Commencement

111^th Commencement

May 2025

Memorial Stadium

Previous Commencement Ceremonies

Students

For details on applying for graduation, eligibility, requirements, and registering to participate, see Graduation.

Day of Commencement

• Students must check-in at two (2) hours before commencement.
• Wear flat shoes. High heels/spiked shoes are not allowed due to safety concerns. If you do wear high heels or spiked shoes you will not be allowed to participate.
• At check-in, you will receive your name card and will be asked to take a photo for facial recognition. This card is important and cannot be replaced.
• Once you receive your name card, you will need to verify your name as you would like it read aloud.
• Next, you will go stand in line for the student processional, which will begin around 30 minutes before commencement begins.
• Once graduates have entered the check-in area, they will not be able to leave.
• All graduates must remain seated during the commencement ceremony.

Attire

The traditional black cap and gown with the BC College Stole and Tassel is required to participate. Clothing under the gown should be business casual. For your safety, do not wear shoes with heels and/or spikes. If found wearing shoes with heels and/or spikes, you will be asked to remove them, or you will not be able to participate in the ceremony. At the end of the ceremony, BCSGA will be collecting any regalia items you wish to donate to aide graduating renegades in future commencements.

Honor Cords

BC graduates can purchase their Honor Cords for $10 from the Office of Student Life located in the new Campus Center Building or purchase Honor Cords online. Students must have received confirmation regarding their Honors status to purchase Honor Cords.

ADA Accommodations

If you requested an ADA accommodation in your RSVP form, DSPS will be in touch with you.

Decorum

While it is customary for graduates to enjoy and celebrate with their peers, Graduates must adhere to the Standards of Student Conduct and maintain professionalism. As a reminder, leave these items at home:

• alcohol/drugs/tobacco (including e-cigarettes)
• outside food/bottles and cans (clear water bottles allowed)
• camera tripods/selfie sticks
• firearms/weapons/fireworks

Guests

Watching your graduate take this step toward their future is a memorable one. Please follow these tips for making this ceremony a pleasant and special experience for everyone.

• Doors will open one and a half hours before the ceremony begins.
• Seats are first-come, first-served; saving seats will not be allowed, please assemble your party before entering the stadium.
• Arrive early and be in your seat 10 minutes prior to the start time of the ceremony.
• Please remain seated throughout the ceremony.
• Be respectful of fellow guests around you.
• Guests are not permitted on or in the front of the stage to take photographs or video.
• For the safety of your pets and all guests, please leave your pets at home. Only service animals are permitted on campus during commencement.
• During the ceremony, medical personnel will be present.
• Please leave these items at home:
  • alcohol/drugs/tobacco (including e-cigarettes)
  • outside food/bottles and cans (clear water bottles allowed)
  • camera tripods/selfie sticks
  • firearms/weapons/fireworks
• Coordinate a place and time to meet your graduate after the ceremony that does not inhibit the flow of guests at venue entrances/exits.

If you have special needs or concerns, please call the Admissions & Records Office at (661) 395-4301. Note: Disabled parking and seating is available at the stadium. Carts will be available in the parking lot for those who need assistance.

Commencement Tips

Weather

Hot or Cold

Commencement Day activities may involve prolonged exposure to the sun. Sunscreen, bottled water and hats are recommended.

Tobacco-free Campus

Plan ahead

Bakersfield College and all of its grounds and facilities are tobacco-free. Please plan accordingly.

Sign Language Interpreter

Provided

If you need a sign language interpreter, please contact an usher to access the proper seating area.

 

Parking

Parking during the commencement event is free in the student parking lots around Memorial Stadium. Carts will be available in the parking lots for those who need assistance.

Prohibited Items

The following items are prohibited and possession of these items can result in your removal from the stadium.

• alcohol/drugs/tobacco (including e-cigarettes)
• outside food/bottles and cans (clear water bottles allowed)
• camera tripods/selfie sticks
• firearms/weapons/fireworks
• Pets (only service animals permitted)

Graduation with Honors

Students who have completed at least 60 units in degree applicable letter graded courses, have taken at least 12 of those units at Bakersfield College, and who have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher are eligible for graduation with honors.

If your degree has been posted, the honors designation will appear on the diploma and transcript as follows:

Pending Approval:

If your degree is pending for Spring or Summer semesters, we will use your overall GPA (including Fall grades) to determine if you qualify for honors at commencement.