Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Graduation and Commencement?

Graduation is the completion of all requirements for your declared degree or certificate program. The degree or certificate earned is indicated on your official academic transcript, and a diploma is issued after a final audit. Commencement is the ceremony recognizing your hard work and accomplishments. Though it is not a requirement, it is an opportunity for your loved ones and the campus community to help you celebrate your academic achievements.

Students are required to RSVP for the commencement ceremony. Students will receive an invitation to participate about 5 weeks before the ceremony via student email. RSVP instructions will be included in the invitation.

When you submit your RSVP for commencement, you have the option of requesting any accommodations that you may require.

Commencement regalia is available for purchase online via the KVCC Bookstore: bookstore.kvcc.edu

No, students will receive a diploma cover with a message from the President of the college at the ceremony. Diplomas and certificates are not handed out on commencement day. A student will receive email notification of their degree awarded and can expect the diploma to arrive via USPS approximately 4–6 weeks after.

It is important that students confirm the college has a correct mailing address for your diploma when completing the Petition to Graduate Application. This is where the diploma will be mailed. Please contact the Records & Registration Office if you need to change the diploma mailing address after you have filled out the graduation application.

Diplomas are mailed to the address on file with the college. The final audit process and mailing of diplomas typically takes 4-6 weeks after the semester has ended.

Graduates will have the opportunity to reserve 10 tickets for the ceremony and will be required to pick up tickets in person in advance. Details will be provided once a graduate has submitted a RSVP. All guests, including family members and children (regardless of age), must have a ticket to enter Miller Auditorium. Guests without tickets may view the ceremony livestream. The link to the livestream will be posted prior to the ceremony.

Family members and other guests may instead view the ceremony livestream via Public Media Network at on PMN DISCOVER channel 191. It will also stream online at publicmedianet.org as well as our Roku, Apple TV, and Firestick apps. The ceremony will be rebroadcast throughout the month and will be available on-demand on the PMN website in May 2023.

The parking ramp (lot 35), lot 33 and lot 34, nearest to Miller Auditorium will be open and free to graduates and guests of the commencement ceremony. Graduates will enter Miller Auditorium and follow signage through to Shaw Theater, which is to the east of Miller Auditorium. Campus staff will be available to assist you.

A professional photographer will be on site and will email you photo proofs available for purchase. Two photographs will be taken of each graduate. A graduate photo with backdrop and one with the college president as each graduate receives a diploma cover. You will receive an email after the ceremony to purchase photos.

When coming to Miller Auditorium, bags and purses should be no larger than 4.5" X 6.5" or approximately the size of small handbag/clutch purse. Backpacks of any kind are strictly prohibited. Guests and graduates are encouraged to bring little to no personal belongings to the ceremony, besides that which is required. Graduates have the option of leaving their belongings in Shaw Theater during the ceremony, where they will be monitored by campus security.