Graduation FAQs
2024 Graduation Commencement Ceremony
I RSVP’d but haven’t received any information or instructions yet.
No information has been sent out at this time. As we get closer to the date of the event you will be contacted using the information you provided at RSVP with further instructions and info. Note: Caps and gowns are required to participate. See “Regalia” below for important deadlines. If you haven't already done so, please purchase your required cap and gown.
Additionally, EverettCC.edu/Graduation and this FAQs page will be kept up-to-date with the most current information.
I’m graduating at the end of Summer 2024, can I participate in this year’s Graduation Ceremony?
Yes, Fall 23, Winter 24, Spring 24, Summer 24, and Fall 24 graduates are encouraged to participate.
My final exam is scheduled after the date of the ceremony; can I still participate in the Graduation Ceremony?
Yes.
Can Running Start students participate in the Graduation Ceremony?
Yes, all EvCC degree, certificate, and diploma awarded students are welcome!
How can I check on the status of my -or- my student’s RSVP?
Check your email account for a confirmation message sent out at the time of your RSVP.
Can’t find your confirmation email? Any EvCC student can contact studentlife@everettcc.edu to check on their RSVP status. Note, we cannot share this information with anyone other than the student. The student must contact us for this information directly as this information falls under FERPA.
Is participation in the Commencement Ceremony required?
No.
Is there a virtual celebration option?
Yes, the Graduation Ceremony will be livestreamed for your friends and family and linked from EverettCC.edu/Graduation on Sunday, June 9 at 4pm.
Do we need tickets to attend?
Tickets are not required to attend the ceremony. This is an unticketed event. Graduates are required to RSVP to participate.
What do I do if I no longer want to attend the Graduation Ceremony?
Email Student LIFE at studentlife@everettcc.edu with your name and CTClink ID if you no longer want to participate in the Graduation Ceremony.
What if I change my mind and want to attend the Graduation Ceremony?
Email Student LIFE at studentlife@everettcc.edu with your name and CTClink ID number. Watch your email for further communication for the next steps. Note: Caps and gowns are required to participate. See “Regalia” below for important deadlines.
Are masks or face coverings required?
We will be following guidelines issued by the Governor’s Office and Department of Health. More information will be provided if needed.
Where and when will the Graduation Celebration be held?
The 2024 EvCC Graduation Celebration will be held at the Angel of the Winds Arena located at 2000 Hewitt Avenue, Everett, WA on Sunday, June 9, 2024 from approximately 4-6pm. Click here for a map & directions.
More information will be shared with graduates who have RSVP’d and indicated they want to participate as we get closer to the date of the event.
Where do I park?
There are thousands of parking spaces within walking distance of the Angel of the Winds Arena. Parking options include substantial free on-street parking and large public garages. Public garages include: Snohomish County Parking Garage, Volunteers of America Surface Lot, Republic Parking Angel of the Winds Arena Surface Lot, and Everpark Parking Garage.
Additional parking info, directions, and how to make a parking reservation here.
I am EvCC Faculty/Staff, what do I need to know?
If you haven’t already done so, please order your gown from the EvCC Bookstore. You will need to pick up your gown the week before the ceremony from the EvCC Bookstore. Gowns are required to participate in the ceremony.
Doors open for faculty/staff that are robing at 3pm. Enter through the main entrance located at the corner of Hewitt and Oakes, proceed down stairs to the arena floor. The Faculty/Staff Staging & Robing area will be on the right. For parking options and venue information, please see above.
After the ceremony, please meet your students outside of the building for photos etc. There will be a collection bin for gown returns on the arena floor in the faculty/staff staging area. Alternatively, gowns can be returned to the EvCC Bookstore during regular business hours on June 10th.
Can my child sit with me when I graduate during the ceremony?
Children (or guests) are not allowed on the concourse floor during the graduation ceremony. Arrangements for childcare will need to be made prior to commencement. Children and guests are welcome to view the ceremony with a caregiver from the stands.
How many of my family members, friends and supporters can attend?
Graduates are welcome to invite their family, friends and supporters to the ceremony. This is an unticketed event.
Is there a fee if you RSVP and then don’t show up?
No, but we will be saving a spot for you, so please let us know if you are no longer able to attend by emailing studentlife@everettcc.edu
What accommodations are available during the ceremony?
Angel of the Winds has accessible seating throughout the arena in each section, with the majority of accessible seating in the 200 level. Section 118 will be reserved for guests utilizing American Sign Language interpreters. Angel of the Winds Guest Services staff will be available to help guide guests to seating. Doors will open early for guests with ADA Accommodations as seating is available on a first come basis.
Live event captioning information and Assistive Listening Devices are available for check out at the Guest Services desk, near the main entrance of the arena.
For graduates who indicated they would like an accommodation based on disability at RSVP, please contact Paul Arithi, Director of the Center for Disability Services at parithi@everettcc.edu or 425.388.9273.
What items are prohibited to bring to Angel of the Winds Arena?
The Angel of the Winds Arena prohibits the following items: Non-clear bags larger than 4.5” x 6.5”, clear bags larger than 12”x16”x12, balloons, outside food and beverage, confetti (including silly string or similar items), noisemakers, air horns, backpacks, oversized bags, bottles, cans, glass, coolers, helmets, chains, spikes, tents, laser pointers, fireworks, weapons, animals or pets (except service animals), and inflatables.
CLEAR BAG POLICY NOW IN EFFECT: Angel Of The Winds Arena reserves the right to inspect any bag, clothing or other articles prior to entry and may prohibit entry or require removal/disposal of any items deemed inappropriate or potentially injurious.
Please leave all unnecessary items in your vehicle or at home and have bags/coats ready for search as you approach the entrance.
If necessary, guests are only permitted to bring: clear plastic or vinyl bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”, Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5" x 6.5", one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag, certain exceptions for medical or diaper bags may be permitted after proper inspection, oversized bags, backpacks, multi-compartment bags, duffle bags and purses larger than 4.5" x 6.5" are not permitted, Seat cushions that have pockets, zippers, compartments, or covers are not permitted.
All items/contents in a bag must be clearly visible and identifiable for Security. Items, décor, or pouches may not be used to obscure the visibility of other contents in a bag.
See Angel of the Winds Arena “Bag Policy”.
For information about bringing a tripod, please see the Photos section below.
What about flowers?
Flowers can be pre-ordered via The Commencement Group to be picked up on site at the Arena the day of graduation. Guests are also welcome to bring flowers or gifts for their graduate(s) from another source.
After the ceremony, where do I meet my family and friends?
After the ceremony graduates will exit the building and can find their friends and families outside of the Angel of the Winds Arena. Designating a specific meeting place is recommended.
Regalia: Caps, Gowns, Tassels, Honor Cords, & Stoles
Are caps and gowns required?
Yes. All graduates are required to have a cap & gown in order to participate in the Graduation Ceremony.
When/Where do I purchase a cap and gown?
Caps, gowns, tassels and honor cords are available for purchase in-person at the EvCC Bookstore. You may purchase each piece separately online or in-person, or as a package in-person. If purchasing your regalia online, the bookstore will contact you via the information you provided at check out regarding gown sizes and honor cord designations.
Regalia is available to purchase in-store beginning April 8, 2024. EvCC Bookstore will have a variety of sizes available in-store. For additional size requests, orders must be placed with the Bookstore by May 8, 2024.
Where do I purchase Honor Cords if I am eligible to wear them?
For students eligible for an honor cord, the EvCC Bookstore will need to verify your cumulative GPA as of Winter Quarter 2024. A copy of your unofficial transcript is required at the time of purchase and can be found online by logging into CTCLink and clicking on “Academic Records”. You will graduate with distinction/honors if your cumulative GPA is:
President's Distinction 4.00
High Distinction 3.60 - 3.99
Distinction 3.20 - 3.59
Are there alternatives to purchasing my cap and gown available?
Yes, Cap & Gown Scholarships* are available beginning in Spring. See if you qualify for campus scholarships.
Additionally, Student LIFE has a limited supply of donated gowns* available in limited sizes. For more information please contact Lindsay Hudson, lhudson@everettcc.edu or 425-388-9508.
*while funds and/or supplies last.
Can I return or donate my cap and gown?
To return your gown, please review the policy of the EvCC Bookstore. They may not take gown returns.
Student LIFE accepts gently used cap/gown donations following the ceremony. Look for a collection bin located at the Angel of the Winds Arena to drop yours off after the ceremony. You can also bring them to Student LIFE, PSU 209 during regular office hours. All donated caps & gowns will go to future EvCC graduates.
Where do I get a stole?
The EvCC Bookstore does not currently sell program stoles. Program stoles are distributed or sold by the individual programs or organizations each student is a member of (ie. Veterans Resource Center, Phi Theta Kappa, ORCA, TRiO etc). Please note not all programs offer optional stoles or regalia and you must contact your program or organization for more information.
Additionally, a variety of nonprogram specific stoles can be purchased from the EvCC Bookstore. Graduates are also welcome to purchase nonprogram custom stoles from any source.
Can I decorate or personalize my graduation cap?
Absolutely! We encourage you to make your cap your own. Please note EvCC Student Rights, Responsibilities & Policies apply.
Additionally, you are invited to join your fellow graduating classmates on May 21, from 1-4pm, in the Parks Student Union Cafe for “Let's Cap Off this Chapter”, a grad cap personalizing event! All crafting supplies, tools, and materials will be provided FREE!
Diplomas
How do I know if I am eligible to graduate?
Please contact your program advisor. Remember to include your name and CTClink ID number in your email to them. Additional information is also available under Enrollment Services, Graduation Application Process, step 1.
I missed a deadline to apply for my diploma/certificate/degree with Enrollment Services, is it too late to apply?
The deadlines to apply for your diploma, degree, or certificate with Enrollment Services are:
- Winter 2024: December 10 - January 16
- Spring 2024: January 16 - April 12
- Summer 2024: July 15, 2024
If you missed a graduation application deadline, please submit a graduation application as soon as possible. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis! Additional information is available on Enrollment Services’ Graduation Application Process page.
Do I have to attend the Graduation Ceremony to receive my diploma?
No, all graduates will receive their official diploma by mail from Enrollment Services.
You will receive a diploma cover for free as part of your participation in the graduation ceremony. Alternatively, extra EvCC Diploma Covers can be purchased at the EvCC Bookstore.
When will I receive my diploma?
Depending on the time of year you applied, you should receive your diploma in the mail in 3 - 4 months.
For students graduating in Spring Quarter, diplomas will be mailed out by mid-October for students who applied by the deadline. Additional information can be found under Enrollment Services, Graduation Application Process, step 6.
Photos
Where can I get the pictures that will be taken at the Graduation Ceremony?
GradTrak will be in contact with you using the email you provided at the time of RSVP for the Ceremony. Register for your graduation ceremony photos before June 9 and get 20% off of a purchase of $50 or more. Details and registration at gradimages.com/registration
Additional photos of the celebration taken by college photographers will be made available online on Everett Community College’s Facebook page.
Can I bring a tripod to take pictures?
Yes, please use the designated tripod section set up in Section 203 to allow guests enough space, as well as comply with city rules & regulations.
Do you have any recommendations for a good place to take my own graduation photos?
Yes! There are several parks nearby the EvCC campus area that offer unique opportunities for celebratory photos. Here is a list the Graduation Committee has put together to get you started!
What if I don’t want my picture taken at the Graduation Ceremony?
You will have the opportunity to tell a staff member on the day of the ceremony at Graduate Check-In.
2024 Graduation Program
Will there be a printed program listing the Class of 2024?
There will be a printed program including the schedule of events and the names of the graduating class who applied for graduation with Enrollment Services by the spring deadline of April 12, 2024. Graduates who did not apply for graduation by April 12, or will not be listed in the program. Addionally, students who have FERPA Non-Disclosure of Student Information on record will not be listed in the program.
Announcements
Where can I purchase graduation announcements?
EvCC does not sell graduation announcements but we encourage you to create your own. Companies like Paperless Post even provide free custom graduation announcements!