Graduation
Important Information for Graduates
Commencement Ceremony Details Graduation Decorum & Dress Code Graduation Requirements Honors Convocation Ceremony Commencement FAQ'sGraduation
Hagerstown Community College’s Annual Commencement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 9:30 am in the Athletic, Recreation, & Community Center (ARCC). Only students who have applied for graduation, have met all requirements, and have the approved HCC Graduation Regalia which includes the Cap with Tassel, Gown, and Stole, will be permitted to participate in the Commencement Ceremony.
Please note, the Annual Commencement Ceremony will not require tickets for guests but seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Graduation Requirements
Information about graduation requirements and the application process for students earning an associate degree, a certificate, or a letter of recognition can be found on the Graduation Requirements page. This page also includes information for students graduating with honors, those earning multiple HCC credentials, information for reverse transfer students, and instructions on how to complete a program evaluation/degree audit in Self-Service.
Applying for Graduation
All students are expected to complete the online Application for Graduation through Self-Service to receive a degree, certificate, or letter of recognition regardless of their participation in the graduation ceremony. There is no fee to apply. Before filling out the online "Application for Graduation," students should review their program evaluation through Self-Service and/or meet with an academic advisor to determine if all program requirements have been met.
Graduation Application Deadlines
- Fall 2024 – October 1, 2024
- Spring 2025 – March 1, 2025
- Summer 2025 – July 1, 2025
Note: All graduation correspondence will be sent to your student email account.
Annual Commencement Ceremony
The Annual commencement ceremony will be held each May and is presided over by HCC’s president. The commencement ceremony is a traditional academic service and signifies the completion of the degree or certificate being awarded. Students completing a degree or certificate program with 30 or more credits are eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony. Only students who have filed an application for graduation and have met all requirements will be permitted to participate in the ceremony. Students have to complete the Graduation for Application by the deadlines listed below to receive detailed email communication about participation in the May ceremony; graduates who indicate on their graduation application that they plan to walk at the May ceremony will begin receiving emails in early March.
Graduation Regalia Information
Eligible graduates who are participating in the May 17, 2025, Commencement Ceremony are required to wear Graduation Regalia which includes the Cap with Tassel, Gown, and Stole. Graduation Regalia online ordering will open March 3, 2025.
- Graduation Regalia ordering will open March 3, 2025
- Graduation Regalia will be shipped to the HCC Campus Store. You will receive an email when items are ready for pick-up and you must show a photo ID.
Graduation Events & Ceremonies
- Early College Degree Program Celebration
Date: Monday, May 12, 2025
Start Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Kepler Performing and Visual Arts Education Center - Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony
Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Start Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Kepler Performing and Visual Arts Education Center - WSCE and PALS Recognition of Accomplishments
Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Start Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: The Kepler Performing and Visual Arts Education Center - Honors Convocation
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Start Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: The Athletic, Recreation and Community Center (ARCC)
- Commencement Ceremony
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Start Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: The Athletic, Recreation and Community Center (ARCC) - May Nurses Pinning Ceremony
Date: TBD
Start Time: TBD
Location: TBD - May Health Sciences Pinning Ceremony
Date: TBD
Start Time: TBD
Location: TBD