About Our Commencement

Commencement 2024 Date Announced: May 23, 2024 at 10am in the Alamodome!

Planning to participate in our 2024 commencement? Students who complete(d) their degree requirements in Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Summer 2024 (lacking only 8 credit hours or less and have a 2.0 minimum GPA) must meet with their assigned academic advisor for a degree review by the deadline. Students who applied for graduation after April 25 can still participate in the commencement, but their names will not appear on the program.

2024 Graduation Commencement Information:

Date: Thursday, May 23rd, 2024
Check-in time starts at 8:00am
Processional Start Time: 9:45am
Ceremony Time: 10:00am-12:00pm

Location: San Antonio Alamodome (Please note, outside food and drinks are not permitted and no balloons are allowed. Clear Bag Policy in effect for guests).

Parking Information:
Lot B: Public & Students
Lot C: Public & Students
Lot D: Rideshare Drop-off/Pick-up
**ADA students will park in Lot A.

Each student will receive one parking ticket.

General parking is $15 per vehicle for the public.

All students must have a parking ticket or pay $15 for parking.

Alamodome Parking Map (read more information below map)

Information about Parking Lots provided by San Antonio Alamodome:
The Alamodome generally operates four parking lots for events: A, B, C and D. Parking locations vary by date. For most shows, public parking is available in Lots B and C with accessible parking for guests with disabilities located in Lot A. Event specific information is available at www.alamodome.com

Driving Directions to Lots:

  • Lot A can be accessed via the northbound I-37 access road, between Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. and Montana Street.
  • Lot B and C can be accessed from the southbound lane of Cherry Street between Montana St. and Cesar E. Chavez Blvd.
  • Lot D is located on the west side of I-37 behind the Convention Center and can be accessed via Tower of the America's Way (southbound I-37 access road) between Montana St. and Cesar E. Chavez Blvd.

PLEASE NOTE: The ride share drop-off and pick-up zone is available for quick access in Lot D located at Tower of the America's Way (southbound I-37 access road) between Montana St. and Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. Map to 500 Tower of the America's Way, San Antonio, TX 78205. Please also note that during peak traffic times, northbound Cherry Street may be closed at Cesar E. Chavez Blvd., requiring southbound access from Commerce or Houston St.

Click Here for a Printable Map of the Alamodome Parking Lots

Diploma Questions

Do I have to attend the graduation ceremony to receive my degree?

No, you do not have to attend the graduation ceremony to receive a degree but you do need to apply for graduation to have your degree reviewed so you can be awarded a degree.

When will I receive my diploma?

Eight to ten working weeks after the official close of the term in which you have graduated.

What if I want to purchase a duplicate diploma or re-print?

Students may request a re-print or duplicate diploma at the link below, the fee is $25.

https://www.alamo.edu/district/virtual-business-office/

Commencement Ceremony FAQs

General

Is participation in the commencement ceremony required?

No, you do not have to participate in the commencement ceremony in order to receive your diploma.

However, you still need to meet with your Academic Advisor to complete mandatory graduation advising as you approach completion of a program. 

What is the difference between commencement and graduation?

Commencement refers to the ceremony, which is an opportunity for students to celebrate their academic accomplishments with their peers, family and friends. There is no cost for graduation. The diploma, cap and gown are provided by the Alamo Colleges District. Participation in commencement does not guarantee or indicate degree completion. 

Graduation is a process consisting of meeting with your certified academic advisor, applying for graduation on paper, updating your diploma name and address in ACES if necessary, along with completing all academic requirements.

Can I participate in commencement if I have not completed all my requirements?

Only students who have applied for graduation are allowed to participate in commencement ceremonies.

I was part of the ceremony, does that mean I graduated?

No. Participation in a commencement ceremony does not imply or infer the awarding of a degree at the time of the commencement ceremony; a final degree audit must be completed before a degree is officially awarded.

Communication

Check ACES e-mail for communication on Cap and Gown Pick and Commencement.

2024 Commencement Time and Check in

2024 NVC Commencement will take place at 10:00am on May 23rd 2024 at The Alamodome (100 Montana St, San Antonio, TX 78203)

Student Check-in time is 8:00am-9:00am
Processional Start Time: 9:45am
Ceremony Time: 10:00am-12:00pm

Doors Open to the public at 8:00am

 

Participation

You will not need a ticket or QR Code to attend the graduation but you would have had to apply for graduation.

Restricted Items

The following items are restricted and are not allowed for the event:

  • Strollers
  • Balloons
  • Flowers
  • Airhorns
  • Other Loud noisemakers
  • Outside food and drinks
People with Disabilities
  • Graduates
    • Graduates requiring accommodations, you may contact the NVC Access Office at NVC-ACCESS@alamo.edu 
  • Guests
    • Handicap Parking will be available on site
    • Accessible seating is available and ushers will be assisting those needing help.

Cap and Gown Questions

How will I get my cap and gown ahead of the commencement?

Students that designated on their graduation application they would attend a commencement ceremony (this would have happened when meeting with your academic advisor) will be emailed directly about an opportunity to pick up their cap and gown by appointment. These pick up dates will be during the month of April. Check your email for this information (both student and personal).

Can I keep my cap and gown?

Your cap and gown is a keepsake for you to cherish, you will not need to return it.

Guests

How many guests can I invite?

There are no set number of guests you can invite. 

What time should I and my guests arrive for commencement?

You should arrive between 8:00am and 9:00am.

Watch the entire 2023 Commencement below!