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Commencement 2025

Yavapai College Commencement (graduation) ceremonies are social events celebrating our graduates. Both events are held each year in May.

Locations and Times

Verde Valley Area: Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 10am

  • Yavapai College
    601 W Black Hills Dr
    Clarkdale, AZ 86324

* Graduates and guests are required to go through security checkpoints, including wand and bag checks


Prescott Area: Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 1pm

  • Findlay Toyota Center
    3201 N Main St
    Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

* Graduates and guests are required to go through security checkpoints, including wand and bag checks

Who is eligible to participate in Commencement?

All students who graduated in the Fall or Spring semester, or who plan to graduate in the Summer semester of the current academic year (prior year graduates are not included).

Students will be notified when the online graduation application is available. There is no fee to apply for graduation or to attend the Commencement ceremony as a graduate. 


Are graduates required to wear a cap and gown?

Yes, graduates are required to wear a cap, gown and tassel for Commencement. Order your cap, gown and tassel using one of the links below.

Choose Ceremony Essentials package
(includes Cap, Gown & Tassel)
  $15 plus shipping

Choose Cap & Gown $52 and Tassel $4
(add both items to cart)
  $56 plus shipping


Do I have to attend Commencement to get my diploma?

No.

  • After final grades are posted, we will complete an audit to verify that all degree/certificate requirements have been met. Successful graduates will have access to a digital copy of their diploma/certificate within 10 days of the end of the semester.
  • Diplomas (and Certificates) will be mailed to successful graduates approximately two weeks after the end of the semester to the current mailing address on file. Please check your current address on file by logging in and going to My Account --> My Personal Information.
  • Any balance due the College or holds on your student record will prevent the release of your diploma.

What does graduation "with honors" mean?

A student who is awarded an associate degree with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or higher at Yavapai College is designated as graduating "with honors". See catalog for additional requirements. There is a notation in the Commencement program, and the words "with honors" are included in the degree conferral on the student's official transcript and also on the diploma.


Honors designations recognized at graduation:

College Honors Program 

  • Member graduates have a CHP notation in the Commencement Program
  • Graduates are provided with a gold cord to wear around the neck at the ceremony.

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

  • Member graduates have a PTK notation in the Commencement program
  • Member graduates are encouraged to purchase the " key honors stole" available here to wear at Commencement.

graduation application link imageEligible students are expected to submit an application to graduate using the self-service Graduation Application link under the Students tile in the myYC portal. The application is only open at certain times of the year. Monitor your YC scholar email for instructions on how and when to apply. 

Submitted applications will be reviewed for eligibility. Once you have applied, monitor your YC scholar email for any updates to your graduation status and commencement information.

Any questions regarding your graduation application should be directed to  commencement@yc.edu

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