Students must submit a commencement application.
Fall 2023 Deadline: October 27, 2023
Students will be awarded the respective academic credential at the end of the semester once all requirements are met. Students, please schedule a time to meet with your academic advisor to see if you are eligible for a certificate, diploma, and/or an associate degree.
The commencement application form, linked above, is also available in PCC’s Student Development Office (Building E on the Person County Campus and Building K on the Caswell County Campus). Your advisor must review and approve the application prior to submission to the Registrar’s office.
COMMENCEMENT FEE: This is included in your student fee, with the exception of high school students who are dually enrolled and Adult Basic Skills student. These students are required to pay $30 (includes one printed degree, one degree cover and cap and gown) to participate in PCC’s Commencement Ceremony. If the individual is not wanting to participate in the ceremony, then there is a $5.00 cost for all/any printed degrees (includes degree cover). For additional copies of your degree, there is a $5.00 charge per copy. Extra degree covers are $10.00 each.
COLLEGE DEBTS: All outstanding fees owed to Piedmont Community College must be paid in full to the Business Office. Graduates must clear account holds prior to picking up his/her cap & gown. Students cannot participate in the ceremony if there is an outstanding debt owed to the College.
QUESTIONS? Contact the Student Development team for more information at (336) 322-2159.
Further details can also be viewed in PCC’s Policy and Procedures Manual: 6.7 Graduation Requirements.
Graduation FAQs
Do I need to apply for graduation?
Yes. All students are required to apply for graduation. Submitting the graduation application is the only way to notify the Registrar’s office that you intend to graduate. You should apply prior to the application deadline listed on the commencement page. Applying by the deadline is necessary to ensure your name is listed in the commencement program.
Is there a fee to graduate?
No. Graduation fees are included in your student activity fees and it is free to apply for graduation.
Exception: If you are a high school or Adult Basic Skills student, the fee to participate in the graduation ceremony is $30.00 that must be paid to the Business Office prior to graduation. If you are not participating in the ceremony, there is a $5.00 fee to cover the cost of your diploma.
If you are receiving more than one award, there is a $5.00 fee for each additional credential.
What if I change my degree, program(s), major(s) or minor(s) after submitting my application for graduation?
After submitting your application for graduation, you should make any changes to your graduation information and status with the Registrar’s office.
Can my nickname be printed on my diploma?
No, the name printed on the diploma must be your legal name on record at the college. The only time we change a name is due to a legal name change (marriage, adoption, etc.). However, using the middle name or initial is optional and you may choose to include or not include it on the diploma. Submit your name on the graduation application the exact way you want it to appear on your diploma, including accent marks, spaces, and capital letters.
Where do I pick up my cap and gown?
If you are on the official graduation list, your cap and gown are available in the Student Development office approximately one week before the ceremony. You will receive an email with specific dates and time closer to the date of the ceremony.
What do I do if my gown does not fit?
It is very important that your record your height and weight accurately on the graduation application so that your gown is the appropriate size. We do keep a few sizes on hand to accommodate students who may need a different size then ordered. Please be sure to try on you gown before the day of the ceremony.
If I am graduating with honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, or cum laude) do I get honor stoles or cords?
Yes, your honor cords and stoles will be included with your cap and gown. Students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher will receive a gold honor stole. Students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher will receive a gold honor chord.
My GPA is 3.499 will that be rounded up for honors?
Grade point averages are calculated to the thousandth’s digit. A GPA of 3.499 does not round up to a 3.500.
Can I decorate my cap?
Yes, graduates may decorate their caps as long as it does not violate the college’s policies.
If my home address changes after I fill out my graduation application will my graduation application preferred mailing address be updated also?
No. If you are a graduation candidate and any information changes after submitting your application, please inform Student Records of the change and your status as a graduation candidate.
What if an emergency comes up and I can’t attend commencement, who do I tell?
Unfortunately, extenuating circumstances do arise and prevent students from attending commencement. Please email records@piedmontcc.edu or call Student Development at (336) 322-2159 if this happens to you.
What if I need to change my graduation date to a later semester?
Please contact Student Records for any changes with your anticipated graduation date after your application has been submitted.
Will my major/minor/honors appear on my diploma?
The degree awarded, major(s) and any academic Latin honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, cum laude) will appear on your diploma.
Can I walk in the current Commencement Ceremony and complete my program requirements in a future term?
If you are one requirement or 4 semester hours or less short in meeting your graduation requirements you may qualify to participate in the upcoming commencement ceremony without officially graduating. However, all questions regarding this should be directed to Student Development. Please see policy 6.7 Graduation Requirements – Curriculum
Are guests allowed to walk across the stage with me during the ceremony?
No, only graduates are permitted to walk during commencement.
What if I am graduating but my name is not listed in the commencement program?
Unfortunately, sometimes mistakes happen, and deadlines have ended. If you have met the requirements for graduation and your name is not listed in the commencement program, you still participate in the ceremony. Your name will be called, and you will walk across the stage and receive your diploma. Although we realize the program is memorabilia, it is not an official validation of graduation. The legal document is the official transcript. Piedmont Community College makes every effort to include all the graduates along with projected honors in the graduation program each year and we truly regret any omissions or inaccuracies.
A hold on my account prevented the release of my diploma at commencement. The hold has been removed. How do I get my diploma?
Once you receive confirmation from the Business office that all holds are cleared, email records@piedmontcc.edu. Include your name, graduation term and current mailing address to request the release of your diploma. You may pick up your diploma in our office or we can mail it to you.
Is there a rehearsal for the commencement ceremony and am I required to attend?
Yes, rehearsal for commencement is scheduled the day before the ceremony. All participants are required to attend rehearsal where you will receive your line placement.
How long does rehearsal last?
Graduation rehearsal will last approximately one to two hours.
How long is the commencement ceremony?
The commencement ceremony is approximately two to three hours including line up time to finish.
Are tickets required to attend the commencement ceremony?
If tickets are required, the graduates may be given up to six (6) tickets during rehearsal.
When will my degree be awarded and when can I request a transcript that will reflect the degree conferred?
Your degree is awarded and conferred the day after final grades are due. Your transcript reflecting your degree credentials will be updated within 5 to 10 business days after the graduation ceremony. Our transcripts are processed in real time, if you need the transcript to verify your degree awarded, do not order it prior to this time.
How long after graduation will I have access to my student accounts, including email and unofficial transcripts?
Student accounts will be retained for one year after the last semester of attendance. Prior to that time, students are urged to retrieve file information including unofficial transcripts and contacts they want to keep from their PCC email account.
Note to Students: It is best not to sign up for services such as Apple, Facebook etc. with your PCC email address, but if you have, please make sure you have updated those services with a different email address before the end of the 1-year period.
2022-2023 Commencement
2022-2023 Commencement
Congratulations Graduates! Please fill out the following survey!
Interested in joining the Alumni Association? Click the following button:
Students will be awarded the respective academic credential at the end of the semester once all requirements are met. Students, please schedule a time to meet with your academic advisor to see if you are eligible for a certificate, diploma, and/or an associate degree.
The commencement application form, linked above, is also available in PCC’s Student Development Office (Building E on the Person County Campus and Building K on the Caswell County Campus). Your advisor must review and approve the application prior to submission to the Registrar’s office.
COMMENCEMENT FEE: This is included in your student fee, with the exception of high school students who are dually enrolled and Adult Basic Skills student. These students are required to pay $30 (includes one printed degree, one degree cover and cap and gown) to participate in PCC’s Commencement Ceremony. If the individual is not wanting to participate in the ceremony, then there is a $5.00 cost for all/any printed degrees (includes degree cover). For additional copies of your degree, there is a $5.00 charge per copy. Extra degree covers are $10.00 each.
COLLEGE DEBTS: All outstanding fees owed to Piedmont Community College must be paid in full to the Business Office. Graduates must clear account holds prior to picking up his/her cap & gown. Students cannot participate in the ceremony if there is an outstanding debt owed to the College.
QUESTIONS? Contact the Student Development team for more information at (336) 322-2159.
Further details can also be viewed in PCC’s Policy and Procedures Manual: 6.7 Graduation Requirements.
GRADUATION CEREMONY LOCATION: Commencement exercises will be held at the Caswell County Civic Center located at 536 Main Street, Yanceyville, NC 27379 at 7 p.m.
Transportation to Rehearsal and the Ceremony
Need transportation from the Person County Campus to the Caswell County Civic Center? Please contact Student Development at (336) 322-2159.
Special Accommodations
Students with limited mobility should contact the Student Development office at (336) 322-2159 at to make special arrangements.
Special Tribute
Let us CELEBRATE and share your success with the community! Send us a photo (.jpg or .png from your phone works!) as well as:
- Your name
- Your program of study
- What’s next for you
- Favorite PCC moment
With this information, we’ll highlight your journey on PCC’s social media! Simply email daniel.statum@piedmontcc.edu! Please direct all questions regarding photo submission directly to Daniel Statum at the email address listed above.
Graduation Announcements
Graduates who are interested in graduation announcements, may do so on their own while using a vendor of your choice or one of the following outside vendors listed below. You are under no obligation to make purchase. Please direct all questions regarding announcements and purchases directly to the vendor.
Local Printers:
ASAP Printing – 163 Semora Rd, Roxboro ( https://www.asaproxboro.com/ )
Taylor Business Products – 115 Clayton Ave, Roxboro ( http://www.taylorbusinessproducts.com/ )
Regalia Pick-Up (Cap & Gown)
Regalia pick-up begins on Tuesday, May 16 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. in the Student Development Office in Building E on the Person County Campus. A photo ID is required for pick-up. Please see the schedule below for additional pick-up times. Although caps & gowns are NOT required for rehearsal, students must pick up regalia packages prior to graduation. Please note: Be sure to try on your gown before the day of the ceremony to ensure you have the correct size.
- Wednesday, May 17, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Thursday, May 18, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday, May 19, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Candidates for the Associate Degree will receive a hood with their cap and gown. The hood is college property and returned immediately after the graduation ceremony when the student receives the diploma in the Student Union. Failure to return the hood will result with the college holding your degree until the hood is returned.
Associate Degree students who have an overall cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher will receive a gold honor cord with their cap and gown. Please remember to bring this on Friday evening. Replacement cords are NOT available. The cord is yours to keep.
Students with Latin Honors will receive an honor stole with your cap and gown. Please remember to bring this on Friday evening. Replacement stoles are NOT available. The stole yours to keep.
Rehearsal Information
Rehearsal will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. at the Caswell County Civic Center located at 536 Main Street, Yanceyville, NC 27379.
Attending rehearsal is required if you plan to participate in the commencement ceremony. At rehearsal, you will receive a card noting your place in line. Please note who is in your row.
Graduation rehearsal will last approximately one to two hours.
Graduate Fellowship Meal
This meal in honor of our graduates typically occurs immediately following rehearsal. More details will be posted as soon as it is available.
Guest Attendance
If tickets are required, the graduates will be given tickets based on the number of students participating in the ceremony. Tickets will be given out during rehearsal. Please keep in mind that PCC does not issue replacement tickets for any reason.
Ceremony Information
The 2023 Commencement Ceremony will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023 at 7 p.m. at the Caswell County Civic Center located at 536 Main Street, Yanceyville, NC 27379.
Graduation Attire:
- Women – Bobby pins to secure your cap, dark clothing (if longer than your gown). Wear flats, wedge heels, or shoes that are easy to walk in, NO flip-flops.
- Men – A dark necktie, dark trousers, dark shoes, and no jacket and NO flip-flops.
- Wear the tassel on the right side of your cap.
Make sure your family and friends are in their seats 15 minutes before the start of ceremony.
YOU MUST BE ON TIME! If you are late when the processional begins, you cannot participate.
When you march in, remain standing until the music stops playing. Sit when the college President sits.
Men should remove their cap during the invocation and the benediction and replace them at the close of the prayer. Ladies should not remove caps at any time during the ceremony.
After receiving your diploma, return to your seat but do not sit down until directed to do so. You will turn your tassel at the end of the ceremony as a group.
Final awarding of your academic credentials is dependent upon successful completion of all requirements.
Rehearsal/Ceremony Parking
PARKING: Please follow the parking legend provided below as guidance for parking during this special event. We are encouraging all faculty, staff, students and guests to carpool, when possible, to ensure parking for the maximum number of people. To ensure we are meeting the needs of our guests, for those who require special parking (handicap parking), please contact the Student Development office at (336) 322-2159.
Graduation Photos
Upon receipt of your diploma, a professional photographer from Photo Specialties in Chapel Hill will take a photo. Each student receives a free color proof, which goes to your PCC email address from www.photospecialties.com. You will receive a password for online viewing. You are under no obligation to purchase prints.
You may also visit www.photospecialties.com to pre-register. If you do not receive a proof within a week of the ceremony, please contact Photo Specialties directly at info@photospecialties.com or call 1-800-722-7033.
Piedmont Community College is not involved in this process except in scheduling the photo coverage and notifying graduates. Please direct all questions regarding photos directly to Photo Specialties.
2021-2022 Commencement
***Degrees will be mailed to graduates not participating in the Spring Commencement ceremony.***
Attention Graduates! Please fill out the REQUIRED Graduation Exit Survey!
Students will be awarded the respective academic credential at the end of the semester once all requirements are met. Students, please schedule a time to meet with your academic advisor to see if you are eligible for a certificate, diploma, and/or an associate degree.
The commencement application form, linked above, is also available in PCC’s Student Development Office (Building E on the Person County Campus and Building K on the Caswell County Campus). Your advisor must review and approve the application prior to submission to the Registrar’s office.
Commencement Fee: This is included in your student fee, with the exception of high school students who are dually enrolled and Adult Basic Skills student. These students are required to pay $30 (includes one printed degree and cap and gown) to participate in PCC’s Commencement Ceremony. If the individual is not wanting to participate in the ceremony, then there is a $5.00 cost for all/any printed degrees. For additional copies of your degree, there is a $5.00 charge per copy. Degree covers are $10.00 each.
College Debts: All outstanding fees owed to Piedmont Community College must be paid in full to the Business Office. Graduates must clear account holds prior to picking up his/her cap & gown. Students cannot participate in the ceremony if there is an outstanding debt owed to the College.
Questions? Contact the Student Development team for more information at (336) 322-2159.
Further details can also be viewed in PCC’s Policy and Procedures Manual: 6.7 Graduation Requirements.
As a result of the current weather reports for this week, Piedmont Community College’s Commencement will take place in Person High School’s gym. Doors will be open for seating at 6 p.m.
Due to limited seating, each graduate will receive six (6) admission tickets to give to family and friends. Admission to the gym for the ceremony will be by “ticket” only, and all guests must have a ticket. Tickets are not required for participating graduates.
Admission tickets will be distributed at commencement rehearsal on May 12.
Person High School is located at 1010 Ridge Road, Roxboro, NC 27573
SPECIAL TRIBUTE:
Let us CELEBRATE and share your success with the community! Send us a photo (.jpg or .png from your phone works!) as well as:
* Your name * Your program of study * What’s next for you * Favorite PCC moment
With this information, we’ll highlight your journey on PCC’s social media! Simply email daniel.statum@piedmontcc.edu! Please direct all questions regarding photo submission directly to Daniel Statum at the email address listed above.
GRADUATION PHOTOS:
Upon receipt of your diploma, a professional photographer from Photo Specialties in Chapel Hill will take a photo. Each student receives a free color proof, which goes to your PCC email address from www.photospecialties.com. You will receive a password for online viewing. You are under no obligation to purchase prints. You may also visit www.photospecialties.com to pre-register. If you do not receive a proof within a week of the ceremony, please contact Photo Specialties directly at info@photospecialties.com or call 1-800-722-7033. Piedmont Community College is not involved in this process except in scheduling the photo coverage and notifying graduates. Please direct all questions regarding photos directly to Photo Specialties.
GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Graduates who are interested in graduation announcements, may do so on their own while using a vendor of your choice or one of the following outside vendors listed below. You are under no obligation to make purchase. Please direct all questions regarding announcements and purchases directly to the vendor.
Digital:
https://www.smilebox.com/maker/announcement-maker/graduation/
https://www.canva.com/create/cards/graduation-invitations/
Local Printers:
ASAP Printing – 163 Semora Rd, Roxboro ( https://www.asaproxboro.com/ )
Taylor Business Products – 115 Clayton Ave, Roxboro ( http://www.taylorbusinessproducts.com/ )
CAP & GOWN REGALIA PICK-UP:
Regalia pick-up begins on Monday, May 9 at 1 p.m. in the Student Development Office in Building E on the Person County Campus. A photo ID is required for pick-up. Please see the schedule below for additional pick-up times. Although caps & gowns are NOT required for rehearsal, students must pick up regalia packages prior to graduation.
Monday, May 9 between 1- 5 p.m.
Tuesday, May 10 – Thursday, May 12 between 9-5 p.m.
Friday, May 13 until 4 p.m.
MAY 12 | GRADUATION REHEARSAL | PERSON HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM
Report to the PHS Gymnasium by 5:30pm
GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP: The Student Government Association will sponsor a meal after rehearsal for the graduates. Please plan to stay afterwards to share some time with faculty and friends.
MAY 13 | GRADUATION | PERSON HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM
The ceremony begins promptly at 7 p.m. Report to the PHS Gymnasium no later than 6:30 pm to receive your card to give to the presider of the graduation ceremony and to find your place in the line-up. You must have this card in order to participate in the graduation ceremony.
DIRECTIONS TO PERSON HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM: The address for Person High School is 1010 Ridge Road, Roxboro.
- PARKING: Please follow the parking legend provided above as guidance for parking during this special event. To ensure we are meeting the needs of our guest, for those who require special parking (handicap parking), please contact the Student Development office at (336) 322-2159.
- RAIN LOCATION: The ceremony will take place inside the Person High School gymnasium. Each graduate will receive six (6) tickets at rehearsal. Please keep in mind that PCC does not issue replacement tickets for any reason.
Students will be awarded the respective academic credential at the end of the semester once all requirements are met. Students, please schedule a time to meet with your academic advisor to see if you are eligible for a certificate, diploma, and/or an associate degree.
The commencement application form, linked above, is also available in PCC’s Student Development Office (Building E on the Person County Campus and Building K on the Caswell County Campus). Your advisor must review and approve the application prior to submission to the Registrar’s office.
Commencement Fee: This is included in your student fee, with the exception of high school students who are dually enrolled and Adult Basic Skills student. These students are required to pay $30 (includes one printed degree and cap and gown) to participate in PCC’s Commencement Ceremony. If the individual is not wanting to participate in the ceremony, then there is a $5.00 cost for all/any printed degrees. For additional copies of your degree, there is a $5.00 charge per copy. Degree covers are $10.00 each.
College Debts: All outstanding fees owed to Piedmont Community College must be paid in full to the Business Office. Graduates must clear account holds prior to picking up his/her cap & gown. Students cannot participate in the ceremony if there is an outstanding debt owed to the College.
Questions? Contact the Student Development team for more information at (336) 322-2159.
Further details can also be viewed in PCC’s Policy and Procedures Manual: 6.7 Graduation Requirements.
Social Media Photo Post:
Social Media Photo Post:
Graduates are encouraged to send their photo, along with a short description of their success to daniel.statum@piedmontcc.edu. This photo and information will be shared on social media.
Suggested Photo Guidelines:
- File format: .jpg or .png format (a cell phone photo is great!)
- Dressed in appropriate attire (try to stay away from shirts/hats with logos and text)
- Background/lighting should allow us to easily see the graduate, individually
Suggested Information to Share:
- Name
- Degree
- If transferring – where
- If employed – where
- Future goals
- Favorite memory of your time at PCC
- Any additional success information you would like to share about your time at PCC
2020–2021 Commencement
- Virtual ceremony viewable at YouTube.com/piedmontcc
- Drive-Thru Celebration viewable at Facebook.com/piedmontcc
- 2021 Commencement Program
- Article about PCC’s 2021 Commencement
Social Media Photo Post:
Graduates are encouraged to send their photo, along with a short description of their success to beth.townsend@piedmontcc.edu. This photo and information will be shared on social media.
Suggested Photo Guidelines:
- File format: .jpg or .png format (a cell phone photo is great!)
- Dressed in appropriate attire (try to stay away from shirts/hats with logos and text)
- Background/lighting should allow us to easily see the graduate, individual
Suggested Information to Share:
- Name
- Degree
- If transferring – where
- If employed – where
- Future goals
- Favorite memory of your time at PCC
- Any additional success information you would like to share about your time at PCC
Address for Person County Campus: 1715 College Drive, Roxboro. Additional campus map information found here: Maps – Piedmont Community College
2020 Commencement
A traditional commencement ceremony wasn’t in the cards for 2020 due to COVID-19. We appreciate the willingness of graduates to participate in a drive-thru event, photo shoot, and virtual ceremony via www.youtube.com/user/piedmontcc.
Graduates Through the Years…
1974 Commencement Ceremony
2007 Graduates
2010 Graduates
2015 Graduate
