Isothermal Community College’s Curriculum Commencement will be held May 17, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Frank and Mabel West Auditorium, The Center for Learning and Arts – The Foundation.
Graduates will include those who have earned certificates, diplomas, and degrees during one or more of the following semesters: Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025.
Please read all information on this page.
Deadline for Graduation Applications
Students must file all applicable Graduation Applications with the Records Office, which is located in the Student Center. Graduates should apply for graduation once they register for the term (semester) they expect to graduate. This gives students an advanced registration opportunity to register for courses that may still be needed to complete graduation requirements.
Fall 2024 Completers: October 25, 2024
Spring 2025 Completers: March 28, 2025
Summer 2025 Completers: March 28, 2025, if planning to participate in the May 17, 2025, Commencement; otherwise, the deadline is June 12, 2025.
Graduates who would like to apply for programs not currently active on their student record can email registrar@isothermal.edu with the certificate, diploma, or degree for which they would like to apply.
Requirements for graduation will vary according to the student's program of study. Isothermal students are assigned a catalog at the time of application or change of major. This catalog remains in effect as long as the student is continuously enrolled or graduates. Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis. Students should refer to the program description in the College Catalog to determine course requirements for graduation. Students should check with their college navigator or faculty mentor for questions regarding program requirements. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 is required for graduation from each program. Some programs require a grade of "B" or better in all required courses. For students transferring into Isothermal Community College, at least 25% of the credits required for graduation must be earned at Isothermal Community College.
Caps, gowns, tassels, and diploma covers may be purchased at the ICC Bookstore on or after March 31, 2025. The package price for the cap, gown, and tassel is $27 plus tax. Diploma covers will be provided to those who participate in the commencement ceremony.
Commencement rehearsal will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until approximately 12:30 p.m. in the Foundation. All graduates should meet in the Foundation for rehearsal and plan to be available for its entirety. Please wear casual attire; do not wear your caps and gowns. You may also want to bring water and a light snack, as it will be a full morning.
Graduates are required to attend rehearsal if they are participating in the Commencement ceremony. Written permission to be excused from the rehearsal must be approved by the registrar prior to May 9 if a graduate cannot attend due to extenuating circumstances.
Required Rehearsal - Thursday, May 15, from 9 a.m. until approximately 12:30 p.m. in The Foundation wearing casual attire; please do not wear your caps and gowns. You may also want to bring water and a light snack, as it will be a full morning.
Group Pictures - Saturday, May 17, at 8:30 a.m., meet in the rooms designated during rehearsal. The photo schedule will be posted in each room.
Commencement Ceremony Line Up - Saturday, May 17, at 9:30 a.m. Meet in the rooms designated during rehearsal.
Due to space considerations, tickets for Commencement will be determined by the number of graduates who RSVP. Graduates must RSVP by April 25, 2025 to participate in the ceremony.
Each guest must have a ticket, regardless of age. Graduates may pick up commencement tickets at The Foundation Box Office beginning May 7, 2025, or at the Commencement rehearsal on May 15, 2025. The Box Office is open Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m.
Graduates may request extra tickets through the Foundations Box Office. Any remaining tickets will be distributed on May 16, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Foundation Box Office. Extra tickets will be distributed equally to all graduates who have requested additional tickets. If graduates need to have someone other than them pick up tickets, they must email boxoffice@foundationshows.org from their student email with the name of the person who will pick up the tickets. Graduates or designees must show an ID to pick up their guest tickets. Graduates are responsible for distributing tickets to their guests. The Box Office is open Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m.
Guests should plan to arrive early enough to be seated before the processional begins. Those who are not will be welcome to take a seat after all employees and graduates have entered the auditorium. With the exception of those with special seating (e.g., wheelchair-accessible seating), all guests will be asked to fill in seats from front to back and center to aisle as they enter.
If graduates require special accommodations/wheelchair-accessible seating, please contact the Office of Accessibility at 828-395-1481 or email Cody Ezell at cezell@isothermal.edu. To guarantee accommodations, please submit requests no later than April 25.
If guests require special accommodations/wheelchair-accessible seating, please contact the Box Office at 828-286-9990 or boxoffice@foundationshows.org. To coordinate accommodations, please submit requests on or before the day tickets are picked up by the graduate.
Choose responsible attire choices that are appropriate under regalia and appropriate for additional photo opportunities. All attire must meet expectations.
Gowns it is best to iron or steam inside out – if ironing, be sure to start with a cool temperature so the material does not burn.
Mortarboard (Cap) may be decorated using personal expression that complies with the Student Code of Conduct. As deemed appropriate by the associate vice president of Student Affairs, decorations must not be sexually suggestive, harassing, or unlawfully discriminatory in nature, or create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Decorations should not obstruct the view of others or distract from the experience of the ceremony. This is a wonderful day to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of each of our graduates publicly, and we look forward to a meaningful day together. If you have questions, please contact the registrar’s office in advance at registrar@isothermal.edu.
Isothermal Community College-issued tassels are worn on the right side and switched to the left when instructed to turn your tassel.
Gold Tassels: Graduates who have earned a program grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher may wear a gold tassel to designate this achievement. After rehearsal, graduates will receive an honors card to exchange or purchase an additional tassel and medallion in the Bookstore. Graduates may exchange their black tassel for a gold one, or they may purchase a gold one. For 2025 summer graduates, honors will be calculated for all courses completed through the 2025 spring term. Your final GPA will be determined once 2025 summer courses are complete.
Medallions: Rutherford Early College High School and Polk County Early College graduates may wear a medallion. They may pick the medallion up from Records Office staff immediately following Commencement rehearsal.
Cords: Graduates who are qualifying members/inductees of PTK, NSLS, NTHS, and FBLA may be eligible to wear graduation cords. Please contact the organization’s advisor to inquire and receive these cords.
Personal Regalia, Stoles, Sashes, and Adornments: Personal regalia, including but not limited to sashes, stoles, or other adornments not officially sanctioned by Isothermal Community College are not permitted during the ceremony and will need to be removed before lining up for the ceremony. We understand that personal regalia and additional items purchased through a collegiate organization may hold significant meaning for individuals and encourage graduates to wear those for personal photos outside of the ceremony time.
Please resolve any outstanding balances, library fines, and overdue books before Commencement rehearsal. Bring proof of payment to the Records Office or email a copy of the receipt from the graduates’ student email to registrar@isothermal.edu.
Graduates are responsible for their valuables. Graduates may want to leave them at home or with somebody they trust who is not participating in Commencement.
Graduates, employees, and guests are asked to turn cell phones and mobile devices to silent (not just vibrate) during all Commencement activities. We ask guests to remain seated until the end of the ceremony unless they must attend to the needs of themselves or others. For children, this is a long ceremony, and they may need help remaining quiet and still. Please be mindful of volume, attention span, needs, and wants (water, activity packet, and/or electronic devices with the volume muted or with earbuds/headphones).
For graduates who require special accommodations/wheelchair-accessible seating, please contact the Office of Accessibility at 828-395-1732 or email alindsay@isothermal.edu. To guarantee accommodations, please submit requests no later than April 25.
If guests require special accommodations/wheelchair-accessible seating, please contact the Box Office at 828-286-9990 or boxoffice@foundationshows.org. To coordinate accommodations, please submit requests on or before the day tickets are picked up by the graduate.
Parking, including handicap-accessible parking, will be available in the Foundation lot. Reminder: all guests should park in a designated parking space.
Student Affairs
Student Center
Office: 828-395-4193
Department Directory
Monday - Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - noon
Subject to change depending on availability.
Rachel Mercantini
Registrar
rmercantini@isothermal.edu
828-395-4201