Attendance at commencement is expected. If there are unavoidable reasons/conflicts that cannot be adjusted and you are unable to attend, you should immediately send an absentee form to Linda Pinkard, Dean of Student Affairs.
Preceeding the semester you expect to complete all course requirements for graduation you must obtain a graduation packet which includes the Intent to Graduate Instructions. Packets can be purchased at the Cashiers Offices on any campus (hours may vary). This non refundable fee ($25.00) covers the cost of the diploma, cap and gown and other graduation expenses. The fee remains valid for four semester. The Intent to Graduate form must be completed by you and your faculty advisor. If approved by the Academic Department Head or Program Coordinator of your major the form will be signed and submitted to the Admissions & Records Office for processing. Due to the large volume of students intending to graduate, it is each student's responsibility to check his or her status and to resolve any graduation deficiencies.
The Advisor/Student Completion of Intent to Graduate Forms and Certificate Applications for Summer & Fall 2005 is April 4 - April 15.
The Advisor/Student Completion of Intent to Graduate Forms and Certificate Applications for Spring & Summer 2006 is November 14 - 23.
The deadline for turning in cap and gown measurement information is February 24, 2006.
Fall 2005 Graduates need to come by the Rotunda on the Pellissippi Campus October 25, 2005 from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm and Spring/Summer 2006 Graduates need to come by the Rotunda on the Pellissippi Campus February 7, 2006 from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm to receive information and check on your status for commencement 2006.
Incomplete grades from spring/summer semesters convert to 'F' grades October 14. Incomplete grades from Fall semester will covert to 'F' grades March 3.
The College Basic Academic Subjects Examination (CBASE) is administered to all graduates in associate's degree programs. The purpose of the exam is to help Pellissippi State evaluate its academic programs. The exam is required as a condition of graduation; however, no minimum score is required for graduation. Note: It is your responsibility to schedule the CBASE and you are encouraged to perform as well as possible. You may register for CBASE by present a registration form at the Admissions & Records Office for data entry. If you have any questions concerning the exam you may call the Learning and Testing Center Office (ERC Room 332) at (865) 694-6454.
Exceptions: If you have taken the CBASE before or if English is your second language or if you have earned a prior degree please notify the Learning and Testing Center (694-6454).
Exit exams may also be required in the career/technical programs.
Until you have taken the required tests - your transcripts and diploma will not be released.
You must settle all financial obligations with Pellissippi State before graduation (for example, library and traffic fines). If you have received a Federal Stafford Loan through the Financial Aid Office you must complete an exit loan counseling session. You may schedule your exit loan counseling session by calling the Financial Aid Office at the Blount County Center at (865) 981-5335; the Division Street Campus at (865) 971-5250; the Magnolia Campus at (865) 329-3100; or the Pellissippi Campus at (865) 694-6565.
The Placement Office maintains placement files for two-year career/ technical degree graduates who will be involved in a job search. You may visit the Placement Office at the Pellissippi campus (GN-105) or call (865) 694-6559 to set up an appointment to complete a placement file. If you already are employed in your major, you will need to fill out a status form. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission requires this information.
Contact the Pellissippi State bookstore at (865) 694-6642 or http://www.pstcc.bkstr.com for information concerning dates and times a representative will be on campus to place your order for invitations and class rings. Items ordered will be mailed to you.
To ensure the appropriate size cap and gown you will need to submit a cap & gown measurement form. The measurement form is also available in Goins 105 on the Pellissippi campus. The deadline for submission of this form is February 24, 2006. Candidates may pick up caps and gowns beginning May 1 at the Pellissippi Bookstore. If you have any questions concerning this information, please call (865) 694-6401 or (865) 694-6642. The keepsake gowns are royal blue and graduates should plan to wear dark shoes, dark skirt/pants, white blouse/shirt, and tie.
Additions on the cap and gown are not permitted except for certain honorary stoles and sashes. The cap and gowns are yours so you won't need to return them.
If you were an active member of any of these honor societies (Alpha Beta Gamma, Phi Theta Kappa or Lambda Epsilon Chi) you will need to submit an honors form for verficiations. Your achievements will be recognized in the 2006 commencement program. PTK members can purchase tassel/stoles by visiting the PTK website (new window). The honor form is available in Goins 105 on the Pellissippi campus or you may submit the Honor Societies form online. The deadline for submission of this form is February 24, 2006.
You may download a map to the UT arena (PDF, requires Adobe Reader) or you can get a map and directions in the bookstore at any Pellissippi campus or in GN-110.
Commencement will be held Friday, May 5, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the University of Tennessee - Knoxville Thompson-Boling Arena. Participation in the exercises is expected. All participating candidates should be in their caps and gowns and at the Arena by 6:00 p.m. to receive seating assignment and instructions for the processional, and the presentation of graduates. We cannot be responsible for your valuables (cameras, purses, etc.). Either lock valuables in your car or leave them with family or friends at the arena. All graduates should be in cap and gown because, at the conclusion of the instructions, we will proceed directly to the commencement ceremony. There will be staff and student ambassadors to assist you with directions.
Participants in commencement who have a disability and require special accommodations must contact the Services for Students with Disabilities at (865) 694-6751 before April 28. Special seating on the left side of the arena will be reserved for members of the audience who need accommodations. Ask an usher for directions. Please note that this facility does not furnish wheelchairs.
Official graduation photographs are handled by Graduation Foto. You will be photographed as you cross the stage to shake hands with the President. You can view the photos in two to three days after commencement on line at Graduation Foto. Also color proof will arrive at your home address and if desired, quality enlargements will be available for purchase. Addresses are used only to mail out the photographic proofs. Please note that you are under no obligation to order photos and that the color proof will be yours to keep regardless.
The photographer specializes in handling graduation photos quickly and efficiently and has been retained by Pellissippi State in this capacity for several years. Pellissippi State is not involved in any way with the delivery of proofs or prints.
Please arrange for other pictures or snapshots to be made after the ceremony has concluded. The stage settings will be kept intact for a limited time after the ceremony.
Following commencement, a reception for graduates, family and friends will be held. The faculty and staff hope to see you at the reception.
The Fall 2005 graduates should pick up their diplomas immediately after the commencement ceremony.
Summer 2005 graduates have received their diplomas through the mail. Spring/Summer 2006 prospective graduates diplomas will be mailed following final verification that all degree requirements have been satisfied. It is very important to provide an accurate address for the mailing of your diploma. If your address has changed, please fill out a change of address form or contact Barbara Bailes (694-6564, Goins 117) or Bonnie Powell (539-7188, Goins 105).
Updated December 6, 2006