Graduation

Desert Diamond Arena

9400 W Maryland Ave

Glendale, AZ 85305

Graduates and guests should park in Lot G, J, or L. Due to other events in the area, there may be road closures. Please reference the maps provided to navigate to each parking lot. We ask that you allow 30-45 minutes to navigate through road closures and traffic.

Parking lots will open at 3 p.m. and doors open at 4 p.m.

Yes, tickets are required for all guests. Tickets are FREE and can be requested at this link. Tickets ARE NOT needed for graduates.

Graduate participants are required to wear a purple cap and gown-- also known as "regalia." Your cap and gown/regalia can be ordered here. Purchases must be made before Sunday, April 6 to guarantee delivery for the ceremony.

The ceremony will be indoors, and you will be standing and walking before and during the ceremony; comfortable footwear is recommended. 

Students who qualify for honors will be given their honor cords during check-in on the day of graduation.

Qualification requires a 3.50 GPA or higher when taking all courses used to fulfill graduation and associate degree requirements (both at EMCC and other institutions).

(certificate programs do not qualify for honors).

The ceremony is expected to last between 1.5-2hrs. Participants are expected to remain for the entire duration of the ceremony. Please plan accordingly. Medical personnel will be available in case of emergencies. 

There is no rehearsal before the ceremony.

This area has no place for storing personal items. Please leave items with family and friends. Everyone will go through a metal detector and have their bags screened. To reduce entry time, please limit personal items. Due to limited space, only participating graduates will be allowed in the graduate check-in area. 

Professional photographers will be taking pictures of all commencement participants during the commencement ceremony. These photographs will be available for purchase from GradImages. Pre-register at the GradImages webpage and receive a coupon code for 20% off your purchase of $50 or more. You can add your friends and families' email addresses, and they'll save 20% on your photos, too. Plus, they'll receive a link to view your photos.

Guests with ADA needs can enter the arena through Gate 3-- only ONE accompanying guest is allowed through Gate 3 per guest requiring ADA accommodations. All other members of the family must enter through Gate 4.

Graduates with ADA needs should still enter through Gate 7.

Accessible seating is available for both graduates and attendees. If you or one of your guests has a need for other accommodations, please call Disability Resources and Services at 623-935-8863 no later than April 18, 2025.

Check back here for closed captioning information as we get closer to the commencement date.

Please note:

• The ceremony will be indoors and you will be standing and walking before and during the ceremony; comfortable footwear is recommended.
• Concession stands will be open for guests to purchase refreshments. No outside food or drink is permitted (except a factory-sealed water bottle under 17 oz). EMCC is partnering with the Commencement group to provide an option for guests to order flowers and gifts for their graduates in advance of the ceremony and available to pick up at the arena. Please reference this website to learn more.
• Please click here to learn more about the bag policy.
• Prohibited items include:
  • Any item that may be deemed potentially harmful.
  • Weapons of any kind (guns/knives/pepper spray), any object that can be used to inflict bodily injury or disrupt the event.
  • Cardboard poster tubes, signs, flags, banners, or posters larger than 24’’ x 36’’ (may not be attached to a pole/stick).
  • Backpacks, purses, laptop bags, seat cushions, camera bags, or fanny packs.
  • Outside food, beverage, liquid containers, alcohol, cans, bottles, flasks (Hydroflasks, metal, etc.) or coolers. Guests are allowed to bring a factory-sealed water bottle under 17 ounces.
  • Laptops, 2-way radios, or tablets (i.e. iPads, TouchPads, etc. Please call Disability Resources and Services at 623-935-8863 no later than April 18, 2025 for questions about ADA accomodations).
  • Laser pointers, noise-making devices, flashlights, handcuffs, or fireworks.
  • Professional photography equipment (detachable/interchangeable lenses), audio/video recording devices, tripods or monopods (selfie sticks).
  • Strollers, skateboards, or skates.
  • Pamphlets, product samples, promotional items, stickers, balloons or markers.
  • Drugs or illegal substances.
  • Cigarettes, including vapes/e-cigarettes (Desert Diamond Arena is a non-smoking facility).

Yes, the event will be live streamed. Check back closer to the time of the ceremony for a link.

The Arizona Rattlers have something special just for you! Grab your free ticket to the exciting game on June 28, 2025, against the Green Bay Blizzard. Simply sign up with your Maricopa student email to snag this awesome deal here! (Only one free ticket per graduating student.)