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 obtained at the Pellissippi Campus Admissions & Records Office (GN102), the Student Assistant Center (GN 123) and at all site campuses.The Intent to Graduate form 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 2011 is April 2 - April 15.
The Advisor/Student Completion of Intent to Graduate Forms and Certificate Applications for Spring & Summer 2012 is November 11 - 18.
The deadline for turning in cap and gown measurement information is February 17, 2012.
Graduation Information Events
Fall 2011 graduates should attend one of the following Graduation Information Events:
- October 19, 2011 * Pellissippi Campus * Goins Rotunda * 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- October 26, 2011 * Magnolia Avenue Campus * Lobby * 10 a.m. - noon
- November 2, 2011 * Blount County Campus * Lobby * 10 a.m. - noon
- November 5, 2011 * Pellissippi Campus * Goins Rotunda * 10 a.m.- noon
- November 10, 2011 * Pellissippi Campus * Goins Rotunda * 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
- November 16, 2011 * Division Street Campus * Lobby * 10 a.m. - noon.
Spring/Summer 2012 graduates should attend one of these Graduation Information Events:
- February 1, 2012 * Magnolia Avenue Campus * Lobby * 10 a.m. - noon
- February 8, 2012 * Blount County Campus * Lobby * 10 a.m - noon
- February 15, 2012 * Pellissippi Campus * Goins Rotunda * 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- February 16, 2012 * Pellissippi Campus * Goins Rotunda * 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
- February 18, 2012 * Pellissippi Campus * Goins Rotunda * 10:00 a.m. - noon
- February 22, 2012 * Division Street Campus * Lobby * 10 a.m. - noon to receive information and check on your status for commencement 2012.
Incomplete Grades
Incomplete grades from spring/summer semesters convert to 'F' grades October 14. Incomplete grades from Fall semester will covert to 'F' grades March 2.
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 Campus 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 Placement Office website, or call for an appointment at 865.694.6554 or email 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 as 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 at all Pellissippi State bookstores. The deadline for submission of this form is February 17, 2012. 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 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 2012 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 17, 2012.
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 4, 2012 at 7 p.m. at the Thompson-Boling Arena. Participation in the exercises is encouraged. 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 20. 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
An official photographer will be present to take photographs during the commencement ceremony. You will be photographed as you cross the stage and shake hands with the President and once again after you exit the stage. Graduation photographs will be made available for purchase through the photographer. However, you are under no obligation to purchase photograhs.
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
Diplomas
For diploma pick-up please bring a photo ID to the Pellissippi Campus Admissions & Records Office (GN 102) Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Students who are unable to pick up their diploma may authorize someone else to do so, provided that individual presents a photo ID and supplies a note written and sign by the student.
Summer 2011 graduates may pick up their diplomas approximately six weeks after the end of the semester. A postcard will be mailed to you at the address you have on file with Pellissippi State, notifying you of the date your diploma will be ready. Should your address or contact information change, please fill out a change of address form or contact Barbara Bailes at 695.692.6564 or bbailes@pstcc.edu
Fall 2011 graduates may pick up their diplomas approximately six weeks after the end of the semester. A postcard will be mailed to you at the address you have on file with Pellissippi State, notifying you of the date your diploma will be ready. Should your address or contact information change, please fill out a change of address form or contact Barbara Bailes at 695.692.6564 or bbailes@pstcc.edu
Spring 2012 graduates may pick up their diplomas approximately six weeks after Commencement. A postcard will be mailed to you at the address you have on file with Pellissippi State, notifying you of the date your diploma will be ready. Should your address or contact information change, please fill out a change of address form or contact Barbara Bailes at 695.692.6564 or bbailes@pstcc.edu