Graduation FAQs
Published or Revised October 26, 2024
Congratulations Graduate! Please find the frequently asked questions about PJC's Graduation or Commencement ceremonies. After reading these FAQs, if you still have questions, please email PJCAdmissions@parisjc.edu.
You may download a PDF of the following FAQs here.
When is Commencement?
Paris Junior College holds Commencement the last Friday of the Fall and Spring semesters. There are two Commencement ceremonies – one for Academic degrees and one for Workforce degrees and certificates. Graduates will attend the ceremony according to which degree they are receiving.
Where is Commencement held?
Commencement is held in the Hunt Physical Education Center on the Paris Campus.
Directions to the Hunt Center on the Paris Campus
From Greenville: take I-30 east, to exit 101 to Hwy 24. Follow Hwy 24 North to Paris.
From Sulphur Springs: take Hwy 19 North to Hwy 24. Follow Hwy 24 North to Paris.
Once in Paris: Turn right on Evergreen/Jefferson Road (immediately past Evergreen Cemetery); Turn left on S Collegiate Dr; Hunt Center (gymnasium) will be approximately ¼ mile on the left
How do I know if I’m ready to graduate?
If you are unsure whether you are on target to graduate at the end of the semester in which you applied for graduation, visit with your academic advisor. Contact Advising and Counseling
Am I allowed to participate in Commencement if I still have coursework to complete?
Graduation candidates may participate in Commencement if they are lacking 1-6 credit hours and intend to complete their coursework the following semester.
How do I sign up to participate in Commencement?
To participate in the Commencement ceremony, students will need to complete the graduation application found in the MyPJC portal.
What is the graduation application deadline?
The graduation application deadline is typically a month prior to the date of Commencement. If you apply after the deadline, it is not guaranteed that your degree audit will be completed in time to ensure that you are qualified to participate in Commencement or that your name will be listed in the Commencement program.
Do I have to participate in Commencement?
Students are not required to participate in graduation. However, we highly encourage you to do so as we, along with your family and friends, want to celebrate your academic accomplishments!
What if I don’t want to stay for the entire event?
The graduation ceremony is a festive, celebratory occasion, but also a formal academic event. The joy and satisfaction of the student’s accomplishments is more than worthy of being celebrated! However, these accomplishments should also be marked by seriousness where the actual conferring of degrees signifies the hard work of all involved: students, faculty, staff, administrators, and family. Hence, there is an expectation to maintain a measure of decorum consistent with the occasion.
Graduates will be expected to stay for the duration of the commencement ceremony from check in beginning an hour before each ceremony to the recessional signifying the end of the ceremony. Family and friends are asked to respectfully remain in their seats for the duration of the ceremony as well.
What do I wear to Commencement?
Academic Regalia (cap/gown) is the appropriate and required attire for Commencement. Regalia is pre-ordered in a range of heights and sizes and will be available for pickup at any of the PJC center locations on specified dates in April and November during the Fall and Spring semesters.
Is it mandatory that I wear Academic Regalia (cap/gown) to Commencement?
Yes, it is mandatory to wear the provided academic regalia. Graduates will be reviewed for proper academic apparel during check-in, upon entering the ceremony, and before walking across the stage. Students who do not have the proper apparel, agree to wear it appropriately, and/or who do not comply with the following guidelines, risk being dismissed from participating in the ceremony.
Dress Code Guidelines:
- Graduates participating in commencement must wear PJC provided caps and gowns
- Appropriate clothing should be worn under the gowns; nice slacks/skirts with a dress shirt or a dress and clean, neat, comfortable shoes are recommended
- All gowns must be zipped completely
- Caps are to be worn with the front point over the forehead below the front hairline, so that the flat board is parallel to the floor. Not worn on the back of the head with the board pointing upward.
- Tassels hang on the right.
- Caps may be decorated as long as it does not interfere with being worn properly and is not disrespectful or inappropriate.
- Graduates should not chew gum or tobacco.
- Lost tassels can be replaced, but replacement regalia will not be provided to you at the ceremony.
- There will not be a secure place to leave your personal belongings. Please do not bring purses or other valuables.
Are there requirements for what I wear under my regalia (gown)?
While there are no specific requirements for what graduates wear under their regalia (gowns), there are recommended guidelines. Appropriate clothing should be worn under the gowns; nice slacks/skirts with a dress shirt or a dress and clean, neat, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Am I allowed to decorate my cap?
Caps may be decorated as long as it does not interfere with being worn properly and is not disrespectful or inappropriate.
Who graduates with honors?
To be considered for graduation with honors, a student must be seeking an associate degree and have completed at least 30 semester credit hours at Paris Junior College. Graduates who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above will be recognized during the Commencement ceremony and in the program. Honor graduates will be recognized by wearing gold honors cords. Graduates with a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 will also be recognized by being awarded an honors medallion. For the printed Commencement program & ceremony, the GPA calculation will be made only on those courses that have been completed through the end of the spring semester prior to fall graduation.
How do I know if I’m graduating with honors?
Graduation with Honors:
- To be considered for graduation with honors, a student must be seeking an associate degree and have completed at least 30 semester credit hours at Paris Junior College.
- Honors – overall cumulative grade point average: 3.50 – 3.99
- Highest Honors – overall cumulative grade point average: 4.00
- Students can view their GPA in the MyPJC portal. If you have questions, you may contact Advising and Counseling or Admissions and Records.
What do I need to do if I’m a PTK member?
PTK members are recognized by wearing a gold tassel and monogrammed stole with their cap and gown. This academic regalia must be purchased separately. PTK members should receive instructions from a previous invitation letter to contact the PJC Chapter Advisor. It is preferred that students order online at www.ptk.org and have items shipped to their home. However, students who cannot order online may order their stole and tassel by paying $40 at the Business Office at any center location; payment must be received by December 1st or May 1st. Students will pick up preordered and prepaid PTK regalia from the Greenville Center Main Office, Sulphur Springs Center Main Office, or from the Chapter Advisor at the Paris campus. Students must show their receipt when picking up their PTK regalia.
Do I need tickets to Commencement?
Tickets are not issued or required. Ceremony seating is limited depending on the number of graduates. It is advisable for families and guests to arrive early and report directly to the Hunt Center for choice of seating.
Will Commencement be offered via Live Stream?
Both Commencement ceremonies will be streamed live and a link will be posted on the PJC website the day of the event.
When do I need to arrive for Commencement?
Graduates will need to arrive at the Learning Center (Library) one hour prior to the Commencement time, with their regalia for check in and final instructions. Upon arrival, graduates will be provided with a name card and will line up alphabetically with your fellow graduates.
Can I purchase invitations for Commencement from PJC?
Students who wish to send graduation invitations should contact their local office supply store, print shop, or online store.
Will there be photographs taken at Commencement?
A photographer from Candid Color Photography will be taking pictures of all graduates receiving their diplomas as they walk across the stage. They will contact you directly regarding proof review and purchasing or you can visit their website at http://oklahomapartypics.com/.
What if I or a family member need ADA Accommodations?
If you have any questions about access or need to request any reasonable accommodation that will facilitate your full participation in the Commencement ceremony and activities such as ASL interpreting, captioned video, etc., please contact the Office of Admissions and Records at (903) 782-0425.
When will I receive my diploma?
During Commencement, graduates will receive a diploma cover. Diplomas will be mailed to those individuals who meet all graduation requirements following receipt of final grades and completion of a degree audit. Diplomas are generally mailed within four to six weeks of the last day of the semester.
Who do I contact with other questions regarding graduation and the Commencement ceremony?
Office of Admissions and Records at (903)782-0425 or records@parisjc.edu.