Importantly, 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 Rebecca Ashford, Vice President for Student Success & Enrollment Management.
Pre-Ceremony
Preceding the semester that you expect to complete all course requirements for graduation you must obtain a graduation packet which includes the Intent to Graduate Instructions. Packets may be purchased at the Cashiers Offices on any campus (hours may vary). This nonrefundable fee ($25.00) covers the cost of the diploma, cap and gown and other graduation expenses. The fee remains valid for four semesters. The Intent to Graduate form must be completed by you and your faculty advisor. If approved by the Academic Dean or Program Coordinator of your major, the form will be signed and submitted to the Admissions & Records Office for processing. It is each student's responsibility to check his or her status and to resolve any graduation deficiencies.
Deadlines
The Advisor/Student Completion of Intent to Graduate Forms and Certificate Applications for Summer & Fall 2010 is April 1 - April 16.
The Advisor/Student Completion of Intent to Graduate Forms and Certificate Applications for Spring & Summer 2011 is November 11 - 24.
The deadline for turning in cap and gown measurement information is February 18, 2011.
Graduation Information Events
Fall 2010 graduates should attend one of the following Graduation Information Events:
- October 20, 2010 * Pellissippi Campus * Goins Rotunda * 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- October 27, 2010 * Magnolia Avenue Campus * Lobby * 10 a.m. - noon
- November 3, 2010 * Blount County Center * Student Lounge * 10 a.m. - noon
- November 6, 2010 * Pellissippi Campus * Goins Rotunda * 10 a.m.- noon
- November 11, 2010 * Pellissippi Campus * Goins Rotunda * 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
- November 17, 2010 * Division Street Campus * Lobby * 10 a.m. - noon.
Spring/Summer 2011 graduates should attend one of these Graduation Information Events:
- February 2, 2011 * Magnolia Avenue Campus * Lobby * 10 a.m. - noon
- February 9, 2011 * Blount County Center * Student Lounge * 10 a.m - noon
- February 16, 2011 * Pellissippi Campus * Goins Rotunda * 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- February 17, 2011 * Pellissippi Campus * Goins Rotunda * 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
- February 19, 2011 * Pellissippi Campus * Goins Rotunda * 10:00 a.m. - noon
- February 23, 2011 * Division Street Campus * Lobby * 10 a.m. - noon to receive information and check on your status for commencement 2011.
Incomplete Grades
Incomplete grades from spring/summer semesters convert to 'F' grades October 15. Incomplete grades from Fall semester will covert to 'F' grades March 4.
Exit Exams & Testing
CANDIDATES FOR GRADUATION ARE REQUIRED to take the College Basic Academic Subjects Examination (CBASE) to measure general educational achievement for the purpose of evaluating academic programs. No minimum score or level of achievement is required for graduation. You are encouraged to perform as well as possible. Note: It is the student's responsibility to register for and take the CBASE. You may register for the CBASE by going to http://www.pstcc.edu/ and clicking on myPellissippi or by presenting a registration form at the Admissions and Records Office for data entry. No registration fee will be charged and no college credits will be awarded for CBASE, however the test is mandatory.
Questions concerning the exam should be directed to the Learning and Testing Center Office (ERC-Room 332) or by phone at (865) 694-6454 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Exemptions: Students may be exempt from CBASE as follows:
- Student has taken the CBASE before.
- English is the student's second language.
- Student has earned a prior degree.
Note: Career/technical students may also be required to take an additional test in their major. (Unless you have taken the required tests your transcripts and diploma will not be released.)
Financial Obligations
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. If you need additional information, please contact the Financial Aid Office at the Blount County Center at (865) 981-5335; the Division Street Campus at (865) 971-5252; the Magnolia Campus at (865) 329-3118; or the Pellissippi Campus at (865) 694-6565. To complete the exit loan counseling session online, please visit the website at: http://www.pstcc.edu/departments/financial_aid/ and click on "Exit Loan Counseling."
Placement for Career Technical (AAS) Graduates
The Placement Office maintains placement files for AAS graduates who want to register with this office in order to obtain assistance with their job search. To register you may visit the office (GN105), download forms from the website (http://www.pstcc.edu/departments/placement/), or call or email for an appointment (694-6554/ccarson@pstcc.edu). If you are already employed in your major you are required to fill out a status form or contact the Placement Office for reporting purposes required by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
Invitations and Rings
Contact the Pellissippi State bookstore at (865) 694-6642 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.
Cap and Gown
You must order your cap & gown if you plan to walk during Commencement. To order online, submit a cap & gown measurement form. This measurement form is also available in Goins 110D on the Pellissippi campus. The deadline for submission of this form is February 18, 2011. Candidates may pick up caps and gowns beginning in early May at the Pellissippi State Bookstore. If you have any questions concerning this information, please contact Bonnie Powell at (865) 539-7188 or the bookstore manager at (865) 694-6642. The keepsake gowns are black 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.
Honor Societies
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 2010 commencement program. PTK members may purchase tassel/stoles by visiting the PTK website. The honor form is available in Goins 110D on the Pellissippi campus or you may submit the Honor Societies form online. The deadline for submission of this form is February 18, 2011.
Directions To The Arena
For directions to the event, visit the official Thompson-boling Arena web site and view the seating chart. UT campus maps may also be helpful. You can get a map and directions in the bookstore at any Pellissippi campus or in Goins 110-D.
The Ceremony
The Commencement Exercise
Commencement will be held Friday, May 6, 2011 at 7 p.m. at the 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, presentation of graduates and the recessional. 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 volunteers to assist you with directions.
Disability Accommodations
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 21. Special seating to the left side of the stage 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 Photographs
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 approximately one week after commencement on line at www.gradimages.com. Also, color proofs 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.
Post-Ceremony
Following commencement, a reception for graduates, family and friends will be held. The faculty and staff hope to see you at the reception.
Diplomas
For diploma pick-up please bring a photo ID to the Hardin Valley Campus, Admissions/Records Office (GN 102) Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:00 a. m. to 4:30 p. m.
Summer 2010 graduates may pick up their diplomas September 7 - September 17, 2010.
Fall 2010 graduates may pick up their diplomas February 14 - February 25, 2011.
Spring 2011 graduates may pick up their diplomas approximately six weeks after Commencement. Should your contact information change, please fill out a change of address form or contact Barbara Bailes (694-6564, Goins 117).