Commencement is a formal occasion where all participants MUST wear academic regalia (cap, gown, and tassel). All graduates will receive their cap, gown, and tassel from the Campus Store after payment of the $40 participation fee.

Casual business attire should be worn under the gown. Appropriate, comfortable shoes should also be worn. (You will be standing for a considerable amount of time prior to the ceremony.)

It is strongly recommended that you try on your gown several days before the ceremony to be sure of the fit and hang it to help remove wrinkles

The Augusta Entertainment Complex has a Clear Bag Policy. Do not bring backpacks or purses into the venue. (A neck wallet will be provided that is large enough to hold your keys and a cell phone if needed.)

We want to assist our graduates and guests requiring special assistance and provide reasonable accommodations during the ceremony. If you or your guests need an accommodation, please contact Karissa Wright, Special Needs/Disability Counselor, at (706) 771-4067/kdavis@xinglongmaofang.com.

Accessible Seating

Accessible seating is available on the floor of the Bell Auditorium. There is NO elevator in the Bell Auditorium. Balcony seating is not accessible.

Accessible Parking

For your convenience, there are designated accessible parking spaces located in our 7^th street lot and at the Bell Auditorium. Spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Guide Dogs/Service Animals

Trained guide dogs or service animals are permitted/allowed to assist guests inside the arena. The service animal must remain under the control of its handler. Please notify the arena at the time of ticket purchase if special accommodations are required for the service animal. All other animals are prohibited.

Students who have achieved a program grade point average of 3.5 or higher will be designated in the Commencement program and during the ceremony as an Honors graduate. Students may become eligible or ineligible to graduate with honors after Spring and Summer grades are calculated; however, it is not possible to designate these students in the graduation program due to printing deadlines. Qualifying students will receive honor cords the evening of graduation.

Augusta Technical College recognizes military and veteran students who have met certain academic thresholds with a Military and Veteran Honor Cord to wear at graduation. These red, white, and blue cords are a special recognition for those who have made an unwavering commitment to both their nation and their academic studies.

Graduates meeting the criteria below must apply to receive a Military and Veteran Honor Cord. Cords will be available for pick up in the Military Service Center on the Augusta Campus between May 1 and June 6, and on the day of graduation at the Bell Auditorium.

Eligibility

Apply and be approved for graduation in this academic year and be:

• an honorably discharged student veteran or
• currently Active Duty, National Guard, or Reserve military member

What we need to verify eligibility

• Currently receiving VA education benefits (SCO will verify)
• DD-214 if prior service
• Most recent LES or valid military ID card if currently serving. Expired IDs and veteran ID cards cannot be used. If you wish to show an ID, for security purposes please show your ID when picking up your cord

All family and friends are welcome. Guests do not require a ticket to attend. Doors will open to the public approximately 90 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Guests are not allowed on the arena floor before or during the ceremony.

Please remind your guests:

• A clear bag policy is in effect at the James Brown Arena. Building info and JBA policies can be found online: Augusta Entertainment Complex | James Brown Arena | Bell Auditorium.
• Consumption of alcohol, smoking, using other forms of electronic, alternative smoking devices or other forms of tobacco products is prohibited.
• Be sure to silence all electronic devices.

The following items are prohibited from being brought into the venue:

• ALL bags larger than one 8.5″ x 5.5″ handheld clutch
• Balloons
• Fireworks
• Illegal drugs
• Outside food and beverage of any kind
• Bottles, cans and/or coolers
• Audio or recording equipment of any kind
• Laser pointers, aerosol cans, bullhorns, and noise makers
• Backpacks or any other over-sized bags
• Weapons including pocket knives

General parking is available in the 7th or 8th Street lots.Please do not park in the U.S. Post Office or church parking lots.

Handicap accessible seating is available on the concourse level of sections 102, 108, 109, 111, and on the arena floor. Due to limited seating area, only one guest will be allowed to accompany those in need of handicap seating.

Hearing Impaired seating will be reserved in section 122 until 15 minutes before the ceremony begins.