Preparing for Commencement

Overview

Commencement marks the pinnacle of academic achievement, and the college proudly celebrates the occasion with formal pomp and circumstance. Please help us provide a memorable event for all involved by sharing the following information with family members and guests attending commencement.

Location and Tickets

All graduation ceremonies will be held in the SF Gymnasium, Building V. Tickets are not required for the Nurses Pinning/Graduation. Students who are walking in the Friday ceremonies can receive up to 4 tickets for guests. To obtain your tickets, you must check that you will be attending the ceremony on your graduation application. Only guests with tickets will be allowed into the Gym. Guests without tickets can watch the ceremony on the big screen live in the Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall or on SF's website on the graduation page the day of the ceremony.

Caps and Gowns

Caps and gowns are required to participate in the Graduation Ceremonies. Caps and gowns can be ordered online from the SF Bookstore website or purchased at the SF Bookstore on Northwest Campus.

  • Graduates receiving their bachelor's degree must purchase a hood in addition to the regular regalia. Colors are program specific.
  • If you are a member of an honor society or club organization that provides special regalia for graduates, please see your club sponsor or representative to order these items in advance of the ceremony.
  • Nursing pins are available for sale at the Bookstore.
  • Optional graduation items such as personalized stationery, announcements, custom diploma frames, and rings may be ordered online.
You may pick up your 4 tickets beginning on November 12 in the lobby of S Building, Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 7:30 pm and on Fridays from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. The deadline to pick up tickets is December 6.

Guests

Guests should plan to arrive early. Ceremonies begin promptly at the designated time. Due to the additional time needed to inspect bags at the door, they may experience a slight delay entering the building. We ask that all guests be seated at least 15 minutes prior to the designated time.

Doors to the gym will close once the procession begins. Guests arriving late and guests without tickets will be able to view the ceremonies on the big screen inside the Fine Arts Hall.

Guest seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Saving seats is prohibited.

Accommodations

Students or guests in need of accommodations for a disability should complete the Accommodations For Events, allowing the college to make reasonable efforts to provide accommodations.

Safety

Students and guests attending commencement are asked to refrain from carrying large bags and packages. All bags will be checked prior to entering all viewing areas. Santa Fe College reserves the right to inspect all bags and packages entering the building and refuse any item our staff deems harmful, dangerous, or obtrusive. Please leave all non-essential items at home or in a secure place.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

  • Outside food and drink (water is OK)
  • Alcohol, illegal drugs,
  • Fireworks, explosives, pepper spray
  • Weapons, firearms, knives, razor blades, box cutters, scissors
  • Laser pointers, air horns, noisemakers
  • Strollers, bicycles, roller blades, skates, skateboards, hoverboards
  • Video cameras, audio recorders, cameras with detachable lenses, and cameras with fixed lenses longer that 6"
  • Oversized bags (defined as 15" x 9" x 6")
  • Altered bags
  • Selfie sticks, monopods, tripods
  • Balloons
  • Any suspicious items