When is graduation?
Commencement is held on the Laurel campus once a year. This year's ceremony will be Saturday, May 10, 2007. The processional begins at 9:45 a.m.

Am I responsible for a graduation fee?
Yes, all graduates pay a graduation fee due by April 15. This applies to all students regardless of planned attendance to the commencement. Your diploma and transcripts cannot be released unless this fee has been paid. Please contact the business office for more information.

What time do I need to be on campus?
Check-in is between 8 and 8:20 a.m. Please plan on meeting in the auditorium no later than 8:20.

What time should my friends and family plan on arriving?
Many invited guests choose to arrive by 9 a.m. to have an opportunity to secure a parking place and seats (available on a first-come basis) for the ceremony. The ceremony begins at 9:45.

Do my guests need tickets?
No, the ceremony is open.

Where is commencement held?
Commencement is held on the Laurel campus under a tent on the lawn, rain or shine. Please see our directions to campus.

How do I get information on local accommodations?
Please see our DC-Baltimore guide for more information on the area.

Where should I park?
Parking will be available on campus. There will be additional directions as you enter campus on graduation morning. Please consider carpooling among family and friends.

Where do I go once I get to campus?
Graduates must check in at the auditorium. This is located on the far south side of campus. Signs will be posted to assist students who are arriving on campus for the first time.

Do I need to bring anything?
Graduates need to wear their caps and gowns and have a photo ID to check in and receive their diploma. Only May graduates will receive diplomas at that time.

Where do I pick up my cap and gown?
Pick up your graduation announcements, caps and gowns beginning April 10. They will be available in the Office of Registration and Records, Laurel campus. We prefer that you get them prior to May 10 in order to save time; however, if you live outside this area, you may pick up your cap and gown in Room 154 from 8-8:20 a.m. on May 10.

If I can't get to campus prior to the ceremony, how can I get my cap and gown?
If you are unable to pick up your cap and gown prior to May 10, then you may get them the morning of graduation. Please contact the Office of Registration and Records if you have any questions.

How long does the ceremony last?
Depending on the number of graduates who choose to participate, the ceremony itself typically lasts slightly less than two hours.

Will there be a professional photographer available?
A photographer will take class pictures prior to the ceremony and individual pictures as you walk across the stage. You should receive information in the mail in April. Videos and DVDs will also be available for purchase from an independent agent.

Is there a reception on campus following the ceremony?
There is a reception with light refreshments on campus immediately following commencement for our graduates and their guests. This is a great time to greet your classmates and professors.

How many people are graduating?
We estimate about 200 students will qualify for the Class of 2007. All are invited to participate in the ceremony.

How do I get announcements?
Undergraduate students can pick up their announcements along with their caps and gowns on the Laurel campus after April 10th. Graduate students will have their announcements mailed to them unless other arrangements are made. If you have guests arriving from overseas and need VISA-approved letters, please let Registration and Records know.

How many people can I invite?
Graduates are allowed to invite as many guests as they like to the ceremony. The ceremony is outside in an open area, but seating under the tent may be limited.

Are children encouraged to attend the ceremony?
We welcome children to attend this important event. We do ask that they are prepared to participate as an audience member, and that they are supervised at all times.

When will I get my diploma?
If you have completed all of your graduation requirements and have no outstanding financial obligations with the college, you will be able to pick up your diploma following commencement. You will need a photo ID. Please check with the business office, the financial aid office, residence life, and the library to be sure your accounts are clear. June and August graduates will have their diplomas mailed to them once all the final paperwork for those classes is complete.

If I cannot attend the ceremony, how and when will I receive my diploma and transcripts?
All diplomas and transcripts will be mailed first class within two weeks of commencement providing each financial account is clear. This is an automatic process by our office. If you are a May graduate and do not receive your completed paperwork by mid-June, please contact the Office of Registration and Records.

When can I get completed, official transcripts?
May graduates will have a copy of their transcripts in an envelope with their diplomas. Additional copies may be requested online or in the Office of Registration and Records. No completed transcripts will be issued before May 10. June and August graduates may request official transcripts after all paperwork for their last classes is complete. Please note that completed transcripts are posted 15 business days after all grade submissions for each semester.

What should I wear?
Commencement is a proud, formal occasion. We encourage graduates and guests to dress accordingly.

How do I know if I'm clear to graduate?
You must have already applied for graduation with the Office of Registration and Records. Students are responsible for the terms and conditions listed on the application directly above their signatures as well as the policies of Capitol College. You will receive a degree audit listing remaining coursework for your degree. In addition, students should make an effort to clear any remaining financial obligations with the college before graduation.

How can I participate in the class gift?
Interested students should contact Joy Johnson, director of development, for information on the class gift. Additional alumni information can be found on our website.

Next step: Employment. How can Capitol help?
Contact the Office of Career Services for extensive job listings and employment assistance.

How do I order a class ring?
Please contact the bookstore for more information.

I'd like to buy a t-shirt or hat. Will the bookstore be open?
The bookstore is typically open 9 a.m. to noon on graduation day.

What offices do I need to check with to be sure I'm 'clear' for graduation?
We urge all students to clear financial obligations with the business office, financial aid, residence life, and the library before May 10.

Is there any other additional information?
All graduating students will receive instructions in the mail by the middle of April. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Registration and Records.