Commencement Ceremony Details

Date: Tuesday, December 15, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m. CST

Location: Betty Carol Graham Technology Center, Multi-Purpose Room, Alexander City Campus

Graduation Rehearsal

• Date: Friday, December 11, 2026
• Time: 10:00?11:30 a.m.
• Location: Betty Carol Graham Technology Center, Multi-Purpose Room

Graduation Day Schedule

• 8:30 a.m.: Graduates must report to the second floor of the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center for the official ceremony lineup. Please arrive on time to ensure your participation.
• 9:00 a.m.: Doors open for family and guests.
• 10:00 a.m.: Commencement ceremony begins.

Guest Information

Tickets are not required, and family and friends are welcome! Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be considerate of fellow graduates when deciding how many guests to invite.

Eligibility for Graduation

To graduate and participate in the commencement ceremony, students must meet the following requirements:

• Maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.00 on completed coursework.
• Fulfill all financial obligations to the College.
• Ensure official transcripts from all previously attended colleges are on file with the Office of Enrollment Services.
• Complete at least one-fourth of all coursework at Central Alabama Community College.

Disability Access and Accommodations

Students or family members who require reasonable accommodations for the commencement ceremony should contact Leslie Mitchell, ADA Coordinator, before December 1, 2026.

• Phone: 256-480-2114
• Email: lmitchell@cacc.edu

Graduation with Honors

Students who earn an average of 3.5 or higher on all coursework attempted at Central Alabama Community College, excluding developmental coursework, will receive special recognition during commencement.

Students must also have completed at least one-fourth of their coursework at CACC.

Scholarship Recognition

Students who have received a scholarship from a college or university and wish to have it acknowledged during commencement must submit supporting documentation to Student Services by December 1, 2026.

• Email: student-services@cacc.edu
• Phone: 256-215-4303

Cap and Gown Ordering

Students planning to participate in commencement must order their cap and gown using the link below.

• Ordering opens: Monday, October 26, 2026
• Cost: $72.98 plus tax
• Order deadline: Friday, November 20, 2026

Important: Place your order by the deadline. Cap and gown availability cannot be guaranteed after November 20.

Order Your Cap and Gown

Cap and Gown Pickup

1. Bookstore pickup: December 7?11, 2026, at the Alexander City Campus Bookstore.
2. On-site pickup: Before the ceremony lineup on graduation day. This option is not recommended.

Reusing Previously Purchased Regalia

Students may reuse regalia from a previous CACC commencement ceremony. However, you must notify the Registrar at lembry@cacc.edu by December 1, 2026, to be included on the ceremony participation list. Failure to meet this deadline will result in ineligibility to participate in the ceremony.

Only regalia from a previous CACC commencement ceremony is permitted. Regalia purchased from other vendors or used for another institution's ceremony is not allowed.

Regalia and Attire Guidelines

Stoles and Decorations

• Only College-approved stoles may be worn. Students wearing unapproved stoles will be asked to turn them in to designated College staff to continue participating.
• Decorated graduation caps are not permitted.

Recommended Attire

• Men: White or light-colored dress shirts, dark ties, dark trousers, and dark dress shoes.
• Women: Dark dresses or dark slacks or skirts with light-colored blouses and dark dress shoes.
• All graduates must wear shoes appropriate for standing and walking comfortably.

Prohibited Attire

Jeans, shorts, sandals, tennis shoes, slides, flip-flops, clogs, and sunglasses are not permitted.

Wearing Your Cap and Tassel

• Wear your cap flat on your head, not tilted backward or sideways.
• Wear your tassel on the right side until you receive your diploma.
• Men should remove their caps during prayers and the national anthem.

Additional Guidelines

• Keep jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, minimal.
• Purses may not be carried during the processional.
• Do not chew gum or candy during the ceremony.
• Place cell phones on silent before the ceremony lineup.

Diplomas

Important: Do not order your diploma until you receive final award notification from the Registrar.

Diploma covers will be presented as graduates cross the stage. Please return the covers to Student Services personnel as you exit the ceremony.

Fall 2026 diplomas are expected to be available approximately 10 days after commencement. After you place your order, your official diploma will be issued digitally through Parchment, and a printed copy will be mailed to the address on your student account once your grades have been verified, all degree requirements have been met, and payment has been received.

Diploma fee: $25.00

Order Your Diploma

Diploma Frames

Diploma frames will be available for purchase at the commencement ceremony for $125 (cash only) or through the CACC Bookstore.

Visit the CACC Bookstore

Transcripts

Please wait at least 10 business days after grades are due before ordering transcripts to allow time for grades and degrees to be posted.

Alternatively, select "Hold until grades posted" or "Hold until degree posted" when placing your transcript order.

Order Your Transcript

Invitations and Announcements

Students may order custom graduation invitations and announcements through any service provider of their choice. CACC does not offer institution-specific graduation announcements.

Official Graduation Photographer

Graduation photos will be posted on the CACC website in the days following the ceremony. If you do not want your photograph shared publicly, please notify the Registrar in writing at lembry@cacc.edu.

Live Broadcast

Family and friends who cannot attend in person can watch commencement live at www.cacc.edu and on CACC's social media channels.