Commencement is a formal occasion where all participants MUST wear academic regalia (cap, gown, and tassel). All graduates will receive their cap, gown, and tassel from the Campus Store after payment of the $40 participation fee.

Casual business attire should be worn under the gown. Appropriate, comfortable shoes should also be worn. (You will be standing for a considerable amount of time prior to the ceremony.)

It is strongly recommended that you try on your gown several days before the ceremony to be sure of the fit and hang it to help remove wrinkles

The James Brown Arena has a Clear Bag Policy. Do not bring backpacks or purses into the venue. (A neck wallet will be provided that is large enough to hold your keys and a cell phone if needed.)

• Cell phone ringers must be turned off during the Commencement ceremony.
• No gathering for group photos during the ceremony.
• No use of selfie sticks or noise makers such as cowbells, horns, megaphones, etc. will be allowed.
• Do not engage in other disruptive behavior during the ceremony.
• Consumption of alcohol, smoking, using other forms of electronic, alternative smoking devices or other forms of tobacco products is prohibited.

The following items are prohibited from being brought into the venue:

• ALL bags larger than one 8.5″ x 5.5″ handheld clutch
• Balloons
• Fireworks
• Illegal drugs
• Outside food and beverage of any kind
• Bottles, cans and/or coolers
• Audio or recording equipment of any kind
• Laser pointers, aerosol cans, bullhorns, and noise makers
• Backpacks or any other over-sized bags
• Weapons including pocket knives

We want to assist our graduates and guests requiring special assistance and provide reasonable accommodations at the ceremony. If you or your guests need an accommodation, please contact Karissa Wright, Special Needs/Disability Counselor, at (706) 771-4067/kdavis@mikeshiner.com by Monday May 1, 2023.

Handicap accessible seating is available on the concourse level of sections 102, 108, 109, 111, and on the arena floor. Due to limited seating area, only one guest will be allowed to accompany those in need of handicap seating.

Hearing Impaired seating will be reserved in section 122 until 15 minutes before the ceremony begins.

Students who have achieved a program grade point average of 3.5 or higher will be designated in the Commencement program and during the ceremony as an Honors graduate. Students may become eligible or ineligible to graduate with honors after Spring and Summer grades are calculated; however, it is not possible to designate these students in the graduation program due to printing deadlines. Qualifying students will receive honor cords the evening of graduation.

Augusta Technical College recognizes military and veteran students who have met certain academic thresholds with a Military and Veteran Honor Cords to wear at graduation.

These red, white, and blue cords are a special recognition for those who have made an unwavering commitment to both their nation and their academic studies.

This is a voluntary program. Students attending graduation must apply for a free cord once they have been approved for graduation.

The submission form for Spring 2022 will be live on March 28, 2022. These cords can be picked up in the Military Services Center at Augusta Main Campus closer to the end of the term or on day of graduation at the James Brown Arena.

Who's eligible

1. You must have applied for and been approved for graduation and be:

• An honorably discharged student veteran, or
• Currently serving military student (Active, Guard, Reserves)

What we need to verify status

• If you're a VA education benefits user, we can verify your eligibility with your student ID number - please include in the form below
• DD-214 if prior service. We recommend blacking out your SSN for privacy purposes
• Most recent LES or valid military ID card if currently serving. Expired IDs and veteran ID cards cannot be used. If you wish to show an ID, for security purposes please show your ID when picking up your cord or we will set up a quick video appointment vs. you scanning/emailing.

All family and friends are welcome. Guests do not require a ticket to attend. Doors will open to the public approximately 90 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Guests are not allowed on the arena floor before or during the ceremony.

Please remind your guests:

• A clear bag policy is in effect at the James Brown Arena. Building info and JBA policies can be found online: Augusta Entertainment Complex | James Brown Arena | Bell Auditorium.
• Consumption of alcohol, smoking, using other forms of electronic, alternative smoking devices or other forms of tobacco products is prohibited.
• Be sure to silence all electronic devices.

The following items are prohibited from being brought into the venue:

• ALL bags larger than one 8.5″ x 5.5″ handheld clutch
• Balloons
• Fireworks
• Illegal drugs
• Outside food and beverage of any kind
• Bottles, cans and/or coolers
• Audio or recording equipment of any kind
• Laser pointers, aerosol cans, bullhorns, and noise makers
• Backpacks or any other over-sized bags
• Weapons including pocket knives

Recommended: James Brown Arena parking lots, the Bell Auditorium lot, and on streets adjacent to the Bell Auditorium.

Handicap parking: Reserved in the James Brown Arena parking lot and across from the marquee on 7th Street.

Please do not park in the U.S. Post Office or church parking lots.

Handicap accessible seating is available on the concourse level of sections 102, 108, 109, 111, and on the arena floor. Due to limited seating area, only one guest will be allowed to accompany those in need of handicap seating.

Hearing Impaired seating will be reserved in section 122 until 15 minutes before the ceremony begins.