Commencement - May 26, 2023
Important Deadlines
| Fri., March 17, 2023 | Last day to file petitions for AA/AS Degree/Certificate |
| Wed., April 26, 2023 | Deadline to submit Request to Participate in Commencement form |
| Wed., April 26, 2023 | Deadline for Graduates to RSVP for Commencement Ceremony |
| Tue., May 16, 2023 | Deadline to RSVP for CoA Scholars Ceremony |
| Mon., May 22, 2023 | CoA Scholars Ceremony |
| Wed., May 24, 2023 | Graduation Rehearsal |
| Fri., May 26, 2023 | Graduation Ceremony |
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS:
Although California’s COVID-19 State of Emergency is over, COVID-19 has not gone away. College of Alameda strongly encourages you to take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Peralta Community College District (PCCD) requires that masks be worn indoors while on PCCD property.
All staff, faculty, graduates and guests are highly encouraged to test prior to attending the in-person Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 26th. If you or anybody in your party is not feeling well or has symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home.
In Alameda County, California, the COVID community risk level is Medium. Visit the Alameda County Public Health Department COVID-19 site for more info.
Restrictions may tighten based on the risks associated with the commencement ceremonies.
Information Regarding Honors
HONORS AT GRADUATION
Associate Degree candidates with the following cumulative grade point averages at the end of the Fall 2022 semester will be recognized at graduation as follows:
3.25 – 3.49 With Honors
3.50 – 3.74 With High Honors
3.75 – 4.00 With Highest Honors
Please be reminded that this is a cumulative grade point average reflecting ALL COLLEGE WORK through Fall 2022. This includes college work completed both at Peralta and other colleges. Again, Certificate recipients are not eligible for honors.
For those students graduating with Associate Degrees in June 2022, your cumulative GPA will be recalculated once grades from Spring 2022 semester are finalized. If at that time you qualify for honors, your transcript will be appropriately noted.
VALEDICTORIAN & SALUTATORIAN
Each year a class valedictorian and salutatorian are chosen from the candidates for the Associate Degree. Certificate candidates are not eligible.
The class valedictorian is the student in the graduating class with the highest cumulative grade point average at the end of the Fall 2022 semester. This individual will be asked to deliver a speech to the graduating class.
The class salutatorian is the student in the graduating class with the second highest cumulative grade point average at the end of the Fall 2022 semester. This individual will be asked to lead the class in the moving of the cap tassel at the end of the ceremony.
College of Alameda Commencement Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the commencement ceremony?
The College of Alameda commencement ceremony is Friday, May 26, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. on the College
of Alameda Soccer Field. Guests can start arriving as early as 12:30 p.m.
How long is the ceremony?
The estimated duration of the ceremony is 90 minutes to two (2) hours.
Are tickets required?
Yes. Guest attending the ceremony will need a ticket to enter the Soccer Field. Each graduate that has
submitted an RSVP to participate in the ceremony by the deadline will receive four (4) tickets. Tickets
will be distributed at the commencement rehearsal, Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.
Do children need tickets?
Children ages three (3) and older will need a ticket to enter the ceremony.
How can I get more tickets?
After the April 26th RSVP deadline the Office of Student Activities will determine the number of
additional tickets available. Based on the number of additional tickets available, each graduate will
receive an increase in the total number of tickets provided (for example: instead of four (4) tickets, each
graduate could receive six (6) tickets). However, if additional tickets are not available each graduate will
only receive the allotted four (4) tickets. Graduates that need additional tickets are advised to ask fellow
graduates for their unneeded tickets.
How do I get my name listed in the program?
Students whom successfully completed a petition to graduate with the Admissions and Records office
will have their name and degree(s) and/or certificate(s) listed in the program.
Where do I park?
Parking lots B, C and D provide the best access to the Soccer Field. Parking permits are not required.
What ADA accommodations are available?
All campus parking lots have designated disabled parking. The main entrance into the Soccer field is
accessible. Ramps are located on either side of the bleachers. The first row of the bleachers includes six
(6) wheelchair accessible seating areas. All guest seating is first come first serve. Interpreters will be
available for graduates and guests throughout the ceremony. Graduates in need of seating
accommodations can notify the Office of Student Activities on the Commencement RSVP form. Contact
the Office of Student Activities at 510.748.2327 with questions.
Will there be a photographer?
Yes, a photographer will be taking public relations pictures as well as graduate portraits before and
during the ceremony.
Will I receive my diploma at the ceremony?
Diplomas will not be provided at the ceremony. Admissions and Records will send an email notification
to students during the summer informing students when diplomas are ready for pick-up from the
Admissions and Records office.
Will the ceremony be webcast?
The ceremony will be recorded for later viewing on Peralta TV. A live stream of the ceremony will not be
available.
What if it rains?
In the event of rain, the ceremony will take place inside the College of Alameda Gym.
Where do I purchase my cap, gown and tassel?
Graduates can purchase all regalia (i.e., cap, gown and tassel) at the College of Alameda Bookstore. The
estimated package cost is $45.00. Specialty cords and sashes are also available at the Bookstore.
Graduates can contact the Bookstore directly at 510.748.2248 with questions about regalia, cords, and
sashes.
What is appropriate attire to wear under my regalia?
When deciding what to wear to the ceremony it is important to consider the weather and
comfortability, since graduates will be standing and sitting for long periods of time and the seating area
for graduates will not be shaded. Here are a few recommendations:
• Pressed slacks, trousers, khakis, dress, or skirt
• Pressed dress shirt with a tie or a blouse
• Dress socks and shoes. High heels are not recommended for reasons of safety and comfort, flats
or pumps are advised. Casual sandals and tennis shoes should also be avoided.
Keep in mind, your gown should fall midway between the knee and ankle. Tassels are worn on the right
side.
When is the commencement rehearsal?
Rehearsal is Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. on the Soccer field. The rehearsal is scheduled to
last one (1) hour to 90 minutes.
Is the rehearsal mandatory?
Yes, rehearsal is mandatory for all graduates. During the rehearsal you will receive important
information about the ceremony, practice the procession, seating and recession. Tickets will be
distributed at the end of rehearsal. Graduates that are unable to attend rehearsal must email the
Office of Student Activities at nrodriguez@peralta.edu. Graduates that do not pick-up their tickets at
rehearsal are not guaranteed tickets for the ceremony.