- “Graduation” is the official process of requesting that your coursework be evaluated toward a completed Associates degree or certificate. You should still apply for graduation even if you do not plan to attend the commencement ceremony. By applying for graduation, you will receive information about participating in commencement to your SCC email address as that time gets closer.
- “Commencement” is the formal ceremony of crossing the stage to celebrate your achievement. You do not receive your ceremonial diploma at this ceremony, instead it will be mailed to you at a later date. Please ensure when you apply for graduation you consider what address is best to receive this in the months following commencement. SCC only has one commencement ceremony in May.
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Graduation Information
2024 Commencement Ceremony
Our 36th Annual Commencement Ceremony will be Wendesday, May 15, 2024 at 6 p.m. at the Family Arena in St. Charles, MO. Join in on the celebration below with the live stream of the event.
How to Apply For Graduation
Complete an application for graduation. There are three graduation dates per year, but only one commencement ceremony. Students who graduate in May, August, or December are invited to participate in commencement. Students must apply by March 25, 2024 to participate in commencement. Students can still apply for graduation after this date, but will be ineligible to walk in commencement. For understanding the difference, please see the FAQs at the bottom of the page.
In about 7-10 working days after submitting your application, you will receive an email to your SCC email address that indicates whether you have completed or registered for all graduation requirements. If you have not, you will also be sent a copy of your degree audit, indicating which courses and/or requirements are necessary to complete for your degree.
If you decide to postpone your graduation: Notify Enrollment Services (email enrollment@stchas.edu) at least three weeks before your original anticipated date of graduation.
Commencement Information
May 15th, 2024
The Family Arena
2002 Arena Parkway
St. Charles, MO 63303
Ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m.Graduates should arrive by 4:30 p.m.
Information For Graduates
Graduates should arrive at 4:30 p.m. and enter through Gate 4. Everyone will need to go through a metal detector and have their bags checked.
Graduates should exit the Family Arena through Gate 5 after the ceremony to receive their commencement gift.
Information For Guests
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m. Guests should enter through Gate 2.
All attendees must adhere to the Family Arena's clear bag policy (more information on their page). You can view more information on this page about prohibited items and code of conduct. The Family Arena would like to remind guests that everyone will go through a metal detector and have bags checked.
Concession will be available for the event. Please do not bring in outside food and beverage (including water). Flowers will be available for purchase on the concourse at sections 119 & 121.Suites are available for purchase from the Family Arena. To inquire, call Liz Silbert at 636-896-4211.
A livestream will be available for viewing during the ceremony and available on youtube afterwards. Please check back for a link.
Regalia
You must order by March 27th, 2024.
Visit the SCC Jostens Cap & Gown page to order.
Regalia will be shipped directly to the Campus Store, please plan to pick up during the following times:
May 6th - May 14th, 2024Monday - Thursday, 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.Friday, 8:00a.m. - 4:30p.m.
Please note:
- Honor cords and tassels may also be picked up during this time
- There is no charge to students for caps & gowns (unless the original cap & gown is lost)
- The last day for pick up from the Campus Store is May 14th
- Additional graduation items are available from the Campus Store at an additional cost
- For orders not placed on time, the Campus Store may have a limited stock available for pick up. Please contact the Campus Store.
For questions about Cap & Gowns, call the campus store at (636) 922-8448.
Professional Photography at Commencement - GradImages
GradImages® is proud to support one of the biggest moments in a graduate’s life: walking across the stage and into the next chapter. With over 40 years of experience, we understand the importance of this moment and the desire to preserve these memories for a lifetime.
Graduates will receive an email once photos are ready and/or can visit www.GradImages.com to view and purchase custom photo products like prints, plaques, specialty gifts, and more! If you need additional support, please contact GradImages Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576, online at www.gradimages.com , or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net. GradImages has a large team of customer care representatives ready to help graduates and family members with anything they may need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Graduation and Commencement?
What should I wear to Commencement?
Students walking in the Commencement Ceremony must wear the cap and gown ordered through and provided by the SCC Campus Store. During the ceremony students should keep their gown fully zipped up. Students and guests are recommended to dress business casual for the ceremony as you'll be taking many photos and want to look great for the day!
Commencement is about a 2 hour long ceremony. Please be sure to dress comfortably for long periods of sitting and standing. You will also be walking across the stage to shake hands with the platform party, so be sure you can comfortably walk in your shoes/outfit.
Pack light as any belongings you bring with you will have to be taken to your seat during the ceremony. The Family Arena has a clear bag policy, so keep what you are bringing with you to a minimum so you don't have to run back to your car. More information about the clear bag policy can be found on their webpage.
What do I do if I'm completing more than one degree?
- You must complete a separate application for each degree or certificate you are completing.
When will my Diploma and Transcripts be available?
- Diplomas earned in December and May will be issued in late June after the May commencement Ceremony.
- August diplomas will be mailed out in September.
- December graduation dates will be posted on the students' transcripts at the time all degree requirements are met.
I will graduate in August, can I walk in the May Commencement?
Yes, you can walk in the May Commencement ceremony. Be sure to apply for graduation and order your regalia by the deadline in order to participate. Your transcripts will not reflect your graduation until the required coursework is completed and final grades are provided by instructors. Diplomas for August graduates will be mailed at the end of August.
Is there a cost for students/guests to attend commencement? How many guests can I invite?
There is no cost for students or guests to attend commencement. Students can invite as many guests as they would like have present. As there is ample seating at the Family Arena, students do not need to notify us of their guests. Seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis and there are no tickets for the day. We look forward to celebrating this achievement with you and your guests.
4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive
Cottleville, MO 63376
636-922-8000
