Isothermal Community College’s Curriculum Commencement will be held May 13, 2023, 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/or degrees during one or more of the following semesters: Fall 2022, Spring 2023, and/or Summer 2023.
Please read all information on this page.
Please read all information on this page.
Deadline for Graduation Applications
Students must file all applicable Graduation Applications with the Records Office (Student Services). Graduates should apply for graduation once they register for the term in which 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 2022 Completers: October 22, 2022
Spring 2023 Completers: March 24, 2023
Summer 2023 Completers: April 5, 2023 if planning to participate in May 13 commencement; otherwise the deadline is June 8, 2023
Download a Graduation Application
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 advisor for questions regarding program requirements. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 is required for graduation from each program. Some programs require at least a grade of "B" or better in all required courses. In the case of 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 April 17, 2023. The package price for the cap, gown, and tassel is $25 plus tax. Diploma covers will be provided to those that participate in the commencement ceremony.
Commencement rehearsal will be held on May 11, at 9:30 a.m. in the Foundation Performing Arts and Conference Center. All graduates should meet in the Foundation for rehearsal and plan to be available for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Please wear casual dress, do not wear your caps and gowns.
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 16 if a graduate is unable to attend due to extenuating circumstances.
Required Rehearsal - Thursday, May 11, at 9:30 a.m. meet in The Foundation wearing casual dress. Do not wear your caps and gowns.
Group Pictures - Saturday, May 13, at 8:30 a.m. meet in the rooms designated at rehearsal. The photo schedule will be posted in each room.
Commencement Ceremony Line Up - Saturday, May 13, at 9:30 a.m. Meet in the rooms designated at rehearsal.
Due to space considerations, tickets for Commencement will be determined by the number of graduates who RSVP. Graduates must RSVP no later than April 25, 2023, in order to participate in the ceremony.
Each guest must have a ticket, regardless of age. Graduates may pick commencement tickets up at The Foundation Box Office beginning May 2, 2023, or at the Commencement rehearsal on May 11, 2023.
Graduates may request additional tickets through the Foundations Box Office. Any remaining tickets will be distributed on May 12 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Foundation Box Office. Additional 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 the boxoffice@foundationshows.org from their student email with the name of the person who will pick up the tickets. Graduates or designee will need to 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 a.m. – 3 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.
If graduates or guests require special accommodations/wheelchair accessible seating, please contact the Office of Accessibility at 828-395-1732 or email Alfreda Lindsay at alindsay@isothermal.edu. In order to guarantee accommodations, please submit requests no later than April 25.
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 in a way that complies with the Student Code of Conduct. As deemed appropriate by the dean of students, 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 publicly celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of each of our graduates and look forward to a meaningful day together. If you have questions, please contact the registrar’s office in advance at registrar@isothermal.edu.
Tassels are worn on the right side then switched to the left when you are 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 honor's 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 2023 summer graduates, honors will be calculated for all courses completed through the 2023 spring term. Your final GPA will be determined once 2023 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 PBL may be eligible to wear graduation cords. Please contact the organization’s advisor to inquire and receive these cords.
Please take care of any financial deficiencies (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 graduate's student email to registrar@isothermal.edu.
We will not be responsible for your 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).
If graduates or guests require special accommodations, please contact the Office of Accessibility at 828-395-1732 or email Alfreda Lindsay at alindsay@isothermal.edu. In order to guarantee accommodations, please submit requests no later than April 23.
Parking, including handicap accessible parking, will be available in the Foundation lot. Reminder: all guests should park in a designated parking space.
Student Services
Student Center
Office: 828-395-4193
Department Directory
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Subject to change depending on availability.
Rachel Mercantini
Registrar
rmercantini@isothermal.edu
828-395-4201