The Annual Commencement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

Where can I get information regarding Commencement Ceremonies?
You can find information regarding ceremonies at www.hagerstowncc.edu/academics/graduation

What building will the Commencement Ceremony take place in?
The ceremony will be held in the Athletic, Recreation & Community Center (ARCC). The ARCC is an air-conditioned facility. Graduates must arrive dressed in their Graduation Regalia which includes the designated Cap with Tassel, Gown, and Stole no later than 9:00 a.m. Refer to our campus map for parking.

Are there dress code guidelines?
Yes, graduates must wear their Graduation Regalia. For more information regarding graduation decorum, visit www.hagerstowncc.edu/graduation-decorum-dress-code.

Do I need guest admit tickets for all my guests?
YES. New for the 2025 Annual Commencement Ceremony: GUEST TICKETS ARE REQUIRED. At this time, given the anticipated number of graduates, each graduate will receive 7 tickets for their guests to attend the Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 17. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis (unless otherwise indicated). Please encourage guests to arrive on campus early, ideally by 9:00 a.m. and no later than 9:15 a.m. Guests that arrive at the ARCC after 9:30 a.m., will be asked to wait in the lobby during the Processional and asked to sit in a seating area specific to latecomers. We expect to be at maximum capacity for graduation; live online viewing will be available for guests unable to attend in person.

What will be the process to enter the ARCC on the day of the Commencement Ceremony?
Onsite staff members will instruct graduates and guests on which door to enter into the ARCC. Graduates must arrive dressed in their Graduation Regalia which includes the designated Cap with Tassel, Gown, and Stole no later than 9:00 a.m.

Where do I park for the Commencement Ceremony?
Parking lots L & K are adjacent to the ARCC and will be open for guest parking. Parking Lot L1 will have extra spaces for handicapped parking. The access road leading to the ARCC will be closed. Guests will be permitted to drop off guests closer to the ARCC and then proceed to one of the designated parking areas. Portions of the College campus roadways will be closed on graduation day. There will be signs on the day of the event directing guests to the ARCC.

What if I need special assistance at the ceremony?
Graduating students with special needs: Any student planning to participate in the commencement ceremony who will need special assistance (wheelchair access, interpreter) should contact the Disability Support Services office by Friday, May 9, 2025, at 240-500-2273 or dss@hagerstowncc.edu.

What if my guest(s) has special needs?
There is a limited amount of designated seating for guests with special seating needs (e.g., wheelchair, disabled, elderly). Please contact the Disability Support Services Office by Friday, May 9, 2024, at 240-500-2273 or dss@hagerstowncc.edu.

How early should my guests and I arrive for the ceremony?
Graduates must arrive dressed in their Graduation Regalia no later than 9:00 a.m. Plan to arrive no more than 30 minutes before the ceremony start time. The ARCC doors will open at 8:30 a.m. to allow for early seating. Please encourage your guests to arrive on campus by 9:00 a.m., no later than 9:15 a.m. It will take them several minutes to park and walk to the ARCC. Guests that arrive at the ARCC after 9:30 a.m., will be asked to wait in the lobby during the Processional and asked to sit in a seating area specific to latecomers. We expect to be at maximum capacity for graduation; live online viewing will be available for guests unable to attend in person.

Will there be restrooms open in the ARCC?
Yes, the restrooms located in the lobby of the ARCC will be open all day and accessible to guests.

How do I get a Graduation Regalia for the ceremony?
Graduation Regalia orders are placed online through Herff Jones; Graduation Regalia online ordering will open March 3, 2025.

Where do I pick up my Graduation Regalia?
Detailed information will be sent to your student email regarding Graduation Regalia pick-up at the HCC Campus Store. You will need to bring a photo ID to pick up your Graduation Regalia at the HCC Campus Store.

If I have more questions about Commencement – Whom do I contact?
If you have any additional questions regarding the Commencement Ceremony, please contact Lee Smith at rlsmith6@hagerstowncc.edu or by phone at 240-500-2526. For the status of your application for graduation or diploma, please contact Chris Baer at wcbaer@hagerstowncc.edu or by phone at 240-500-2341.

Diplomas

Will I receive my diploma the day of the Commencement Ceremony?
Students participating in the May ceremony are able to pick up their diploma or certificate the Monday following Commencement. Diplomas may be picked up in person at the Admissions/Records department counter located in the Student Affairs building during normal business hours. Students must present a photo ID to obtain their diploma. Diplomas that are not picked up by the end of May will be mailed to the address on file.

If I am not attending the Commencement Ceremony how will I receive my diploma?
May graduates who do not attend the ceremony will be mailed their diploma or certificate approximately three weeks after the last day of the semester. Diplomas will be mailed to the address on file. Students who wish for their diploma to be mailed to a different address can contact hccgraduation@hagerstowncc.edu.

Do majors and minors appear on the diploma?
No, the diploma states the name of the degree earned, like Associate of Arts or Associate of Applied Science. The major/program of study that a student completed is not listed on the diploma. However, this information, degree earned and major completed, is listed on the official HCC transcript along with the graduation date.

What if I have questions about my diploma?
Questions regarding diplomas can be directed to hccgraduation@hagerstowncc.edu.

Transcripts

How do I request my transcript?
Students can access an unofficial transcript using Self-Service. Official transcripts can be requested online at the Records Office web page using our third-party service, Parchment. Each official transcript request is $5.25 and requires 5-7 business days for processing. For more info, visit www.hagerstowncc.edu/admissions/records.

What if I have questions about my transcript or transcript request?
Questions about transcripts or transcript requests can be directed to records@hagerstowncc.edu or 240-500-2239.