2013 Commencement Ceremony
Knoxville Civic Coliseum
500 Howard Baker, Jr. Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37915
Friday, May 10, 2013 @ 7:00 p.m.
Graduation Information for Faculty and Staff
Pre-Ceremony
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The Ceremony
Post-Ceremony
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Pre-Ceremony
Online Graduation Application
Prior to the time that you expect to complete all course requirements for graduation you must submit an online graduation application. Graduation applications are accessed through MyPellissippi. DO NOT COMPLETE AN APPLICATION UNLESS YOU HAVE MET WITH YOUR ADVISOR AND EXPECT TO GRADUATE IN THE NEXT SEMESTER OR IN THE CURRENT SEMESTER.
- Log in to MyPellissippi.
- Select Student tab and click Student Academic Services.
- Select Student Records and click Apply to Graduate.
Carefully read and follow the instructions to complete and submit the Graduation application. The online application allows students to identify active Honor Society memberships (ABG, PTK, or LEX) and place cap and gown orders. Students will be notified through their Pellissippi State email account when the application is approved or of possible deficiencies preventing graduation. It is each student's responsibility to check his or her status and to resolve any graduation deficiencies.
Deadlines
Intent to Graduate Applications for Fall 2012 must be submitted by October 12, 2012.
Intent to Graduate Applications for Spring 2013 must be submitted by March 8, 2013.
Intent to Graduate Applications for Summer 2013 must be submitted by March 8, 2013.
Students must submit graduation applications by these deadline dates to ensure their names will be printed in the commencement program.
The deadline for turning in cap and gown measurement information for the May 2013 graduation ceremony is March 8, 2013.
Incomplete Grades
Fall 2012 semester "I" grades will convert to "F" grades on March 1, 2013.
Spring 2013 and Summer 2013 semester "I" grades will convert to "F" grades on October 11, 2013.
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 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 Testing Center Office (ERC-Room 332), by phone at 865-694-6454 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., or www.pstcc.edu/testing.
Exemptions: Students may be exempt from CBASE as follows:
- Student previously has taken the CBASE.
- English is the student's second language.
- Student has earned a prior degree.
Note: Career/technical students also may be required to take an additional test in their major, which is mandatory for graduation.
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 Direct 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; the Strawberry Plains Campus at 865.694.6400 or the Hardin Valley Campus at 865.694.6565. To complete the exit loan counseling session online, please visit the website at:http://www.pstcc.edu/financial_aid/ and click on "Exit Loan Interview/Counseling" link.
Placement for Career Technical (AAS) Graduates
The Placement Office maintains placement files for AAS graduates who want to obtain assistance with their job search. Upon completing of filing your Online Graduation Application, you may visit the Placement Office (GN111), download forms from the Placement Office website, call for an appointment at 865.694.6554 or email ccarson@pstcc.edu to register.
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.
Announcements and Rings
Announcements will be available for purchase at the Pellissippi State bookstore on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning in late March. Class rings may be purchased through Jostens.
Cap and Gown
You must order and purchase your cap and gown if you plan to participate in the Commencement ceremony. You should submit your cap and gown order when filing your Online Graduation Application. You may also submit a cap & gown measurement form online. However, the deadline for submission of this form is March 8, 2013. Candidates may pick up and pay for their caps and gowns beginning in mid-April 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 are an active member of any of these honor societies (Alpha Beta Gamma, Phi Theta Kappa or Lambda Epsilon Chi)you will identify your membership when you submit the on-line graduation application. Your achievements will be recognized in the 2013 Commencement program.
PTK members may purchase tassel/stoles by visiting the PTK website. The honor form is available in Goins 107A on the Pellissippi campus or you may submit the Honor Societies form online. The deadline for submission of this form is March 8, 2013.
Directions To The Knoxville Civic Coliseum
For directions to the event, please visit the Coliseum web site http://www.knoxvillecoliseum.com/ and view the seating chart. Please note that there is a $5.00 fee to park in one of the Coliseum’s three parking garages. For further information about the Knoxville Civic Coliseum, please visit their website listed above.
The Ceremony
The Commencement Exercise
Commencement will be held Friday, May 10, 2013 at 7 p.m. at the Knoxville Coliseum. Participation in the exercises is encouraged. All participating candidates should be in their caps and gowns and at the Coliseum by 6:00 p.m. Graduates will check-in inside the Coliseum lobby and will line up under the covered walkway outside the Coliseum. Graduation volunteers will be available to assist graduates with check-in and line-up and to answer any questions.
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 their caps and gowns when they arrive at the Coliseum.
Disability Accommodations
Participants in commencement who have a disability and require special accommodations must contact the Services for Students with Disabilities at 865.539.7153 before April 20. Special seating 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. Additional information regarding the accessibility at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum can be found at http://www.knoxvillecoliseum.com/default.asp?lnopt=7&pnopt=0.
Official Photographs
An official photographer from Classic Photography 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 photographs. For more information about graduation photography, please visit Classic Photography’s website at http://www.gradphotos.com/Information/index.html
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
All diplomas will be ready for pick up six to eight weeks following each graduation semester. Postcards will be mailed to you at the current address on file at Pellissippi State, notifying you of the date diplomas will be available. It is imperative you keep your contact information/address up to date within the College. Should your address or contact information change, please contact Barbara Bailes at 695-692-6564 or bbailes@pstcc.edu
For diploma pick-up please bring a photo ID to the Hardin Valley Campus Admissions and 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 giving them permission to pick up the diploma.
