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 Linda Pinkard, Dean of Student Affairs.
Pre-Ceremony
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.
Deadlines
The Advisor/Student Completion of Intent to Graduate Forms and Certificate Applications for Summer & Fall 2006 is April 3 - April 13.
The Advisor/Student Completion of Intent to Graduate Forms and Certificate Applications for Spring & Summer 2007 is November 13 - 22.
The deadline for turning in cap and gown measurement information is February 23, 2007.
Graduates Information Day
Fall 2006 Graduates need to come by the Rotunda on the Pellissippi Campus October 25, 2006 from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm and Spring/Summer 2007 Graduates need to come by the Rotunda on the Pellissippi Campus February 14, 2007 from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm to receive information and check on your status for commencement 2007.
Incomplete Grades
Incomplete grades from spring/summer semesters convert to 'F' grades October 13. Incomplete grades from Fall semester will covert to 'F' grades March 2 .
Exit Exams
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.
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. 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) 971-5252; the Magnolia Campus at (865) 329-3118; or the Pellissippi Campus at (865) 694-6565. For additional information, or to complete the exit loan counseling session online, please visit the website at: http://www.pstcc.edu/departments/financial_aid/exit.htm
Placement for Career Technical (AAS) Graduates
The Placement Office maintains placement files for AAS graduates who wish to register with the 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
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 23, 2007. Candidates may pick up caps and gowns beginning May 1 at the Pellissippi State Bookstore. If you have any questions concerning this information, please call (865) 694-6401 or the bookstore manager at (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.
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 2007 commencement program. PTK members can purchase tassel/stoles by visiting the PTK website. 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 23, 2007.
Directions To The Coliseum
Visit the Knoxville Coliseum website to find directions, a map, and parking information.
The Ceremony
The Commencement Exercise
Commencement will be held Friday, May 4, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at the Knoxville Coliseum. Participation in the exercises is expected. All participating candidates should be in their caps and gowns and at the Coliseum 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 Coliseum. 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.
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 27. Special seating on the right 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 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 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.
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.
Diploma Pickup
The Fall 2006 graduates should pick up their diplomas immediately after the commencement ceremony.
Diploma Mailing
Summer 2006 graduates have received their diplomas through the mail. Spring/Summer 2007 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).