• CCBC student posing with family at Commencement

Information for guests

To help us honor the Class of 2023 and make the commencement ceremony a memorable occasion for all of our guests, here are a few tips for your comfort, convenience and safety.

During the ceremony

  • Masks are optional.
  • Remember to silence your cell phones and all other electronic devices.
  • CCBC is a tobacco-free and smoke-free college. Use of tobacco products is permitted ONLY outside the perimeter roadway in designated tobacco-use shelters.
  • Keep all aisles open and be courteous to guests requiring the spaces reserved for wheelchairs. This is especially important in the event of an emergency, in which case Public Safety will direct you on how to safely evacuate the tent. Evacuation will be to designated buildings or to your vehicle. 
  • Leave strollers in the designated stroller drop-off area outside the tent. Please do not leave children unattended in the strollers.
  • Please do not block anyone’s view with balloons, flowers or other expressions of admiration for your graduate. Do not stand in the aisles or in front of other guests. 
  • Each graduate will be photographed receiving their diploma cover during the ceremony. Services are provided by GradImages®.
  • Remain seated and keep the center aisle clear as our graduates will use it to process in and recess out at the close of the ceremony.

For purchase

Bottled water and fresh flowers will be available for purchase in the CCBC Athletics tent, located behind the commencement tent. All proceeds benefit CCBC Athletics.

The Barnes & Noble at CCBC Bookstore Commencement Shop, also located inside the tent, is the place to go for last-minute graduation gifts and mementos of the day, as well as candy and snack items.

The CCBC Alumni tent will have CCBC diploma frames available for purchase.

Indoor seating

There will be live broadcasts of the commencement ceremony in the Wellness and Athletics Center and in the Romadka College Center (lower level, F. Scott Black Theatre) with indoor seating to view the graduation. This may be a good option for elderly guests and guests with mobility issues, for whom walking to the ceremony tent may be challenging.

Rest rooms

Rest room facilities (really nice ones) are located in the area behind the commencement tent. Follow the path around the back of the the tent and look for signs directing you to the rest room area.

Tickets

Tickets are not required for the Commencement ceremony. Family and friends are welcome to attend in person. A live-stream link will be provided prior to the event for those who prefer to view the ceremony from the comfort of their homes.

Weather concerns

Prior to and during commencement, members of CCBC Public Safety and Plant Operations will be evaluating weather conditions that might affect the event. Light rain or drizzle will not be a factor, but high winds or lightning may cause changes to the ceremony schedule or an evacuation of the tent.

In the event severe weather or other circumstances require a tent evacuation, the ceremony emcee will ask that people move promptly to their cars, or to the Wellness and Athletics Center, the College Community Center, or the Arts and Humanities Hall.

Public Safety officers on duty will assist in guiding guests to those locations. Cars are the preferred destination, as building capacities are limited.

The decision to continue the event will be made as soon as conditions allow. Public Safety and event staff will announce updated information by moving through the buildings and parking lots.

For more information, visit the inclement weather plan page.