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Spring 2026

Commencement & Graduation Information

Commencement Day Information

  • Professional commencement photography will be available for purchase
  • Guests do not need tickets
  • Seating is first come, first served
  • Ceremony length is approximately 2–3 hours

Commencement Rehearsal

Date: May 6, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Von Braun Civic Center
Reception: Immediately following rehearsal

Important Deadlines

  • Graduation Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
  • Cap & Gown Order Deadline: March 31, 2026 (Drake-Keyplus Store link in progress)

Failure to apply by the deadline will delay degree conferral and result in exclusion from the commencement ceremony and printed program.

Graduation Candidate Information Sessions

Location: Lecture Hall, 1st Floor – Student Services Center/Library
Graduates are required to attend one session.

  • Monday, March 2: Noon or 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday, March 3: Noon or 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday, March 4: Noon or 5:00 PM
  • Thursday, March 5: Noon or 5:00 PM

Save the Date

Spring Commencement:
May 7, 2026

Ceremony Time:
1:00 PM

Graduate Arrival Time:
11:00 AM

Parking:
Free for graduates

Location
Von Braun Civic Center (VBC)
South Hall
2700 Monroe Street
Huntsville, AL 35801

Graduation Application Process

Before submitting your online graduation application, students should:

Graduation Application Instructions

Step 1

Select My Drake Experience from the menu at the top of drake state.edu.

Step 2

Select Student Self Service Dashboard from the Student Links section of My Drake Experience.

Step 3

Select Graduation Application on the Student Services page.

Step 4

Select a curriculum for your graduation application. 

Step 5

Select your graduation date and select if you will be attending, not attending, or are undecided. 

Step 6

Complete your name as you would like it to appear on your diploma.

Skip This Step

Skip the mailing address question.

Step 7

Select your payment method.

Step 8

Confirm that all of the information is correct. Select Back if you need to make changes. Select Submit Request if everything is correct.

    Graduation Application Fee: $200 (non-refundable)

    • Fee is applied to your student account upon submission
    • Payment must be made through the MyDrake Experience Portal

    Students receiving benefits from WIOA, TRA, or VA Chapters 31 and 33 should contact the VA Coordinator for assistance with graduation fee payment.

    Students who applied for graduation in a prior semester but did not meet requirements must submit a new graduation application.

    Cap and Gown Information

    Graduates must order regalia through the Drake-Keyplus Store.
    Deadline: March 31, 2026

    Required Attire

    • Cap, gown, Drake State Stole, and blue & white tassel
    • Black or dark-colored dress, skirt, or slacks
    • White shirt and tie
    • Black or dark-colored shoes (comfortable)

    Caps should be worn flat with the tassel placed on the right front side until the degree is conferred.

    Honors and Academic Recognition

    Associate Degrees (AAS, AA, AS):

    • Graduation with Honors: 3.50–3.69 GPA – Cum Laude
    • Graduation with High Honors: 3.70–3.89 GPA – Magna Cum Laude
    • Graduation with Highest Honors: 3.90–4.00 GPA – Summa Cum Laude

    Certificates (CER):

    • Graduation with Distinction: 3.50–4.00 GPA – Distinction Honors

    Potential Spring graduates’ honors status is based on the previous term’s GPA. Final honors are verified before posting to transcripts.

    Stoles and medallions for PTK and NTHS may be purchased through organization sponsors.

    Diplomas, Transcripts, and Degree Verification

    • Degrees post to transcripts 14 days after classes end
    • Diplomas are mailed 4–6 weeks after the spring term
    • Graduates receive a digital degree immediately after graduation
    • Official transcripts are available through Parchment
    • Degree verification is available via the National Student Clearinghouse

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    When should I submit a graduation application?
    Submit your graduation application as soon as possible. The deadline to apply is April 16, 2026.
    How much is the graduation fee?

    The graduation application fee is $200.00. This fee is applied to your student account when you submit your application.

    How do I pay my graduation application fee?

    You must pay the non-refundable $200.00 graduation fee through your SSB portal for your application to be processed.

    Students receiving benefits from WIOA, TRA, or VA Chapters 31 and 33 should contact the VA Coordinator for assistance with payment.

    Where and when is the commencement ceremony?

    The commencement ceremony will be held on May 7, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the Von Braun Civic Center (VBC), South Hall 2.

    Will there be a rehearsal?

    Yes. The commencement rehearsal will take place on May 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM at the VBC. A graduation reception will follow.

    Is ADA accommodation available?

    Yes. Candidates with a documented disability who need accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact 256-551-7264 for assistance.

    What is the deadline to order my cap and gown?

    Regalia must be ordered through the Drake-Keyplus Store.

    The deadline to order your cap and gown is March 31, 2026.

    What should I wear?

    Graduates must wear official regalia, which includes:

    • Cap, gown, and blue & white tassel
    • Black or dark-colored dress, skirt, or slacks
    • White shirt
    • Black or dark-colored shoes (no spiked heels)

    Caps should be worn flat on the head with the tassel on the right front side until the degree is conferred.

    Will my photograph be taken?

    Yes. A professional photography service will provide commencement photographs for an additional charge.

    Will guests need tickets to attend the commencement ceremony?

    No tickets are required. Guest seating is first come, first served.

    How do I obtain my transcript?

    Drake State Community College has partnered with Parchment to accept online transcript requests. Official transcripts can be sent electronically or by mail. More information is available on the Request Transcript page.

    How long will the commencement ceremony last?

    Please plan for approximately 2–3 hours.

    When should I arrive on graduation day?

    All candidates should arrive at the VBC by 11:00 AM to prepare for line-up.

    I earned multiple degrees or certificates. How will I be recognized?

    Only the highest earned degree will be announced during the ceremony.

    All earned degrees and/or certificates will be listed in the printed program, and diplomas will be mailed for each credential earned.

    How are honors determined and recognized?

    Graduates are recognized for academic achievement in the printed program.

    Associate Degrees (AAS, AA, AS):

    • Honors: 3.50–3.69 GPA
    • High Honors: 3.70–3.89 GPA
    • Highest Honors: 3.90–4.00 GPA

    Certificates (CER):

    • Distinction: 3.50–4.00 GPA

    Spring honors are based on the previous term’s GPA. Final honors are verified before being posted to official transcripts.

    Stoles and medallions for PTK and NTHS may be purchased through organization sponsors.

    When will my degree be posted to my transcript?

    Degrees and certificates are posted to transcripts 14 days after classes end.

    When will I receive my diploma?

    If your $200.00 graduation fee has been paid, your diploma will be mailed to the address listed on your graduation application 4–6 weeks after the spring term ends.

    I need proof of my degree or certificate.

    Graduates receive a digital degree immediately after graduation via email and text notification.

    Official and unofficial transcripts will also reflect awarded credentials. Degree verification is available through the National Student Clearinghouse.

    My GPA is below 2.0. Can I graduate?

    A cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required to earn a degree. Students are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office to discuss eligibility for course forgiveness or academic bankruptcy.

    Note: Courses applied toward your degree cannot be bankrupted.

    What happens if I applied for graduation but did not complete all required courses?

    Students who do not meet graduation requirements must submit a new online graduation application for a future term.

    What if I do not see my question listed?

    If you still have questions, please contact the Admissions or Student Services Office for assistance.

    QUESTIONS?

    Office of Admissions & Registrar

    256-551-31096