Graduation


Congratulations!

We know how hard you've worked to reach your educational goal, and we are proud of you. Now it's time to apply for graduation and prepare to celebrate your accomplishment! The ceremony is May 9 at 7pm (check-in for graduates is 5-6:30pm) at Desert Diamond Arena, located at 9400 W Maryland Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305.

 
Graduates

Apply for Graduation

We strongly encourage students to apply for graduation by March 7, 2025.  Please note, if you apply for graduation after Thursday, April 10, 2025 your name may not appear in the graduation program. Applications received after April 10 may still participate in the ceremony.

2025 RSVP

RSVP!

Please let us know if you plan to participate in the May 9 graduation ceremony! Your RSVP helps us finalize the details for the big day.

regalia

Order your Regalia!

Order your Regalia for Commencement. Purchases must be made before April 6, 2025, to guarantee delivery for the ceremony.

EMCC Alumni Team

Get your Alumni Gear!

The Alumni Association sells Estrella Mountain Community College Alumni shirts and hats. They can be purchased online; at GradFest on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, 11am-2pm; or at graduation.

Graduation Frequently Asked Questions and Details

Check-in will begin at 5:00 PM. Participating graduates* will enter Gate 3 at the State Farm Stadium and then follow signs to the stadium floor, where check-in will happen. All graduates must be checked in by 6:30 PM, or you may not be allowed to participate in the ceremony. Participating students must wear EMCC regalia. The ceremony begins promptly at 7pm.

Desert Diamond Arena

9400 W Maryland Ave

Glendale, AZ 85305

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).

Parking information will be provided soon. Check back later for more details.

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.

Yes, tickets are required for all guests. Tickets will be free. Additional information will be provided later.

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.

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 for an unopened 16.9 FL OZ bottle of plain water). 
  • Balloons are prohibited. Please check back here for an updated list of prohibited items. 

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

*Participation in the commencement ceremony DOES NOT certify graduation or completion of a certificate and/or degree. Certificate and/or degree recipients who participate in the ceremony will receive a diploma cover at the ceremony.