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Where we foster excellence in education that challenges students of every background to develop their intellect, character, and abilities; to assist students in achieving their educational and career goals; and to be responsive to the greater community.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Graduation

 

When is graduation?

There will be two commencement ceremonies on Saturday, June 8, 2024.
The first ceremony (morning ceremony) will begin at 9:00 a.m. (graduates must report to the library no later than 8:00 a.m.)
The second ceremony (afternoon ceremony) will begin at 2:00 p.m. (graduates must report to the library no later than 1:00 p.m.)

How long does the ceremony last?

Usually a little less than two hours -- but will vary depending on how many graduates there are, and how long the speakers speak.

When is rehearsal?

Graduation rehearsals will take place Friday, June 7, 2024, and will last no longer than an hour. Graduates MUST attend rehearsal if they wish to participate in commencement on Saturday. A rehearsal time will be assign depending on your major and emailed to your IVC student email account no later than mid-May.
Make sure to check your IVC student email account.
The first rehearsal for the first ceremony will begin at 12:00 p.m. and graduates must report to the gym.
The second rehearsal for the second ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m. and graduates must report to the gym.

How many tickets will I get?

The amount of tickets a graduate receives depends on the number of students participating in each commencement ceremony. We will have the finalized number of tickets in mid to late May and will notify students via email.

Can I get extra tickets?

Unfortunately, no. The college uses up all available tickets. Your best chance is if you have a friend who is also graduating who does not need all of their tickets. Please note that tickets are NOT interchangeable within commencement ceremonies.

When will I get my cap and gown and my tickets?

Tickets will be distribute with the caps and gowns. You will receive an email to your IVC student email account in mid-May telling you the dates, times & location of pick up.

Can I supply my own gown, from high school or somewhere else?

NO! All graduates who wish to participate in the ceremony MUST purchase their regalia through the college’s vendor. This is your confirmation to participation in the ceremony.

Can I keep my cap and gown?

Yes. The cap and gown are yours to keep.

Can I decorate my cap?

Yes, caps may be decorated but must be done so in a tasteful manner. Any graduate with a cap with vulgarity, drug or alcohol paraphernalia will not be permitted to participate in the commencement ceremony. Decorations must not hang from the cap and must be confined to the circumference of the cap.

Will there be a photographer?

Yes. The college brings in a professional photographer who will take a photo of each graduate receiving their diploma. You will not need to pay that day. You will receive a small sample proof via email a couple of weeks after the ceremony. If you like it, you may order photos. There is no obligation -- if you do not like the proof, you don not have to order. You and your guests may also take your own photos before, during, and after graduation; however, guests will not be able to get very close to the stage during the actual ceremony.

Can my family record graduation?

Yes. However, there are no special places reserved for still or video photographers; they must photograph from their seat, and they may not block the view of any other guests. NO TRIPODS ALLOWED! Additionally, the ceremony will be livestreamed on the College’s main website: www.imperial.edu and will be available on the College’s YouTube channel.

Why aren’t balloons allowed in the gym?

Balloons block the view of other guests in the audience. The gym is very crowded during the ceremony; your family should leave balloons and other gifts at home or in the car, to give to you AFTER the ceremony.

What if I, or one of my guests is in a wheelchair; will there be a handicapped seating area or special accommodations available?

Yes. If you expect to have a guest attending the ceremony in a wheelchair, or who otherwise needs special accommodations, a form will be emailed to your IVC student email account where you may request accommodation seating for yourself or your guest(s).

What if I, or one of my guests, are hearing impaired?

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will translate the ceremony. A form will be emailed to your IVC student email account where you may request accommodation seating for yourself or your guest(s).

I have other questions about graduation. Whom can I talk to?

Please contact Miriam Trejo via email at miriam.trejo@imperial.edu

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