Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to some frequently asked questions below.

ACOM Class of 2020

Contact us if you cannot find the answer to your question below.

How long is the commencement ceremony?

The commencement ceremony lasts approximately two hours.

Which side of the tam is the tassel placed?

Place the tassel on the left side of the tam. The tassel will not be moved during or after the commencement ceremony.

When will graduates receive their diplomas?
Those graduates who have completed all academic requirements as verified by the Office of the Registrar will be able to pick up their diplomas onsite at the Dothan Civic Center after returning regalia. Immediately after the ceremony, graduates will proceed to Room C of the Civic Center to drop off their regalia. They will receive a diploma voucher when they drop off their regalia, which they will then take to Room D to turn in for their diploma. Graduates must present a photo ID (i.e. ACOM student badge, driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to pick up diplomas. Each student will receive three diplomas in varying sizes – (1) 8.5x11, (1) 11x14, and (1) wallet-size diploma.
What time should graduates arrive at the Civic Center the day of graduation?

All graduates must arrive at the Dothan Civic Center Saint Andrews Street steps by 8:45 AM the morning of Commencement (May 30, 2020) and be dressed in regalia by that time. The official Class of 2020 Commencement group photo will be taken at 9:00 AM and those graduates not formally dressed in regalia by that time will not be able to participate in the photo. If it is raining, please report to the Civic Center Arena. After the photo, graduates must report to the graduate line-up area for roll call (designated during rehearsal) and remain in this area until otherwise instructed by ACOM staff.

What time should Guest Hooders arrive at the Civic Center the day of graduation?
Guest Hooders should arrive to the Civic Center no later than 7:45 AM on May 30, 2020 for Guest Hooder Rehearsal. This is mandatory for all Guest Hooders and will primarily focus on the processional and recessional rehearsal. Once arriving to the Civic Center, please enter through the back door at the loading dock and proceed to the main Civic Center arena. Rehearsal will be over by 9:00 AM. Guest Hooders will then be shown to a dressing room where they will be allowed to pick up their regalia, if they rented any, and can get ready for the ceremony.
What time will the Civic Center doors open for guests the day of graduation?

The doors will open at approximately 9:30 AM on May 30, 2020 for guests.

How long is the commencement ceremony?

The commencement ceremony lasts approximately two hours.

Can graduates leave the commencement ceremony early?
No. It is mandatory that all graduates stay until they are administered the oath and recess out of the arena with the rest of the graduates.
Are graduates required to wear regalia?

Yes. Please click here to rent the correct regalia no later than March 8, 2020.

Can graduates purchase regalia?
ACOM is in a contract with Oak & Hall to rent regalia.
Which side of the tam is the tassel placed?

Place the tassel on the left side of the tam. The tassel will not be moved during or after the commencement ceremony.

Can graduates decorate their tams?
No. The tams are rented and must be returned unaltered. If any part of the regalia is returned damaged or altered, the graduate will be charged a fee.
When will graduates receive their diplomas?
Those graduates who have completed all academic requirements as verified by the Office of the Registrar will be able to pick up their diplomas onsite at the Dothan Civic Center after returning regalia. Immediately after the ceremony, graduates will proceed to Room C of the Civic Center to drop off their regalia. They will receive a diploma voucher when they drop off their regalia, which they will then take to Room D to turn in for their diploma. Graduates must present a photo ID (i.e. ACOM student badge, driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to pick up diplomas. Each student will receive three diplomas in varying sizes – (1) 8.5x11, (1) 11x14, and (1) wallet-size diploma.

Where do guest hooders return their regalia?

Immediately after the ceremony, Guest Hooders will return to the Guest Hooder dressing room to sign their regalia back in. If regalia is not turned back in, they will be charged the full purchase price of the regalia.

Which events are mandatory for faculty?

The Awards Ceremony and the Commencement Ceremony are mandatory for all faculty. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Do graduates get to keep any part of their regalia?

No. The regalia is rented and all pieces of the regalia must be returned the day of Commencement. If any part of the regalia is not returned, the graduate will be charged a fee.

What do graduates need to bring to the commencement ceremony?
Graduates need to be dressed in regalia upon arrival to the Civic Center. We recommend that graduates do not bring large personal items with them (i.e. large bags/purses). Graduates must have a form of official identification (i.e. driver's license, passport) with them to present after the ceremony in order to pick up diplomas. Graduates are allowed to have cell phones during the ceremony; however, they must be turned to silent mode and may not be taken on stage.
What is the dress code for the commencement ceremony/what can graduates wear under their regalia?

The dress code is business formal. Male graduates are required to wear a dress shirt, tie, dark colored pants, and dress shoes. Female graduates may wear either a dress or shirt and dark colored dress slacks or skirt. While female graduates may wear any style of dress shoe, ACOM recommends low heels or flat dress shoes. Black dress shoes are encouraged for all graduates. Large, dangly earrnings are discouraged, as they may get caught during the hooding process.

Will a photographer be present at the commencement ceremony?
Yes. ACOM has contracted with photographers to capture photos throughout Graduation Week. During the Commencement Ceremony, there will be several photos taken of each student to commemorate portions of the event, including the hooding, awarding of the diploma and portraits. GradImages is the official photographer for the Commencement Ceremony and will provide digital proofs for purchase to each graduate within one week of Commencement.
Will a videographer be present at the commencement ceremony?

ACOM is working with a videography service to record the Commencement Ceremony. Graduates and their families can purchase DVDs from the vendor directly. We will send purchasing details to graduates in prior to Commencement.

Will Livestream be available during the commencement ceremony?
ACOM will Livestream the Class of 2020 Commencement Ceremony beginning at 9:45 AM on Saturday, May 30, 2020. We apologize in advance for any interruption in streaming. In the event the Livestream is interrupted, copies of the commencement ceremony will be available for purchase through the ceremony videography service.
Can family and friends take pictures near the stage?

No. We strongly encourage family and friends to stay in their seats during the ceremony. We have contracted with GradImages for professional photographers and these photographs will be available for purchase via a link sent to graduates. 

Can graduates have their cell phones with them during Commencement?
Graduates will be allowed to have their cell phones during the ceremony. However, the cell phone must be placed in silent mode. Also, the cell phone must be placed on the chair when your row is called to approach the stage during the ceremony.  In order to be respectful during this formal ceremony, graduates are not allowed to take pictures or make video recordings with their cell phones on stage.

What is a diploma voucher?

Graduates will receive a diploma voucher only when they turn their regalia in immediately following the commencement ceremony. Graduates will not be allowed to pick up their diplomas without a diploma voucher.

Can I wear two hoods during the Commencement Ceremony?
No. It is traditional practice to wear only one hood for any commencement ceremony, honoring the highest degree you will receive during that ceremony.

 

 
Is there a limit on the number of guests graduates can invite to graduation?
No, there is no limit on the number of guests graduates can invite to graduation. No tickets are required.
Is there reserved seating for the commencement ceremony?

Yes, there is reserved seating for the graduates, guest hooders, ACOM faculty, staff and board members, core site directors, and preceptors. All other guests are allowed to choose their seat on a first-come-first-served basis. Please be courteous and do not save seats prior to the ceremony in order to allow all guests the opportunity for seating.

Is there special seating for those with disabilities/wheelchairs?
There will be two special seating areas available for guests with disabilities or wheelchairs - one on the floor level and one on the balacony level. Seating in these areas is limited to the guest needing special accommodations and one accompanying guest. All others in the party will need to find alternate seating. Upon arrival to the Civic Center, an ACOM representative can assist your party with seating. If you or a member of your party requires special accommodations, please contact us at least two weeks prior to the ceremony.

   

Special Accommodations

ACOM is happy to accommodate special needs of guests during the Commencement Ceremony. Please contact us at least two weeks prior to the ceremony to request special accommodations.