• What personal belongings are allowed to be brought into Giant Center?

  Please note that graduating students and guests must follow Giant Center guidelines. Everyone will need to go through metal detection before entering the building.

  • Items that are permitted
    • Hand-held cameras
    • Bags that are 5 x 8 x 1 inches or smaller
    • A medical equipment bag and/or a parenting needs bag that is smaller than 14 x 14 x 6 inches
    • Handheld umbrellas
  • Items that are not permitted:
    • Bags larger than 5 x 8 x 1 inches, unless it is a diaper or parenting needs bag
    • Signs
    • Flowers, Balloons, wrapped gifts or gift bags
    • Food or beverages
    • Golf umbrellas

• Can caps be decorated?

  Yes! We encourage you to show how #HACCproud you are of your accomplishment!

  *Please note: Giant Center will not allow any battery packs through security. Please do not use lights or other electronic features.

• Can graduates wear honor cords and stoles?

  Yes! Graduating students are welcome to wear cords and stoles that represent their identities and celebrate achievements. For example, stoles for military or veteran status and cultural representation are available from the bookstore.

  Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members can purchase stoles and cords at the PTK store.

  The HACC bookstore provides honor cords for graduating students of HACC's Nursing Program taking part in the fall 2026 nursing pinning ceremony. Please note that only students on a pre-approved list will be allowed to purchase a pack.

• How can family and friends send a congratulatory message to their graduating student?

  We are #HACCproud of our graduating students. To celebrate their remarkable achievements, we need YOUR help!

  By Dec. 1, 2026, please complete this form to share your congratulatory message and best wishes for your graduating student. Your submission may be shared during the ceremony and/or on HACC's social media sites.

• How can I request accessible accommodations?

  Please submit the accessible accommodations request form.

• How long does the ceremony last, and do I need to participate in the full ceremony?

  The ceremony will last approximately two hours. All graduates are asked to remain seated for the entire ceremony.

• How many guests can graduating students invite to the ceremony?

  There is no limit on how many guests can attend the ceremony. Please indicate the approximate number of guests who will be attending in the participation form.

• If I am not able to attend the ceremony on Dec. 8, 2026, how will I receive my diploma?

  Graduating students will not receive their diploma at the Giant Center on Dec. 8, 2026. Fall 2026 graduates will receive their diploma in January.

  Please note the ceremony will be posted on HACC's YouTube channel after the event and can be accessed any time.

• If I graduated in the spring or summer 2026 semester, can I participate in this ceremony?

  The fall 2026 Commencement ceremony is for students who are eligible to graduate in the fall 2026 semester only.

• What time will the doors open for graduating students and guests?

  Doors will open for graduating students and guests at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 8, 2026. Students may check in at the table inside Giant Center (section 102) from 4:30-5 p.m.

• What is the dress code for the ceremony?

  The attire for the ceremony for all graduates is a cap and gown. You can purchase graduation merchandise through the HACC bookstore.

• What if I completed the participation form and can no longer attend the ceremony?

  Please email commencement@hacc.edu if you can no longer attend the ceremony.

• Will graduates' names be called during the ceremony?

  Yes. HACC will utilize Tassel name pronunciation service for the fall 2026 Commencement ceremony. Graduating students will receive a name card when they check in at the entrance of Giant Center. Please hold onto the name card until you walk on stage. You will hand the name card to a HACC volunteer to scan. Then, your name will be called out on stage and you will be shown on the jumbotron screen.

• Will there be a ceremony rehearsal?

  No. There will not be a ceremony rehearsal. HACC volunteers in black robes will guide our graduating students through the ceremony process.

• Will there be food and snacks sold at the concession stands during the ceremony?

  Yes. There will be food and snacks sold at concession stands for guests. Bottled water will also be available for sale for guests and graduating students.

• Will students' guests need tickets to attend the ceremony?

  No, tickets are not necessary to attend HACC's Commencement ceremony.

If you have additional questions that are not answered above, please email commencement@hacc.edu. Thank you! 

No matter where you're celebrating, please share YOUR Commencement excitement with us on social media!

1. Post your Commencement images
2. Tell us how you're celebrating this remarkable achievement
3. Give shout outs to your favorite HACC employees and fellow graduating students
4. Tag HACC in your posts
5. Use our hashtag: #HACCproud