When: Friday, May 17, 2024 at 1:00pm
Where: DCU Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester, MA
Commencement Ceremony Schedule
Commencement is scheduled for Friday May 17, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at the DCU Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester, MA. There is no commencement rehearsal. Graduates will enter through door 2 and should proceed directly to the Student Robing Area in South Hall. Doors to South Hall will open at 11:00 a.m. Graduates should arrive to South Hall no later than 12:00 p.m.
Graduates will be lined up according to their academic major. If you are receiving more than one degree or certificate you can choose which major you would like to line up with. You were provided with a graduation card during cap and gown distribution, please be sure to keep this card with you. If you have a name that is difficult to pronounce, please provide the phonetic spelling. When you approach the platform, this card will be handed to the reader. The program coordinator will lead their graduates onstage and your name will be read as you cross the stage to receive your diploma cover from President Luis G. Pedraja. Please return to your seat promptly upon exiting the stage. Graduates should plan to be courteous and stay for the entire event. It is a wonderful day- please remain to applaud your fellow graduates!
Guests will enter through the main entrance (doors 10-12).
The ceremony will be approximately two hours long. Please be aware that food, drink and balloons are not allowed in the DCU Center.
Diplomas
You will receive a diploma cover on stage during the commencement ceremony. Diplomas for May graduates will be mailed to the home address on file by the end of June.
Please note that all unresolved financial obligations to the College must be resolved before your diploma or an official transcript will be issued.
Graduates and Guests with Disabilities
Graduates and guests who have a disability can request accommodations through Student Accessibility Services by calling 508-854-4471 or emailing SAS@qcc.mass.edu. The ceremony will be ASL interpreted for hearing impaired guests and the best viewing of the ASL interpreter is Section 107.
Please note the DCU Center has ADA seating for wheelchair users. Wheelchairs will not be available on site for this event; please bring your own if one is needed. Students should enter through Doors 1 and 2 for accessibility. If you have any questions or concerns about access, you may reach Kristie Proctor, Director of Disability Services, at kproctor@qcc.mass.edu. The College will try to meet all reasonable requests for services that are communicated to us prior to Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
Photographs
GradImages will take professional photographs as you walk across state to be congratulated by President Pedraja. Please pause and face the camera for your photo with the President. A second photo will be taken as you exit the ramp.
GradImages is proud to support one of the biggest moments in a graduate’s life: walking across the stage and into the next chapter. With over 40 years of experience, GradImages understand the importance of this moment and the desire to preserve these memories for a lifetime. Finding your graduate’s photos after the ceremony is easy. Visit www.gradimages.com to view and purchase custom photo products like prints, plaques, specialty gifts, and more.
You can also pre-register your contact information using the link below. Upon completion, you will receive a coupon code for 20% off an order of $50 or more: https://www.gradimages.com/Registration
If have any questions or concerns regarding your photos, please contact GradImages Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576, online at www.gradimages.com, or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net. GradImages has a large team of customer care representatives ready to help graduates and family members with anything they may need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need tickets for my family and friends to attend the Commencement Ceremony?
No, tickets are not required for your guests to attend the Commencement Ceremony, you may invite as many family and friends as you would like! Seating is on a first come, first serve basis.
When is the Commencement Ceremony and how long will it last?
The Commencement Ceremony will be held on Friday, May 17th at 1:00 p.m at the DCU Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester and will last approximately two hours.
It’s the day of the Commencement Ceremony, what do I bring?
It is very important that you remember to bring your cap and gown and graduation card with you to the DCU Center. Please ask your guests to hold onto any personal belongings (purse, jackets, etc.) you may have. These items may NOT be left in the Robing Area during the ceremony. QCC and the DCU Center are not responsible for any lost items.