11 a.m.: School of Health Sciences and School of Science, Technology and Education
4 p.m.: School of Business and Law, School of Continuing Education and Workforce Development, and School of Liberal Arts
*Graduates may attend either ceremony based on the desired time or school.
Cap and gown set with invitations and tickets
Distribution will take place in the:
AACC Bookstore
Student Union Room 160
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
You or your designee may purchase, with ID, your cap, gown and tassel, and pick up your guest tickets and invitations. The regalia packet costs $35.99. If you are unable to purchase your packed at the bookstore, regalia may be ordered online. If ordering online, you must note the ceremony time and number of tickets (up to five) in the special instructions section of your order at checkout. The bookstore will accommodate unique sizes; call 410-777-2225 for special orders.
Beginning May 9, a limited number of packets will be available for $54.99 on a first-come, first-served basis until May 15 for those graduates who did not purchase their cap and gown by May 8.
In order to accommodate graduates and guests, you will select the ceremony based on the desired time or your school when you pick up/order your Graduate Packet.
Ceremonies will take place at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Participation in your school’s ceremony is encouraged but not mandatory. Preferences are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. Each graduate may claim up to five guest tickets. Tickets are included with your Graduate Packet. Tickets are different from the invitations so please make sure to inspect the materials closely and have your guests bring only the tickets to the ceremony. Invitations are not accepted for entrance to the ceremony.
General guest seating opens one hour prior to each ceremony. Due to firecode, tickets are required for each guest – even children – attending and guests should plan to be seated before the ceremony start time. Graduate procession begins at the ticketed time. The ceremony is expected to last two hours. Graduates are expected to remain for the entire ceremony.
To ensure the event is enjoyable for everyone, there is no standing in the aisles and strollers must be parked in the designated stroller parking areas and may not be stationed at the end of an aisle. Disruptive behavior could result in being asked to leave the event.
Up to two additional tickets may be requested at the time of graduate packet pickup and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional tickets are not guaranteed and only available if space permits and issued the week before commencement. Please request information from AACC Bookstore staff when you select a ceremony time.
To participate in commencement, all fees and other financial obligations to the college must be paid. If you have an outstanding obligation, you are not eligible to reserve your ceremony time or pick up the regalia packet or tickets during the distribution dates.
If you are an active duty member or a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, you may be eligible to receive a cord to wear with your cap/gown in recognition of your military service. Contact AACC’s Military/Veteran Resource Center (MVRC) at 410-777-4838 or veterans@aacc.edu for information.
Note: Graduates on active military duty are invited to wear their service dress uniform to the ceremony.
Graduates who have been inducted into the Omicron Theta chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) will have a notation on their diplomas. See PTK website for PTK regalia items that may be worn during the commencement ceremony. For PTK information call 410-777-2218.
Graduation honors for summer and fall graduates reflect grade point averages at the time of summer or fall graduation. For spring degree candidates, the honors indicated in the program reflect grade point averages as of April 1, 2026. Final graduation honors will be designated on diplomas and transcripts after the records office reviews final spring grades.
Graduates must report to the The HALL at Live!® one hour before the start time of your reserved ceremony for instructions on lineup. Allow adequate time to arrive and park. Do not be late. There is no rehearsal for commencement, so it is important to arrive before the ceremony begins. Signage will direct you to the appropriate area.
Surface parking is available directly across from the hotel entrance or to the side and in front of Burlington Coat Factory. Walk through the hotel lobby, passing LUCKIES on the right. Turn left.*
As you plan your attire to be worn under your gown, please remember that this is a formal academic event. Consider your comfort as there will be considerable walking and standing. You may not carry purses, cameras, phones, etc., while marching in the procession. Leave valuable items at home or with a family member. The college is not responsible for lost items.
During the ceremony, Classic Photography and Imaging will take pictures. Visit the Photo Day website or text CPAACC26 to 90738 to be notified when your photos are ready to view. Due to safety regulations, aisles need to remain clear. Family and guests will not be permitted to stand in the aisles to take pictures.
Guests with limited mobility should arrive one hour ahead of the ceremony start time to allow adequate time to be seated. If other accommodations are required, it is highly encouraged to contact the department as listed to ensure that they are coordinated for the event.
Review the Disability Accommodations Policy for full details.
Commencement is an academic ceremony that is dignified and joyful. We will call graduates to the stage to be individually congratulated. For many graduates and guests, the name announcement is the highlight of the ceremony. For others, enjoying the singers and speakers is important. We ask everyone to express excitement in positive ways that respect others’ enjoyment. Balloons and noisemakers are prohibited by The Hall. Electronic devices should be silenced, and graduates must remain until the ceremony ends.
*NOTE: Guests of all ages are welcome to The HALL at Live!®. However, only guests over 21 are permitted to enter the casino. For the convenience of guests under 21 years, we encourage using the surface parking. Younger guests attempting to access commencement ceremonies through the casino floor will be redirected.
Do you have additional questions about the ceremony? Check out our frequently asked questions below.
The ceremonies will be recorded and available on the college’s YouTube channel for rebroadcast at a later time.
Notation of spring graduation on transcripts will occur in mid-June. Diplomas will be mailed before July 1 to all spring graduates. Use a copy of your graduation status letter for transfer institution and job purposes since spring graduation will not be finalized or certified before June 15.
Do you have questions about the ceremony? Check out a few of our frequently asked questions below. Review the details above for additional information about the ceremony.
Guests of all ages are welcome to The HALL at Live!® However, only guests over the age of 21 are permitted to enter the casino. For the convenience of guests under the age of 21 years, we encourage using the surface parking. Younger guests attempting to access commencement ceremonies through the casino floor will be redirected.
General guest seating opens one hour prior to each ceremony. You should plan to be seated before the ceremony start time. Graduate procession begins at the ticketed time.
Anyone outside of The Hall when the procession begins will be held back until the procession is complete. Please ensure you are seated and ready so as to not miss your graduate.
Graduates walk in from behind the seating from the main lobby area. They will use the same entrance as the guests.
Graduates walk from stage right to stage left, or from left to right if you are facing the stage.
You can request a wheelchair, if available, through security at Live! Casino.
You are not able to take balloons or noisemakers inside the event space, but you can leave them at the information desk to pick up after the ceremony.
Below is a list of restaurants located at Live! Casino with their standard hours the day of the ceremony.
11 a.m. Ceremony (available 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.)
4 p.m. Ceremony (available 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Bathrooms are located across from The Hall entrance and slightly to the left.
The gift shop will stock flowers, small arrangements, cards, teddy bears and graduation pins.
Venue event staff members in red jackets will be able to assist you.
You will need to provide a photo ID and are not allowed to take in any cameras. If you have a phone, you are not permitted to take any photos once inside the casino area. Note: Only guests over the age of 21 are permitted to enter the casino.
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