Congratulations, Thunderbirds!
Graduation is a time to pay tribute to each member of the graduating class. As students of Mesa Community College you have left, and will continue to leave, an indelible legacy of achievement and a tradition of excellence for generations to come.
Please join us at the May 2024 Commencement Ceremony so we may celebrate your academic accomplishments with your family and friends.
Ceremony Details
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m., Doors open at 7:30 a.m.
Location: Arizona State University | Desert Financial Arena | 600 E Veterans Way, Tempe, AZ 85281
Guest tickets are now required.
Participation and Access Expectations
Commencement and convocation ceremonies are special events for all involved. Please show respect for everyone who has come to share in the experience.
Individuals who engage in inappropriate or disruptive behavior may be removed from the event, and may be subject to sanctions, including Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) Student Code of Conduct and/or applicable District Policy respectively (Administrative Regulation 6.24, section 10)
Banners, flags, and/or signs of any shape and size are not permitted inside of any ceremony venue. Students are expected to carry their robes through security checkpoints entering any ceremony facility.
Only MCC employees, graduating students and authorized guests are allowed in the graduate and staff entry points, or on the floor near graduate seating and the stage.
RSVP for the Commencement Ceremony
The deadline to RSVP was April 14, 2024. Regalia is required to participate in the ceremony. Graduates who did not RSVP by the deadline can contact ceremonies@mesacc.edu.
Graduation Regalia
The deadline to order a cap and gown from our official vendor was April 14, 2024. Students may be able to obtain a royal blue gown, royal blue cap, and red tassel from another source. Proper regalia is required for the ceremony.
Accessibility
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. Graduates requiring special accommodations (blind/visually impaired, deaf/hard of hearing, wheelchair, scooter, crutches, etc.) should notify Jennifer Biggs at (480) 461-7794.
Accessible seating for guests is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Closed Captioning
Closed captioning will be available for the hearing impaired.
Photography and Flowers
GradImages® is proud to be the official graduation photographer for Mesa 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! Please visit gradimages.com/registration to pre-register.
Floral bouquets, Orchid Lei's, Kukui nut lei's, and other gift items will be available for purchase at the commencement ceremony. Please click on the following link to pre-order and reserve your gifts - thecommencementgroup.com/mesacc/.
All online orders will be available for pickup on site 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
Diplomas are mailed to the address on record. All financial obligations to MCC must be cleared before we can release your degree and/or certificate and transcripts. Visit maricopa.edu/Student-Center to update your address and check for any messages posted in your Student Center.
Live Streaming
Family and friends who are unable to attend the ceremony in person can point their browser to mesacc.edu/live. While every attempt will be made to live stream the event, we have experienced technical difficulties in the past due to unforeseen circumstances.
Social Media
Tag MCC in your graduation social media posts using #mesaccgraduation.
Add MCC Graduation Stickers to your Instagram Stories and Snapchats!
- From your Instagram Story preview, add a sticker. Search for @mesacc to see the options.
- From your Snapchat preview, add a sticker. Search for @mesacc to see the options.
Know Before You Go
Orientation Video
Graduates, please review important information in our orientation video. Narrated audio is also available, as well as a visual description.
Notice: Student check-in starts earlier at 7:00am and guests can enter the arena at 7:30am. These earlier times are to allow you and your guests ample time to get to the ceremony on time. The ceremony will still begin at 9:00am. We expect that there may be possible delays with parking and security. Please plan your time accordingly.
Guests
Tickets are now required for this event. All guests must have a ticket. A limited number of guest tickets is allotted to each graduating student.
Getting to the Graduation Venue
The use of public transportation is strongly encouraged. Visit this page for neighborhood shuttles and Valley Metro public transportation options. Maps of the venues used for ceremonies are available.
Parking
Parking lots are nearby for those driving to the arena, including ADA parking. Parking for graduation events is free in the orange areas marked General on the parking map (lots 58, 59, and Packard Drive parking structure). Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. It is recommended you enter the parking lots from Rio Salado Parkway. Large attendance at ceremonies will create traffic. Exiting parking lots and parking structures will be delayed. Your patience and cooperation are appreciated.
What Not to Bring
Arizona State University (ASU) has a Clear Bag Policy. 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. You can visit the university's website for more information.
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 (51 oz. / 1.5 liters or smaller) and empty plastic sports bottles to use at water stations.