Commencement & Diplomas
Commencement is held once a year in June, usually on the last day of spring quarter. Students who have submitted an application for a degree or certificate of achievement are invited to participate.
On this page you will find the following information...
- When and where
- Who may participate
- Caps and gowns
- Tickets
- Check-in
- Accommodations
- Telecast
- Photography
- Diploma
WHEN AND WHERE: The next ceremony is scheduled for Friday, June 14, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. at Key Arena. Please note the venue change from the BC Gymnasium to Key Arena, which allows you to invite an unlimited number of guests. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and you must arrive no later than 6:15 p.m. for check-in and lining up for the processional. Directions and parking information are available at www.keyarena.com.
WHO MAY PARTICIPATE: All students who graduated during Fall 2012 or Winter 2013 and those have applied for graduation for Spring 2013 and Summer 2013 are invited to attend this commencement ceremony. The invitation letter will be mailed out in early May. The letter will contain detailed information for both graduates and their guests. The actual awarding of the degree occurs only when the candidate completes all requirements and then receives official notification from the college. This invitation to Commencement is therefore not verification of the actual awarding of your degree or certificate. (Back to the top)
CAPS AND GOWNS: All graduates participating in the ceremony are required to wear caps and gowns provided by the College. Pick up your cap and gown at the bookstore beginning May 13th through June 12th during normal business hours. There is no charge for these items. Formal graduation announcements are available for purchase at the bookstore. Those who have earned honor cords will receive them with their caps and gowns. Phi Theta Kappa honor society graduates should contact the chapter office (425-564-3050) for specific information on their colors.
TICKETS: Tickets are not required. You may bring as many guests as you wish!
CHECK-IN: On June 14th all participating graduates must check in at Key Arena beginning at 6:00 p.m. and ABSOLUTELY NO LATER THAN 6:15 p.m. Please allow time for traffic conditions and parking.
ACCOMMODATIONS: For disability of special-need accommodations, contact Pavy Thao at 425-564-3151 (TTY 425-564-4110) or pavy.thao@bellevuecollege.edu no later than June 1, 2013. Please contact Ms. Thao if you have other questions regarding the commencement ceremony.
TELECAST: For your convenience, the event will be shown live on the College Channel, which is aired on Comcast cable channel 28, available in East King County and Snohomish County.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Guests are not allowed to stand on the gym floor to take photographs. There will be professional photographers at the ceremony to take pictures of grads receiving their diploma covers. Information on this service will be included with your cap and gown. There will also be a backdrop available at the reception for individuals to photograph graduates, family and friends.
Diplomas
Diplomas are not conferred at the commencement ceremony. They are mailed to you at the address listed in the college Student Records approximately twelve weeks following the end of the quarter in which you earned your degree/certificate. Diplomas will list your name, degree or certificate, and any applicable honors recognition and academic concentration.
Diploma Name
Diplomas are issued with your name as it appears on Bellevue College’s Student Records and official transcript. It must include your legal first and last name. To indicate hyphens, spaces, lower/upper case letters, accents, or other special characters on your diploma, print it clearly on the degree or certificate application.
To change your name on Students Records, you should contact the Student Services Center. Government-issued photo id is required along with the appropriate legal documentation, which may include:
- marriage license/certificate
- court order
- divorce decree
- passport or permanent visa
Additional or replacement diplomas may be issued upon your request. A fee is required for a diploma replacement. Contact Evaluations/Graduation Office for instructions and request form.
Contact Information
Bellevue College
Evaluations Office, B125
3000 Landerholm Circle SE
Bellevue, WA 98007-6484
Phone: (425) 564-3106
Fax: (425) 564-4065
evaluations@bellevuecollege.edu
updated 3/27/2013
