

Graduation Orientation Video

Descriptive text for the visually impaired can be accessed here via Google Docs.

To download the text version, click here: Graduation 2023 Orientation, Descriptive Text.

Important Deadlines

  • April 4, 2023 - Last day to have name appear in online program and appear on LED screen during the ceremony
  • April 21, 2023 - RSVP to attend ceremony
  • April 21, 2023 - Last day to purchase regalia

Graduation Regalia

A cap and gown (regalia) are required to participate in the ceremony.

Deadline to order regalia is April 21, 2023.

  • Regalia fees:
    • Cap/gown/tassel package (includes tassel and year pendant) $13.00
    • Tassel only with year/date pendant $1.65 (optional)
    • A year date pendant only $0.40 (optional)
    • Extra diploma cover $15 (optional)

Cap and gown pickup is May 1-12, 2023, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Bookstore on the Southern/Dobson Campus, Building 37S. You will not be able to pick up your gown before May 1. Your Student ID number and a picture ID are needed to retrieve your order.

If you're eligible to receive an honor cord, it may be picked up at the Bookstore with regalia from May 1-12.

The last day to pick up your order is May 12. Bookstore hours: Monday-Friday: 10a-2P

Prior to the ceremony, the tassel should hang from the front-right side of the cap. Comfortable, low-heeled shoes are recommended.

Tag MCC in your social media posts using #mesaccgraduation. Planning on decorating your mortarboard hat? We invite you to take a photo and share it along with other graduation images on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat,and Instagram.

Event overview for graduates

May 13, 2023

The venue has no place for storing personal items; please leave items with family members or friends.

All graduates must check in by 8:30 a.m. or may not be allowed to participate.

  • 7:30 a.m. Check-in begins - Check-in at the southeast entrance of Sun Devil Stadium. All graduates must be checked in by 8:30 a.m. or may not be allowed to participate.
  • 8:45 a.m. Students must be seated in the arena
  • 8:55 a.m. Faculty and platform party procession
  • 9:00 a.m. Program begins (runs approximately 90 minutes)

Know before you go

Guests

Guests - Tickets are not required for this event. You may invite as many guests as you would like.

Getting to the graduation venue

The use of public transportation is strongly encouraged. Visit https://cfo.asu.edu/transit for neighborhood shuttles and Valley Metro public transportation options. To view all maps of the different venues used for ceremonies, please visit: https://graduation.asu.edu/guests/parking

Parking

Parking lots are nearby for those driving to the stadium, including ADA parking. Large attendance at ceremonies will create traffic. Exiting parking lots and parking structures will be delayed. Your patience and cooperation is appreciated.

What not to bring

Sun Devil Stadium, and all ASU venues have a Clear Bag Policy. Graduates and guests will be asked to return items to their cars if they do not comply. You can visit https://clearbags.asu.edu for more information.

Food and Beverage

The stadium concession stands will be open. Attendees can purchase a range of food, water, and other beverages (alcohol will not be sold).

Attendees can also carry in clear, factory-sealed bottles of water (51 oz. / 1.5 liters or smaller) and empty plastic sports bottles to use at water stations.

Graduation with Academic Recognition

Graduates with a GPA of 3.5 or higher as of the end of the fall semester receive cords to be placed around their necks to represent this academic honor designation. The cords are available for pickup from the MCC Bookstore with regalia May 1-12.

  • Highest distinction: graduate has attained a graduation grade point average of 3.90-4.0, designated with a gold cord.
  • High distinction: graduation has attained a graduation grade point average of 3.70-3.89, designated with a red cord.
  • Distinction: graduate has attained a graduation grade point average of 3.50-3.69, designated with a white cord.

Phi Theta Kappa

If you are a member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and want to purchase honor cords, stoles, tassels, or other items visit the online store at store.ptk.org/. For questions about PTK and graduation regalia please contact Cara Webb, 480-461-7720.

Accessibility

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. Graduates requiring special accommodations (blind/visually impaired, deaf/hard of hearing, wheelchair, scooter, crutches, etc.) should notify Jennifer Biggs at (480) 461-7794 by May 5.

Students will enter the arena through the west tunnel. The ramp is very steep and not ADA compliant. People assisting a graduate are required to have credentials or they will not be admitted by ASU security.

Accessible seating for guests is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please visit graduation.asu.edu/guests/disability for more information.

Closed Captioning

Closed captioning will be available for the hearing impaired.

Photography and Flowers

GradImages coupon

GradImages® is proud to be the official graduation photographer for Mesa Community College! You will receive your photo proofs via email or mail after the event so that you can decide if you would like to purchase any of the images. You can also search for your images on gradimages.com. Questions? Please contact the GradImages Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576 or ecc.giservice@gradimages.net. Pre-Register with GradImages before graduation ceremony photos and receive a discount! Please visit gradimages.com/registration to pre-register.

Floral bouquets, Orchid Lei's, Kukui nut lei's, and other gift items will be available for purchase at the commencement ceremony. Please click on the following link to pre-order and reserve your gifts - thecommencementgroup.com/mesacc/.

All online orders will be available for pickup on site the day of the ceremony. To retrieve your order, please stop by the booth located conveniently at the entrance to the arena before the ceremony begins.

Diploma

Diplomas are mailed to the address on record. All financial obligations to MCC must be cleared before we can release your degree and/or certificate and transcripts. Visit maricopa.edu/Student-Center to update your address and check for any messages posted in your Student Center.

Live Streaming

Family and friends who are unable to attend the ceremony in person can point their browser to mesacc.edu/live. While every attempt will be made to live stream the event, we have experienced technical difficulties in the past due to unforeseen circumstances.

Social Media

Tag MCC in your graduation social media posts using #mesaccgraduation.

Planning on decorating your cap? Take a photo and share it or other graduation photos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Let your friends and family know you are graduating from MCC by adding a Grad Badge to your Facebook timeline. To add a badge to your timeline visit mesacc.edu/graduation/graduation-2023 and click "Share" or "Like" on the badge of your choice.