FAQ List
Please review answers to common questions about graduation and commencement below.
Mesa Community College's Commencement ceremony is held once a year, during the spring semester. The College does not hold commencement in the summer or fall semesters. The Commencement Ceremony for academic year 25/26 is on May 16, 2026, 9:00 a.m. at Arizona State University, Desert Financial Arena.
The ceremony will be held at Arizona State University, Desert Financial Arena, 600 E Veterans Way, Tempe, AZ 85281.
No. The ceremony is not a ticketed event.
No. There is no limit to the number of people you can invite.
The ceremony is expected to last 1.5-2 hours. Participants are expected to remain for the entire duration of the ceremony. Please plan accordingly.
Yes, graduates need to RSVP for the ceremony by April 19, 2026. After the deadline has passed we will not be able to accept late RSVP's. This allows for the commencement committee to make appropriate decisions and preparations to provide for the best experience.
No. If students choose not to take part in the ceremony and their academic requirements are met, similar to prior years, students will receive their diploma(s) digitally through Parchment Services. Once the diplomas are issued, you'll receive an email from Parchment via your Maricopa student email with instructions on how to obtain your diploma(s). Additionally, you can track them online and you'll be able to share your diplomas on social media! If you would like a printed copy or any duplicate diplomas, please send an email to [email protected]. Please note that fees may apply. If you have any questions regarding your diploma, visit the Parchment website for FAQs and general information.
Yes, students must apply to graduate regardless of ceremony participation.
You can now order your cap and gown online and have it shipped to your home. A cap and gown (regalia) are required to participate in the ceremony.
Ship to Home Closing Date: TBA
All graduates should wear a royal blue cap and gown with a red tassel to participate in the ceremony. You will be responsible for purchasing your own cap and gown through the MCC approved vendor, online retailer, 3rd party vendor, or borrowed from a friend.
The ceremony will be indoors, and you will be standing and walking before and during the ceremony; comfortable footwear is recommended.
- Fall - October 15
- Spring (including Winter Intersession) - March 1
- Summer - June 1
Applications submitted after a semester’s respective deadline will not be processed until the next semester.
Review the Steps to Graduation for more details.
No. There is no fee for applying to graduate.
Visit Academic Advisement to connect with your advisor prior to filling out a graduation application. They will help you determine if you are ready to apply.
There is no in-person rehearsal before the ceremony. Please review our graduation orientation video so you are prepared. Audio description is available within the player.
Your application for a degree or certificate will be reviewed and processed within 45 days after the semester in which you applied, if the following criteria are met:
- You met the graduation application deadline.
- Earn a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in the coursework (100 level and above) used to satisfy degree or certificate requirements completed in residence.
- You have completed the minimum amount of credits required at MCC.
Upon completing your degree program, you will receive a digital and physical copy of your diploma through Parchment Services. Once the diplomas are issued, you'll receive an email from Parchment via your Maricopa student email with instructions on obtaining your diploma(s) and verifying your mailing address. Additionally, you can track them online and share your diploma(s) on social media. If you have any questions regarding your diploma, visit the Parchment website for FAQs and general information.
You will not receive your diploma at the ceremony, and participating in the ceremony does not guarantee or signify that you will officially graduate.
If you are inquiring about the steps to graduate or the commencement ceremony, please refer to our graduation website. Graduation is a two-step process. You must apply for graduation to receive your diploma, and must RSVP separately to attend the ceremony.
Check-in begins at 60 minutes prior to the ceremony. Participating graduates must check in at the southeast entrance of Sun Devil Stadium. All graduates must be checked in 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony or they may not be allowed to participate in the ceremony. Participants must wear MCC regalia.
This area has no place for storing personal items. Please leave items with family and friends. Only participating graduates will be allowed in the graduate check-in area.
Yes. ASL interpreters will be available.
Professional photographers will be taking pictures of all commencement participants during the commencement ceremony. These photographs will be available for purchase from GradImages.
Yes, the ceremony will be live-streamed. Visit our graduation page for more information and to watch the live stream.
Yes, you may decorate your cap. However, you must refrain from using offensive or distasteful decorations. Mesa Community College will ask you to remove your cap if it deems the decorations to be objectionable. Mortarboard or caps with batteries will not be permitted.
Parking for graduation events is free (available on a first-come, first-served basis). Parking lots are nearby for those driving to the stadium, including ADA parking. View a map of available parking options.
Yes. Those that completed or will complete a degree or certificate during the current academic year or upcoming summer semester are welcome to participate in the Spring Commencement Ceremony.
Note: Summer 2026 graduates’ official Commencement Ceremony is the following academic year, 2027. Those who wish for an exception to participate in the 2026 Commencement Ceremony must submit their graduation application by March 1 (three months before their regular deadline).
Honor cords are presented to students who participate at the in-person commencement ceremony. Honor Cords are distributed based on graduating GPA. Students 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.
- Highest Distinction: Graduate has attained a graduation grade point average of 3.90-4.0, designated with a gold cord.
- High Distinction: Graduate 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.
Honor cords are for students who are applying for an associate’s degree. Certificate programs are not eligible.
Honor cords may be picked up at Enrollment Services May 4 - May 15, 2026. Honors cords will only be distributed to students participating in the ceremony on May 16, 2026.
Phi Theta Kappa students should visit this site to order your stole prior to commencement.
Veteran students should contact MCC’s Veteran Services.