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Aims graduates wearing caps and gowns and smiling at the camera

Congrats graduates!

Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremony
Friday, December 13, 2024 at 3 p.m.
Aims Welcome Center Auditorium
 

Information for Graduates and Guests

If you're looking for cap and gown pickup information, details on what to bring to the ceremony, parking information and more, read these important Commencement Ceremony details.

Graduate Check-in and Lineup

An Aims graduate making a thumbs up gesture during a commencement ceremony

Check-in time

Check-in time for graduates begins 60 minutes before the ceremony. 

 

Please note that family, friends or other guests are not allowed in the graduate check-in area. 

 

See the "Guest Information" and "Commencement Ceremony Location and Parking" sections below for guest information.

What to bring to check-in

Wear your cap & gown to check-in. Be prepared to open your gown for visual inspections.

 

Any cap mortar board decorations that raise the height of your cap are not allowed and will be asked to be removed.

 

Backpacks are not allowed. Please do not bring bags, purses, etc. as there is no secure location to store them.

Disability Accommodations

Participation in the ceremony involves significant walking, including on stairs, and graduates are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes. 

 

If you need disability accommodations, call (970) 339-6388 or email disabilities@aims.edu

Guest Information

guest

Aims Community College is excited to welcome guests who wish to join us in celebrating our graduates. Here is some helpful information for guests to know before attending:

Arrival Time

Doors open to guests 60 minutes before the ceremony.

Tickets

Tickets are required to view the ceremony in person and seating is available on a first come first served basis. Guests can watch a livestream of commencement from home or if they do not have a ticket. 

Permitted Items

Please be aware that the Aims Clear Bag Policy is in effect for the commencement ceremony. 

An Aims Community College graduate taking a selfie with their family during the Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremony

Disability Accommodations

To request guest seating accommodations or get answers to other questions regarding disability accommodations, call 970-339-6388 or email disabilities@aims.edu.

Regalia and Mortar Board Decorations

Academic regalia is a tradition that celebrates and unites the graduating class. Graduates are required to wear regalia, which can be ordered for free via the Aims bookstore and includes a black gown, black mortar board and black-and-red tassel.

Accessories

Approved stoles, cords and pins provided by formally recognized programs, departments, clubs and organizations may be worn for the ceremony. A full list of approved accessories is available on the Commencement FAQ page.

Cap Decorations

Aims welcomes the tasteful decorating of your black graduation cap. Please be respectful of other graduates who may be sitting behind you. All decorations must be flat to the top of the cap. Any decorations that raise the height will not be allowed and will be asked to be removed.

Tassels

Graduates may choose to wear either the standard black and red tassel or the PTK gold tassel. Souvenir tassels are not permitted for the ceremony.

Cultural, Religious, and Tribal Adornment

Graduates may wear objects of cultural, religious, or tribal significance as adornment with their graduation attire. Adornments cannot replace or completely cover required attire.


Guests and graduates gather outside the Aims Welcome Center for the Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremony

Clear Water Bottles Only

To ensure a safe environment and experience for all attendees, only clear water bottles are allowed in the Welcome Center for Aims commencement Ceremonies. Guests will be asked to return water bottles that don’t comply to their vehicle or otherwise dispose of the item upon entry.

Bags, Bottles and Purses

clear-bag
Permitted items at Commencement

Clear Bag Policy

Aims Community College is committed to providing a safe environment for students, employees and guests. To expedite entry into the auditorium and ballroom, Aims has implemented a policy limiting the type and size of bags allowed into the venue. Exceptions to this policy will be made for medically necessary items after a thorough inspection.

Prohibited items include but are not limited to: Purses larger than a small clutch bag, briefcases, backpacks, computer bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.

The following bags are permitted in the Welcome Center:

  1. Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” W x 12” H x 6” D
  2. One-gallon clear plastic bags (Ziploc or similar) are permitted
  3. One (1) personal item such as a small clutch or wallet not exceeding 4.5” x 6.5” in size

Guests are allowed one (1) large clear bag – either the 12” W x 12” H x 6” D clear bag or one-gallon Ziploc style bag – plus one (1) small personal item.

Professional Photos of Graduates

Get professional photos of your special day to share with family and friends!

A professional photographer will capture an image of you onstage as you receive your diploma and a portrait of you in cap and gown taken offstage.

After the ceremony, you'll receive an email with image proofs and ordering information.

Female photographer takes a photo of three college graduates and friends. They are holding diplomas and smiling at the camera. Focus is on the camera in the foreground.

Congratulations Class of 2024!

Miss the Ceremony? Watch one of the recordings below.

Commencement May 10 at 11 a.m. (English Captions)

Commencement May 10 at 11 a.m. (Spanish captions)

Commencement May 10 at 3 p.m. (English Captions)

Commencement May 10 at 3 p.m. (Spanish captions)