Commencement and Graduation Applications

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Graduation Information

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Caps and Gowns

Graduates must purchase a cap and gown to participate in Commencement. Caps and gowns may be ordered at a cost of $47 for campus pickup or direct shipment to a home address (for an additional fee). Please be aware of the following ordering deadlines:

Campus Pickup: Order by April 11, 2026 (will be available for pickup the week of May 11, 2026) 

Direct Shipment (Best Price): Order by April 19, 2026

Direct Shipment (Final Deadline): Order by April 30, 2026

Commemorative Commencement items are also available to purchase:

    Commemorative Items

• StageClip – A personalized video recording of your big moment crossing the Commencement stage ($19.99).
• Stoles – Wear a stole that reflects your achievements and identity, including a special PGCC stole to show your Owl spirit ($34-$52).
• Diploma frames.
• Announcements and thank-you notes.
• Souvenir tassels.

Click the button below to purchase your cap, gown, and other commemorative Commencement items.

Order here

Ceremony Guidelines

Please observe proper decorum during this special ceremony. Arrive at Show Place Arena between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. to allow time for parking and entry. Graduates are expected to stay for the full duration of the program and should plan celebrations after 1 p.m. to show respect for fellow graduates.

    Security and Entry Requirements

• Graduates and guests must be prepared for enhanced security procedures.
• All guests must have a ticket. Re-entry is not permitted.

    Prohibited Items

• Balloons, cowbells, air horns, beach balls, and whistles
• Electronic devices, wrapped packages, coolers, bottles, cans, and backpacks

    Personal Belongings

• Do not bring personal items. It is recommended that you leave valuables at home or with a family member. The College is not responsible for lost or unattended items at Show Place Arena. 

Diplomas

All diplomas will be mailed to your address on file with the College. You are encouraged to review your address in Owl Link and make any changes within Owl Link prior to May 1, 2026. Changes may also be made by completing the Personal Information Update form and emailing it to registrar@pgcc.edu or submitting it in person to the Office of Records & Registration in Bladen Hall, Room 126.

Spring 2026 graduates can expect to receive their diplomas and certificates prior to or during the week of June 8, 2026.

PGCC graduates will also be able to download and view a free digital version of their diploma or certificate once the diploma or certificate is issued. You will receive an email with instructions from Parchment on how to electronically claim your diploma/certificate. You can also share your achievements with family and friends on social media platforms.

Check your PGCC email regularly for more information on diploma mailing and instructions for downloading and sharing your achievement with your digital credential!

GradFest Events

Mark your calendars: GradFest activities are happening now!

Join us as we celebrate you, our graduates, for fun-filled events culminating in the Commencement ceremony at Show Place Arena on May 16. See our upcoming events below and RSVP today.

Reserve Your Spot Today ›

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Friday, May 1

I Have My Degree...Now What? (Virtual Internship and Job Search Workshop)
2-3 p.m. – Join via Zoom 

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Monday, May 11

Cap Decorating Social
3-5 p.m. – Dukes Student Center, 1st Floor Lobby

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Tuesday, May 12

Cap Decorating Social

12-2 p.m. – Dukes Student Center Lobby
12-2 p.m. – University Town Center, Ground Floor

Class of 2026 Send-Off Reception
5-6 p.m. – Dukes Student Center, Community Rooms ABC

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Friday, May 16

Cap Decorating Social
1-3 p.m. – Dukes Student Center, 1st Floor Lobby

Graduation Honors

The College recognizes high academic achievement by awarding the following Honors designations to associate's degree recipients based on overall grade point average (GPA). These standards are:

With Honor	GPA from 3.50 to 3.69
With High Honor	GPA from 3.70 to 3.94
With Highest Honor	GPA of 3.95 or higher

Students who graduate with an honors designation will receive a yellow tassel to honor their achievement. Please note that honors will not be designated for students who have not completed all requirements for graduation, such as summer 2026 graduates.

Live Webcast and Television Playbacks

The College will broadcast Commencement live on the PGCC TV YouTube channel. You can also watch the live broadcast on PGCC TV on Verizon FiOS channel 44, Xfinity channel 75, and in HD on Xfinity channel 995.

In addition to the live broadcast, PGCC TV will air multiple repeat viewings on Verizon FiOS channel 44, Xfinity channel 75, and in HD on Xfinity channel 995. All channels are available within Prince George's County.

Parking and Directions

    Location

The Show Place Arena is located at 14900 Pennsylvania Avenue, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. See directions and maps.

    Parking

Plan for traffic and allow extra time for parking before the event.

• Free on-site parking is available with 2,500 spaces, plus an additional 3,000 spaces within walking distance.
• Handicapped-accessible parking is located on the right side of the arena. Ramps are available by the lobby doors on both sides.
• If parking attendants are present, please follow their directions.

Robing and Line-Up Information

All graduates must arrive robed and ready by 9 a.m. to participate in the Commencement procession. The ceremony begins promptly at 10 a.m. Graduates will wear a light blue cap and gown, which are yours to keep.

    Procession and Check-In

• The procession starts from the South Tunnel on the lower level of the Show Place Arena.
• Graduates will line up by division, as noted on their name cards.
• Staff representatives will be available at the tables located at Home Stretch Gate near the South Tunnel to answer questions and provide assistance.

    Name Cards

At ticket pickup, graduates will receive a scannable name card containing:

• Your name (with phonetic spelling)
• Your division
• Any graduation honors, if applicable

THIS NAME CARD MUST BE BROUGHT TO THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY. Do not lose your name card, as it will be used to announce your name when you cross the stage. 

Special Accommodations

Prince George’s Community College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons; to that end, no person with a disability will be denied the benefits of any activity associated with the Commencement exercises.

If you need any special assistance for Commencement, please notify the Office of Records and Registration no later than Monday, May 11, 2026, by emailing graduation@pgcc.edu.

Graduates who require special accommodations or are unable to stand or walk for extended periods should enter through the main entrance and take the elevator down to the North Tunnel, where they will be escorted to the South Tunnel. Handicapped parking and seating are available.

Ticket Information

Availability

Commencement tickets will be available from May 11-14 at the Charlene M. Dukes Student Center (in front of the PGCC College Store) as part of the graduation festivities.

Distribution

Ticket distribution will occur on the following dates and times:

• Monday, May 11 - Wednesday, May 13
  10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Thursday, May 14
  10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Guest Admission

• Each graduate attending the ceremony is allotted four guest tickets.
• Admission is by ticket only.
• Guests should be seated by 10 a.m. for the start of the procession.

Plan accordingly to secure your tickets and ensure a smooth arrival for your guests!