The Event
Congratulations, Gauchos!
Through hard work, diligence and perseverance, you have attained a significant milestone in your life - earning your degree or certificate from college. CONGRATULATIONS! We are glad you chose Glendale Community College and look forward to celebrating with you.
Please join us at the May 2025 Commencement Ceremony so we may celebrate your academic accomplishments with your family and friends.
Ceremony Details
Date: Friday, May 9, 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Doors Open: 12:00 p.m.
Location: Desert Diamond Arena
9400 W Maryland Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305
RSVP for the Commencement Ceremony
Students who graduated Fall 2024, and students applying for Spring/Summer 2025 are invited to participate in the Commencement Ceremony.
Please RSVP by April 16. More details will follow via email.
Graduate Check in will be 12:00pm-1:30pm. The ceremony will begin promptly at 2:00pm.
If you have any questions, please contact graduation@gccaz.edu
Please remember that a cap and gown (regalia) is required to participate in the Ceremony.
Graduation Regalia
You can now order your cap and gown online and have it shipped to your home. A cap and gown (regalia) are required to participate in the ceremony.
Ship to Home Deadline: April 6, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
Orders placed after April 6 are not guaranteed to arrive in time for graduation.
NOTE: Regalia will be shipped to the address you provide. Please allow a minimum of 14 business days for your order to ship.
Order your cap and gown online
Students may obtain a black gown, black cap, and red/black tassel from another source. Proper regalia is to be worn with gowns zipped up and caps on the head for the ceremony.
Graduation Invitations
Invite your friends and family to celebrate your graduation! Get GCC's electronic graduation invitation.
Graduation with Distinction
Students graduating with Distinction and that RSVP for the Commencement Ceremony will be emailed information about cord pick up.
Colored Honor Cords are based on the graduating GPA as of Fall 2024.
*with distinction (red cord) GPA 3.5-3.69
**with high distinction (white cord) GPA 3.70-3.89
***with highest distinction (gold cord) GPA 3.90-4.0
Certificate programs are not eligible for institutional honors.
Graduate Check-In and Gaucho Reception
All Graduates are required to check in before the ceremony. Check-in will be from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Then join your fellow graduates, staff, faculty, and administration in the Gaucho Reception with music, games, and a photo booth. Light appetizers and water will be provided.
The lineup for the procession will begin at 1:30 p.m.
Please leave any personal items in your car or with family or friends before checking in. Cell phones should be silenced during the Commencement Ceremony. You will receive a name card that you will carry with you until you walk across the stage. Late arrivals might not be able to participate in the ceremony.
Accessibility
Graduates requiring special accommodations should indicate so on the RSVP form. You may also reach out to Disability Resources & Services at drsfrontdesk@gccaz.edu or (623) 845-3080 by May 2, 2025.
Accessible seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Upon arrival inside Gate 3, check in with a venue representative.
Closed Captioning
Closed captioning will be available for all guests and participants.
Photography and Flowers
Photography
GradImages® is proud to be the official graduation photographer for Glendale Community College! You will receive your photo proofs via email or mail after the event so that you can decide if you would like to purchase any of the images. You can also search for your images on gradimages.com. Questions? Please contact the GradImages Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576 or ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.
Pre-register with GradImages before graduation ceremony photos and receive a discount!
Flowers
Floral bouquets, Orchid Lei's, Kukui nut lei's, and other gift items will be available to purchase at the commencement ceremony. Pre-order and reserve your gifts .
All online orders will be available for pickup on-site on the day of the ceremony. To retrieve your order, please stop by the booth located conveniently at the entrance to the arena before the ceremony begins.
Diploma
Your application for a degree or certificate will be reviewed and processed within 45 days after the semester in which you applied if the following criteria are met:
- You met the graduation application deadline.
- Earn a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in the coursework (100 level and above) to satisfy degree or certificate requirements completed in residence.
- You have completed the minimum amount of credits required at GCC.
Upon completing your degree program, your diploma(s) and/or certificate(s) will be mailed to the address on file.
All financial obligations to GCC must be cleared before we can release your degree and/or certificate. Visit your Student Center to update your address and check for any messages.
Live Streaming
Family and friends who cannot attend the ceremony in person can visit our GCC Live page for more information and to watch the live stream.
Social Media
Tag GCC in your graduation social media posts using #gccazgrad
Know Before You Go
Ticketing
Tickets will be required to attend the event. Seating will be general admission. There is no charge to attend the ceremony. Please check back for the link to confirm your attendance.
Parking
Parking lots are nearby for those driving to the arena, including ADA parking. Parking for graduation events is free (available on a first-come, first-served basis).
Please check back for specific parking information.
What Not to Bring
Approved Bags for the Desert Diamond Arena include: Crossbodies, clutches, wristlets, and wallets are allowed as long as they are no larger than 4.5" x 6.5". Banners, flags or signs of any shape and size, as well as balloons are prohibited. Graduates and guests will be asked to return items to their cars if they do not comply. Please see Desert Diamond Arena A-Z Guide for more information and policies.
Food and Beverage
Concession stands will be open. Attendees can purchase a range of food, water, and other beverages (alcohol will not be sold).
Attendees can also carry in clear, factory-sealed bottles of water (no larger than 17 oz.).