Class of 2019 Commencement 

Over 1000 students will earn an associate degree from Modesto Junior College on Friday, May 3, 2019. The festivities include the Graduation Luncheon beginning April 26, at 12:00 p.m. in the Mary Stuart Rogers Student Learning Center, West Campus, and the Commencement Ceremony April 27. Graduation day Commencement begins at 6:00 p.m. in the MJC Stadium, East Campus. Graduates should plan to check-in at 4:30 p.m. at the Gym. The Commencement Reception is in the East Campus Student Center immediately following the ceremony.  Graduates, families, and faculty are invited to attend this reception. 

Caps, Gowns, and Honor Cords 

Caps, gowns, and honor cords will be available for purchase beginning March 18, 2019 in the East Campus Bookstore. The graduation cap and gown package includes the tassel; tassels are available separately as well. No advance measurements are necessary. For more information about class and graduation souvenirs, call 575-6840. 

Commencement Speaker Auditions 

The Student Commencement Speaker is chosen during a Commencement Speaker Audition. Any student can apply to be Commencement Speaker. Applications can be picked up and returned to the Arts, Humanities, and Communication Division Office in PAC, room 205. Applications are due by 5 pm on February 26, 2018. 

Graduation Luncheon 

The Graduation Luncheon will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Mary Stuart Rogers Student Learning Center (West Campus) on Friday, April 20, 2018. It is a delightful celebration of music, awards, and recognition. All faculty, graduates, and guests are invited to the luncheon. Luncheon tickets are $12 and will be available in the Bookstore on March 18, 2018. 

Alumni 

Modesto Junior College Alumni Association offers a variety of benefits. As a graduate you are automatically a member of the Alumni Association. For more information contact us at 575-6619 or visit modestojcfoundation.org. 

In Case of Rain 

If it rains, Commencement will be relocated to the West Campus ACE Pavilion, and guest tickets are required and limited to four per graduate. (The Pavilion has limited seating and ticket holders are accepted at the doors on a first come first served basis until Pavilion is filled to capacity. Turned away ticket holders can watch via live feed on West Campus in Sierra Hall, Rooms 132 and 137. When Commencement is held in the Stadium, tickets are not required and graduates may invite as many guests as they would like. Rain tickets for the ceremony will be issued in the Bookstore when picking up caps and gowns. (Do not lose rain tickets, replacements will not be issued.) In the event of rain, the 4:30 p.m. Student Line-Up will take place in ACE Pavilion. The Commencement Reception will immediately follow in the ACE Pavilion.  

Ceremony Instructions 

1.Graduates check in at the Gym (East Campus) at 4:30 p.m. You will be given a card with ceremony instructions. The card will also have a place to write your name. Your name will be announced on stage as it appears on the card.  

2.Please be courteous to others and turn off all electronic devices. 

3.Tassels on the caps should be worn on the right side over the right eye until the degree has been conferred. Once this is done, you will be instructed to turn your tassel to the opposite side.  

4.Student Marshals will organize the procession lines and direct you to your seat. Follow the person ahead of you. 

5.Men should remove their caps during the National Anthem and everyone should remain standing until asked to be seated. 

6.You will be asked to rise after the Academic Senate President has finished speaking. 

7.You will be asked to proceed by row to the stage. Hand your card to the reader. If your name is difficult to pronounce, please assist the reader by pronouncing your name to him or her.  

8.Enter the stage from the side ramps. Exit from the center. Student Marshals will instruct you on when to be seated.  

9.Pictures will be taken of each graduate as you cross the stage. 

10.Student Marshals will organize the procession lines and direct you to your seat. Follow the person in front of you. 

11.You and your family are invited to the Student Center for refreshments immediately following the ceremony.  

Special Accommodations 

Requests due by April 20, 2018  
for wheelchair seating and other accommodations for graduates and family members. Additional ADA parking is available in Parking Lot #108.  
(ADA Placard required),  
575-6866 

Graduation Supplies 

Available: March 19, 2018 
Bookstore, 575-6840 

MJC Alumni Association  

575-6619 
modestojcfoundation.org  

Graduation Luncheon 

Friday, April 20, 2018 
Doors open at 11:30 a.m. 
West Campus, MSR Student Center  
Luncheon begins at 12:00 p.m.  
Tickets: $12 each at the MJC 
Bookstore, 575-6840  

Associate Degree Evaluation/Application 

Apply for Graduation beginning January 8, 2018. March 2, 2018 is the deadline to have your name printed in Commencement program.  
Applications available at:  
mjc.edu/studentservices/forms.php  
575-6605  

Important Questions 

How can I obtain a copy of my transcript? 

Contact the Records Office, located in the Student Services Building, 575-6018, or order your official transcript online at http://www.mjc.edu/news/2018commencement.php 

When will I receive my diploma? 

Official diplomas will be available in the Evaluations Office after June 30. Graduates will receive information by student  e-mail notifying them of the pick-up date. 

How can I graduate with honors? 

Students can graduate with honors if their overall GPA is 3.5 or higher in all degree applicable courses. This is based on the student’s GPA at the end of the Fall Semester. This includes transfer work from other schools. Honor cords will be available in the Bookstore. For additional information contact the Counseling Department at 575-6080. 

When is the graduation luncheon taking place? 

On Friday, April 20, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the Mary Stuart Rogers Student Learning Center (West Campus). Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and tickets must be purchased for $12 in advance from the Bookstore. 

Can anyone who is graduating apply to be graduation speaker?   

Yes, absolutely anyone!  The Student Commencement Speaker is chosen during a Commencement Speaker Audition. Applications can be picked up and returned to the Arts, Humanities, and Communication Division Office in PAC, room 205. Applications are due by 5 pm on February 26, 2018.  

Is convenient parking available for graduates? 

Parking is available in all open lots. We suggest graduates park at the corner of Coldwell and College Avenue in Lot # 102. 

When can I pick up graduation supplies? 

On March 19, the Pirates’ Bookstore (East Campus) will have supplies available for purchase. Questions? Contact the Bookstore at 575-6840. 

Are personal photographs allowed? 

Photographs are permitted during the ceremony. Please be mindful of blocking the view of others and remain seated.  

How should I dress? 

Dress up if you would like, after all, it’s a celebration! Please dress according to the weather as clothing is required under gown. You will be walking on the track and grassy areas.  A flat, low heel and/or a wedge type shoe is recommended. Sunscreen is also recommended. Remember, personal belongings cannot be left in the Gym. 

Will professional photographs be taken? 

Photographs will be taken as each student crosses the stage. Proofs along with order forms will be mailed to each student 5-7 days following Commencement. For further questions, please contact Grad Images directly online at: gradimages.com 

Are balloons or air horns allowed at the ceremony? 

No. Unfortunately, balloons, air horns, poppers and cow bells are not permitted. Please inform your family and guests. 

Will security be present at the ceremony? 

Yes. Security will be performing bag checks at the gate to prevent the presence of weapons, alcohol, and drugs on campus. 

Are tickets required? 

If it rains, Commencement will be relocated to the West Campus ACE Pavilion, and guest tickets are required and will be limited to four per graduate.  The Commencement Reception will immediately follow in the Pavilion. In case of rain, please check your student email for further direction. When Commencement is held in the Stadium, tickets are not required and graduates may invite as many guests as they would like. Rain tickets for the ceremony will be issued in the Bookstore when picking up caps and gowns. Keep them in a safe location as replacement tickets will not be issued. Tickets are accepted at the door on a first come first serve basis until Pavilion is filled to capacity. Turned away ticket holders can watch via live feed in Sierra Hall, Rooms 132 and 137. 

If I use an alumni’s cap and gown, how do I obtain rainy day tickets? 

Please bring your borrowed cap and gown and go to the Bookstore (East Campus) to obtain rainy day tickets. In the event of rain, the 4:30 p.m. Student Line-Up will take place in ACE Pavilion instead of the Gym.