Commencement Information
AM I ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2024 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES?
Students who complete certificates or associate degree programs during Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters are eligible to participate in the Commencement Ceremonies on May 31 and June 1, 2024.
DEADLINE TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES:
May 1, 2024, Students must have applied for graduation and filled out the RSVP form by May 1st. Students applying after the May 1st deadline will not be declined for graduation processing, but they will not be able to participate in the in-person Commencement Ceremony nor will their name be included in at the end of the Live-Streamed Commencement Ceremony.
Friday, May 31, 2024, 6:00PM ET Eastern Standard – Applied Business, Technical Studies, Science, and Certificate
Saturday, June 1, 2024, 10:00AM ET Eastern Standard – Applied Science, Arts, Degree Nursing
Unsure which ceremony, check here.
LOCATION:Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 5th Ave, Youngstown, OH 44504
TICKETS:Not needed for Graduates or Guests entry
LIVE STREAM:EGCC’s YouTube page (link available 1 hour before ceremony starts)
PARKING:Free Onsite Parking
DURATION:How long is the ceremony? Typically, around three hours. Graduates are required to stay until the end of the ceremony for the turning of the tassels and cap toss. Please be respectful of all graduates and stay seated for the entire ceremony.
PROGRAMS:A Virtual program will be available on EGCC’s Commencement Webpage.
Complete the Graduation Candidacy form and check your student email for the link to the RSVP form. If you do not receive the link reach out to Graduation@egcc.edu.
WHEN SHOULD GRADUATES ARRIVE?Friday, May 31 – 4:30pm-5:30pm – Applied Business, Technical Studies, Science, and Certificate
Saturday, June 1 – 8:30am-9:30am – Applied Science, Arts
WHICH CEREMONY DO I ATTEND?The ceremonies are being split by the degree you are graduating with. If you are unsure what degree you are earning, please check here.
WHERE DO GRADUATES CHECK-IN?Ballroom Dock Door Entrance
WILL THIS BE LIVE STREAMED?Yes, on EGCC’s YouTube page (link available 1 hour before ceremony starts)
IF I AM NOT ATTENDING, WILL I BE INCLUDED IN THE IN-PERSON CEREMONY?No, only those participating names will be read in the In-Person Ceremony. The end of the ceremony on Saturday, June 1st will list all the graduates from the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters. Please note that this portion of the ceremony is prerecorded and does not include graduates’ pictures or is interactive.
CAN MY CHILD OR FAMILY MEMBER WALK ACROSS THE STAGE WITH ME?No, only graduates are permitted to be on the stage.
WHAT TO BRING?Cap, gown, and tassel ordered from Herff Jones, other special cords/medallions from PTK and/or other organizations. You do NOT need to order a diploma cover or honors medallion, those are provided at check in or during the ceremony. NO Helium Ballons are allowed in the venue.
ANIMALS ALLOWEDService animals are permitted inside the venue during events. Only registered working animals are permitted.
WHAT DO YOU WEAR UNDER OUR CAP AND GOWN?Comfortable, business casual clothing is recommended for graduates, typically dresses, button-up shirt with a tie, and slacks.
VALUABLES STATEMENT:Those attending are responsible for the care and safety of their own personal property. EGCC will not be held liable, either directly or indirectly, for loss of and/or damage to the personal property of an individual.
ARE THERE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SERVICES OFFERED?Yes, a member of our staff will take your picture as you accept your diploma cover and there will be social media photos taken throughout the day. The link will be available on EGCC’s Commencement Webpage 4 weeks after the Commencement Ceremony.
WHEN CAN I PICK UP MY CAP AND GOWN?The Cap and Gown ordered from Herff Jones will be mailed directly to students.
HOW TO ORDER CAP AND GOWN?Order your cap and gown to participate in the commencement ceremony. Please make sure you use this vendor as they are the only EGCC commencement ceremony approved vendor. https://collegegrad.herffjones.com/. The cutoff date to order your cap and gown to receive in time for the In-Person Commencement Ceremony is May 1st.
WHEN WILL YOU RECEIVE YOUR DIPLOMA?You will NOT receive your diploma at the Commencement Ceremony. You should receive your diploma in the mail approximately 6-8 weeks after you complete your classes. Please make sure your address is updated with the Registrar’s office, Graduation@egcc.edu. Diplomas will be mailed directly to the student.
WHAT IS THE SIZE OF OUR DIPLOMA FOR ORDERING FRAMES?Diplomas are 10 in. x 8in.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF HONORS?- Cum Laude: 3.5-3.74
- Magna Cum Laude: 3.75-3.89
- Summa Cum Laude: 3.9-4.0
Graduates will receive a Diploma Cover when they walk across the stage. Graduates are given 1 cover be degree earned.
WHEN WILL YOU RECEIVE YOUR HONORS MEDALLION?Students who graduate with honors will be recognized with an Honors Medallion they can wear during the Commencement Ceremony. The Honors Medallion will be provided upon check-in. Graduating with honors is based on your cumulative GPA from your academic career at EGCC. All honors graduates will receive the same medallion.
WHAT MEDALLIONS, CORDS AND STOLES CAN I WEAR?Any from Eastern Gateway, an honors society, or student organization.
A NOTE ON CAP DECORATIONS:Cap decorations are allowed and a great way to celebrate; however, EGCC reserves the right to require you to remove any alterations deemed inappropriate by authorized college officials before you are permitted to participate in the commencement ceremony.
ADA ASSISTANCE NEEDED DURING CEREMONY?When RSVPing for the ceremony, include any ADA assistance you will need to participate.
No limit.
DO GUESTS NEED TICKETS?No, all ages are welcomed to attend.
WHEN SHOULD GUESTS ARRIVE:Doors open at 5:00PM ET on May 31st and 9:00AM ET on June 1st.
GUEST ENTRANCE:Marquee Entrance
WHAT TO BRING?:All guests entering the venue are subject to a bag inspection. No large bags or backpacks will be allowed in the venue without prior authorization. Strollers are permitted, but they must be collapsible and able to fit comfortably under your seat. No Helium balloons are allowed in the venue.
ANIMALS ALLOWED:Service animals are permitted inside the venue during events. Only registered working animals are permitted.
ADA ASSISTANCE AT VENUE:Closed Captioning during the ceremony will be available. There is ADA accessible seating for all events. ADA accessible seating in the Concert Hall is available on the main floor only. Balcony & Gallery are not ADA accessible. Handicapped parking is available subject to availability. Restrooms are accessible. MORE VENUE DETAILS: https://www.stambaughauditorium.com/
AIRPORT?Cleveland Hopkins Airport and the Pittsburgh International Airport are within an hour.
HOTEL?There are numerous hotels by the Youngstown, Boardman, Poland, and Warren area.
Holiday Inn Youngstown South – Boardman 7410 South Ave, Youngstown, OH 44512 (330) 726-1611 *Mention EGCC when booking OR by using the booking link above for a 15% discount*
Comfort Suites Youngstown-North 201 Perni Ln, Youngstown, OH 44505 (330) 403-5968 *Mention EGCC when booking for a 20% discount*
Those not able to attend the In-Person Commencement Ceremonies are welcome to watch the Live Streamed In-Person Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, June 1st. The end of the ceremony will list all the graduates from the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters. Please note that this portion of the ceremony is prerecorded and does not include graduates’ pictures or is interactive.
DO I NEED TO SUBMIT TO BE INCLUDED?No. Fall 2023 graduates and Spring 2024 graduates will be automatically included if approved to graduate by May 1st.
CAN I STILL ORDER A CAP AND GOWN?Yes, you can order one for your personal use for pictures, and at home celebrations. Please make sure you use Herff Jones, this vendor as they are the only EGCC commencement ceremony approved vendor. https://collegegrad.herffjones.com/. The cutoff date to order your cap and gown to receive in time for the Live Streamed In-Person Commencement Ceremony is May 1st.
DO I RECEIVE MY DIPLOMA IF I DO NOT ATTEND THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY?Yes, attending the Commencement Ceremony is not a requirement to graduate from Eastern Gateway. You still need to complete the form to apply to graduate to start your academic graduation process.
WHEN WILL YOU RECEIVE YOUR DIPLOMA?You should receive your diploma in the mail approximately 6-8 weeks after graduation or your final semester. Please make sure your address is updated with the Registrar’s office, Graduation@egcc.edu. Diplomas will be mailed directly to the student.
WHAT IS THE SIZE OF OUR DIPLOMA FOR ORDERING FRAMES?Diplomas are 10 in. x 8in.
HOW DO I GET MY DIPLOMA COVER?All Eastern Gateway graduates are entitled to the same Diploma Cover. It will be available to order from our Online Gator Store, graduates pay for shipping. Please note that the Gator Store does not get the list of graduates till the end of each semester.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF HONORS?- Cum Laude: 3.5-3.74
- Magna Cum Laude: 3.75-3.89
- Summa Cum Laude: 3.9-4.0
Graduating with honors is based on your cumulative GPA from your academic career at EGCC. All honors graduates will receive the same medallion. The Honors Medallion will be available to order from our Online Gator Store. Please note that the Gator Store does not get the list of graduates till the end of each semester.
HOW DO I GET OTHER ORGANIZATION I AM APART OF MEDALLIONS, CORDS AND STOLES?You will need to reach out to the advisor of the student organization to find out how you can get them.
