Graduation and Commencement

General Information

The Porterville College faculty, staff, and administrators are looking forward to joining you and your fellow students at the commencement ceremony that will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Porterville College Jamison Stadium. Listed below are important details you need to understand in order to participate.

Although the college has three degree-granting periods, Porterville College holds only one commencement ceremony each year in May. Students do not have to participate to receive a degree or diploma.

All students who complete a degree in either Fall or Spring of that academic year are eligible to participate. Students must have submitted a Graduation Application (formerly Degree Petition) to the Admissions & Records Office by the posted deadline. Participation in commencement does not guarantee a degree. A final evaluation is done prior to the posting of degrees. It will take approximately two months for the diplomas to be printed although student records are posted sooner.

Candidates will receive a letter via their student email with important commencement information.

Tickets are not required for graduation.

Click on any of the following links to jump to that section on the page or scroll down to explore the full page in detail:

RSVP Deadline
Graduation Program Changes Deadline
Graduation Regalia
Grad Fair, April 22 and 23
ASPC Graduate Brunch, May 15
Commencement Practice
Ceremony Information
Concession Stands
Balloons and Noise Making Devices Policy
Graduation Photos
Diplomas
Disability Accommodations
Admissions Contact Information
Helpful Information for Candidates' Guests
Transportation Assistance From Your Car to the Stadium
Prohibited Items

RSVP Deadline

If you are planning to participate in Commencement, complete the RSVP Form by April 17^th. The deadline to submit your Commencement RSVP form is Friday, April 17^th.

Graduation Program Changes Deadline

April 14^th will be the last day to request any name changes in the program that will be distributed during the ceremony. Please contact the Admissions & Records Office by April 15th with any name change requests.

Graduation Regalia

The PC Gear Shop has Commencement packages available now. UGS will offer your Cap Gown and Tassel for $70.96+tax. Individual Items are also available for sale: Cap - $11.96, Bling Tassel - $18.52 Porterville College Regalia is required to participate in commencement. You may also purchase your cap and gown at UGS on campus during the Grad Fair on April 22rd and 23th. Porterville College caps and gowns are mandatory to participate in commencement.

If you are a military Veteran, you will be given a stole and rope to wear with your academic regalia. YOU MUST purchase your own graduation regalia: cap, gown, and tassel. Please see Katherine Figueroa in the Veterans Resource Center (AC 116) for distribution.

Grad Fair, April 22 & 23

The PC Grad Fair will be held from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Wednesday, April 22, and 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM on Thursday, April 23. The Grad Fair will include opportunities for you to purchase regalia and other items, take graduation photos and participate in other activities including graduation cap decorating (as supplies last).

ASPC Graduate Brunch, May 15

A brunch, sponsored by ASPC, will be held in your honor Friday, May 15th from 9:00a.m. – 10:00 a.m. in the Student Center/Cafeteria. Brunch is free for graduating students only. Commencement Practice will be held right after the ASPC Graduate Brunch.

Commencement Practice

Practice will be held at the Stadium on Friday morning, May 15th at 10 a.m. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. If you are unable to attend practice, call Enrollment Services at the number listed below to receive important information.

Ceremony Information

Please arrive promptly to the Gym between 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. to check-in at the registration table. During check-in you will receive a Grad Card with a QR code and Graduation Picture instructions. Pictures will be taken during the Graduation Ceremony. During the commencement ceremony the Grad Card will be handed to the individual announcing the names of graduates. Please be sure to wear appropriate shoes for the stadium, i.e., no spiked heels. Light Snacks will be served to all graduates in the Gym from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. the day of the ceremony.

Concession Stands

During commencement Athletics will be selling drinks and snacks. Please let your families know that it will be cash only.

Balloons and Noise Making Devices Policy

In consideration of other graduates and attending guests, please inform family and friends to leave balloons in their vehicles until after the ceremony. Balloons in the stadium block the view of guests sitting behind them.

Also, we ask that no noise making devices (i.e., air horns, whistles, etc.) be used during the ceremony as this disrupts the commencement ceremony, thank you in advance for cooperating.

Graduation Photos

Graduation photos can be viewed and ordered online from Ultimate Exposures. Check your student email for a link to sign up for Grad Pictures.

Diplomas

Your diploma will not be issued to you until all grades are final. A notice will be sent to your college assigned email account notifying you when your diploma will be mailed. All diplomas will be mailed.

Disability Accommodations

If you are a graduating student with a disability and need accommodations to participate in the commencement ceremony, please contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) as early as possible to make arrangements:

📧drc@portervillecollege.edu

🏫AC-115

Admissions Contact Information

Please contact Admissions and Records at pcar@portervillecollege.edu or at (559) 791-2220 concerning your degree, major, or honor recognition.

Helpful Information for Candidates' Guests:

Directions:

From HWY 190 take the Main Street (or Porterville College) exit. Turn left on Main and another left on College Avenue.

Parking:

Jamison Stadium and Porterville College Parking Lots. Parking permits are not required.

Jamison Stadium:

The stadium is handicap accessible.

Transportation Assistance From Your Car to the Stadium

Need a Lift from Your Car to the Stadium? We've Got You Covered!

This year, we're pleased to offer a convenient ADA cart service to make your Commencement experience as smooth as possible. You will be able to catch a ride at one of several pick up locations throughout the parking lot to take you to the stadium gate, we will post a map of pickup locations on this page closer to the event date. We look forward to celebrating with you!