2026 Graduation Ceremony Information

Ceremony Arrival & Check-In

The graduation procession will begin promptly at the scheduled ceremony time.

Arrival Times

• 10:00 AM Ceremonies — Arrive by 9:00 AM
• 2:00 PM Ceremonies — Arrive by 1:00 PM

Graduates should arrive fully dressed in graduation regalia:

• Cap
• Gown
• Tassel

Additional regalia will not be available onsite.

Check-In Process

Upon arrival, report to the check-in table located in the gymnasium lobby.

Campus Map

After check-in:

1. Receive your name card
2. Proceed to the professional photo area
3. Line up in the gym according to your assigned number
   • Line-up sections will be clearly marked on the floor (Example: 1–25, 26–50, etc.).

Ceremony Details

• Each ceremony will last approximately 1 hour
• Graduates will be escorted to the auditorium and seated in a reserved section
• Please remain standing until all graduates and the Stage Party are in place
• Sit only when instructed

Graduation Attire Guidelines

To ensure a uniform appearance during the ceremony:

• Caps should be worn flat and level
• Tassels should be worn on the right side

During the Ceremony

Please follow all directions provided by College Deans and ceremony staff.

Stage Process

When instructed:

1. Approach the stage
2. Ascend the right side of the stage
3. Have your name card ready for scanning
4. Your name and honors designation (if applicable) will be announced
5. Receive your diploma cover from the President
6. Exit down the left side of the stage
7. Return to your seat

Conclusion of the Ceremony

• Following the benediction, the Stage Party will begin the recessional
• Graduates will follow immediately after
• Guests are asked to remain standing until the recessional is complete

Graduates are encouraged to arrange a meeting location with family and guests prior to the ceremony.

Instructions for Your Family and Friends

• All guests who plan to sit in the L.D. Owen Performing Arts Center MUST have a ticket.  Tickets were issued through Tassel when you claimed them.  Tickets should be downloaded locally to a device, saved in the phone wallet, or printed (recommended).  
• Cell phone service will be difficult due to the large crowd of people.  Do not rely on accessing tickets online!
• Verizon users, in particular, will have increased service issues.  The College has made all attempts possible to get Verizon to fix the issues.  
• Any guest who does not have a ticket may sit in the Gymnasium Arena where the ceremony will be streamed on a large screen.
• The ceremony will also be featured on Coastal Alabama Community College's Facebook live feed for those who cannot come in person.  
• Do not park in the grass.  College shuttles will be running to assist guests.  
• Doors to the L.D. Owen Performing Arts Center open one hour before each ceremony.  

Diplomas & Degree Posting

Diploma Distribution

Diplomas will not be distributed during the ceremony.

Graduates will receive:

• A diploma cover during the ceremony

Important Information

• Degree posting may take up to 6 weeks after final Spring semester grades are processed
• Please monitor your Coastal Alabama student email (A#@alabama.edu) for updates and notifications

Diploma Mailing Information

Diplomas will only be mailed after payment of the $25 diploma fee.

Ordering Official Transcripts

Official transcripts may be ordered online through Parchment.

When ordering:

• Select “HOLD FOR DEGREE” to ensure transcripts are sent after your degree has officially posted