A student is eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony if the Graduation Application has been completed and submitted to the Enrollment Services Center by the deadline for the appropriate semester.  The Spring 2025 application deadline for the May 2025 ceremony is Friday, February 14, 2025. For more information about the Graduation Application, contact the Enrollment Services Center at (803) 508-7263 or admissions@atc.edu.

Students approved to participate in the graduation ceremony will receive an email from the Enrollment Services Center.

Aiken Technical College partners with the ATC Bookstore to provide graduation regalia and graduate-related items. Details about ordering regalia for the 2025 Commencement Ceremony can be found on the ATC Graduation Regalia page. The deadline to order regalia is April 4.

If you are an honor graduate, you will receive a confirmation email if you are eligible to purchase an honor stole. 

• Do I need to purchase regalia to participate in Commencement?

  • Yes, graduates need to wear regalia if they plan to attend the graduation ceremony.

• Can I decorate my cap?

  • Yes. Feel free to be creative, but you must remain within ATC's Code of Conduct.

• Where can I receive my honors cord?

  • Graduates eligible for an honor cord will be notified via email with information.

There is no practice or rehearsal for the Commencement Ceremony. However, it is recommended that you review the "how-to video."  The video will demonstrate where graduates will need to go upon arrival and what to expect.

• What time do I need to arrive for graduation?

  • Graduates must be in their designated area for the processional no later than 5:15 p.m.

• What do I need to bring with me to participate in the ceremony?

  • Regalia (Information about purchasing regalia can be found here.)

  • You will receive a name card upon arrival at the ceremony. This card will list your name and credential(s) and will need to be handed to the person announcing names during the ceremony.

    • Note: You can note any phonetic spellings or name changes on your name card when you check-in for graduation.

  • Personal items such as purses, bags, jackets, umbrellas, etc., should be given to one of your guests. There will not be a place to store personal items during the ceremony.

• Will I receive my diploma during the ceremony?

  • You will receive an Aiken Technical College diploma cover during the ceremony. Your actual diploma and/or certificate will be mailed to you 6-8 weeks after the end of the semester. Graduates will not receive their diplomas during the Commencement Ceremony.

• How long is the ceremony?

  • On average, the Commencement Ceremony lasts 75-90 minutes. Graduates should plan to remain for the duration of the event.

The Commencement Ceremony will be held at the USC Aiken Convocation Center, 2049 Champion Way, Graniteville, SC 29829.

There will be a designated parking area for graduates. Graduates will receive a parking pass via email. It can also be downloaded here. This parking pass should be placed on your vehicle's front dashboard upon arrival and once you park in the designated area.

Those attending the Commencement Ceremony, including graduates, will be required to go through a metal detector upon arrival. There will also be security presence throughout the Convocation Center before, during, and after the event.

• Will there be a photographer at the event?

  • Yes, Aiken Technical College works with an event photographer to take photos during the Commencement Ceremony. Approximately 3-4 weeks after the ceremony, graduates will receive a link to the photo gallery via the email address they placed on their Application for Graduation.

• Can my guests come to the front to take my photo or get a video?

  • Only the College's designated event photographer, media, and designated staff are permitted near the stage and the graduates' seating area during the ceremony.

  • Guests may take photos and videos from their seats during the ceremony. 

• Will the Commencement Ceremony be livestreamed?

  • Yes. The ceremony can be viewed on this webpage or on the Aiken Technical College YouTube page.

• Do you offer ADA seating for the ceremony?

  • Yes. Accessible seating will be available for graduates and guests.

  • If a graduate is in need of accommodations for the ceremony, please email ATCEvents@atc.edu as soon as possible. Special arrangements will be coordinated and planned before the event.

• Is handicap-accessible parking available?

  • Yes. There will be handicap-accessible parking available.

• Will there be ASL interpreters for the ceremony?

  • Yes. ASL interpreters will be participating in the ceremony. If a graduate needs accommodations for the ceremony, please email ATCEvents@atc.edu as soon as possible. Special arrangements will be coordinated and planned before the event.

Congratulations! As a graduate of Aiken Technical College, you have joined a network of more than 13,000 alumni who have graduated from the College since 1972. Many of our alums have advanced in their careers and become leaders in the community.

• Where can I request a final transcript?

  • Please visit our Records and Transcripts page for more information.

• When will I receive my diploma?

  • Graduates will receive their diploma about 6 - 8 weeks after the end of the semester.

• I want assistance with my career search. Can I use Career Services?

  • Select career services are available to ATC alumni. For more information, please visit the Career Services page.

For other questions or information, please email ATCEvents@atc.edu.

• Are tickets required for guests?

  • Aiken Technical College is not requiring tickets for this year's ceremony.

• What time will the doors open?

  • Doors will open for guests at 5 p.m. Guests should plan to be at their seats by 6:20 p.m. The processional will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.

  • To allow time for the processional, entry into the Convocation Center will be temporarily paused starting at 6:20 p.m. until after the Invocation.

• Are there any prohibited items?

  • Yes. Prohibited items include balloons, confetti, silly string, powder poppers, air horns and other noisemakers.

The Commencement Ceremony will be held at the USC Aiken Convocation Center, 2049 Champion Way, Graniteville, SC 29829.

Parking attendants will be present to direct guests to parking areas.

Handicap-accessible parking is available.

Those attending the Commencement Ceremony will be required to go through a metal detector upon arrival. There will also be security presence throughout the Convocation Center before, during, and after the event.

• Can I take photos or videos of my graduate during the event?

  • Only Aiken Technical College's designated event photographer, media, and designated staff are permitted near the stage and the graduates' seating area during the ceremony.

  • Guests may take photos and videos from their seats during the ceremony. 

• Will the Commencement Ceremony be livestreamed?

  • Yes. The ceremony can be viewed on this webpage or on the Aiken Technical College YouTube page.

• Do you offer ADA seating for the ceremony?

  • Yes. Accessible seating will be available for guests.

  • If accommodations are needed for the ceremony, please email ATCEvents@atc.edu as soon as possible. Special arrangements will be coordinated and planned before the event.

• Is handicap-accessible parking available?

  • Yes. There will be handicap-accessible parking available.

• Will there be ASL interpreters for the ceremony?

  • Yes. ASL interpreters will be participating in the ceremony. If a guest needs accommodations for the ceremony, please email ATCEvents@atc.edu as soon as possible. Special arrangements will be coordinated and planned before the event.

• Can I meet my graduate when they march out?

  • We ask guests to please remain at their seats at the end of the ceremony until all graduates have recessed from the arena.

  • Due to limited lobby space, guests are encouraged to connect with their graduate(s) in front of the Convocation Center.

For other questions or information, please email ATCEvents@atc.edu.