Commencement Ceremony

CLEAR BAG POLICY:
Aims Community College is committed to providing a safe environment for our students, employees, and guests. In order to expedite entry into the auditorium and ballroom, Aims has implemented a policy limiting the type of and dimensions of bags brought into the venue. Exceptions to this policy will be made for medically necessary items after a thorough inspection.

The following bags will be permitted in the Welcome Center:

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” W x 12” H x 6” D
• One-gallon clear plastic bags (Ziploc or similar) are permitted
• One (1) personal item such as a small clutch or wallet not exceeding 4.5” x 6.5” in size may be brought into the arena
• Guests are allowed one (1) large clear bag – either the 12” W x 12” H x 6” D clear bag or one-gallon Ziploc style bag – plus one (1) small personal item

Prohibited items include but are not limited to: purses larger than a small clutch bag, briefcases, backpacks, computer bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.

To ensure a safe environment and experience for all attendees, only clear water bottles are allowed in the Welcome Center for the College Commencement Ceremonies.  Guests will be asked to return water bottles that don’t comply to their vehicle or otherwise dispose of the item upon entry.

Graduates MUST pick up your cap and gown at the Bookstore in the Student Commons on the Greeley Campus

• May 5 - 12
  • Bookstore Hours for pick up: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Email ceremony@aims.edu for special arrangements

IF YOU ARE REGISTERED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 12 P.M. CEREMONY

• Check-in for graduates will begin at 10:30 a.m. Please plan to arrive no later than 11:30 a.m.
• Please wear your cap and gown to check-in.
• Be prepared to open your gowns for visual inspection. No backpacks allowed. Please do not bring bags, purses, etc., as there is no secure location to store them.
• All graduates will line up in the staging area as directed by the check-in staff. No family or friends will be allowed in the graduate check-in area.
   

IF YOU ARE REGISTERED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 5 P.M. CEREMONY

• Check-in for graduates will begin at 3:30 p.m. Please plan to arrive no later than 4:30 p.m.
• Please wear your cap and gown to check-in.
• Be prepared to open your gowns for visual inspection. No backpacks allowed. Please do not bring bags, purses, etc., as there is no secure location to store them.
• All graduates will line up in the staging area as directed by the check-in staff. No family or friends will be allowed in the graduate check-in area.

Doors open for guests at the same time as check in for graduates begins.

• 12 p.m. Ceremony:
  Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
   
• 5 p.m. Ceremony:
  Doors open at 3:30 p.m.

All guests must check in and receive a wristband for the area in which they will be seated.

Don't forget your paper tickets for the reserved seating area! We will not be able to replace them and guests who do not have a paper ticket will be seated in the Ballrooms.

Commencement is the ceremony for students, family, and friends to celebrate the student’s accomplishments. Participation in the ceremony does not mean the student has officially graduated. Verification of graduation is done after grades are submitted each semester. Because of this, students do not receive their diploma on the day of commencement.

Keep an eye on your Aims email and watch for an invitation coming from Marching Order. If you have applied for graduation and are eligible you will be invited to register to participate. Fill out all of the fields in the registration form and submit.

The ceremonies are based on the areas of study and you will be invited to participate in the ceremony that reflects your degree and/or certificate. If you have multiple degrees and/or certificates across academic areas of study a representative of Aims will contact you to assign your ceremony.

You will not be able to participate in both ceremonies. Due to space limitations graduates earning multiple degrees and/or certificates will be invited to participate in only one ceremony.

Seating for the live ceremony will be limited. Each graduate will receive a limited number of tickets for the live ceremony. Aims will also be offering seating in a live feed venue within the Welcome and Event Center. Seating for all areas will be limited based on COVID restrictions and protocols at the time of the ceremony. Total number of tickets each graduate will receive will be determined after the registration period closes.

Only the following are allowed:

• Gown, cap and black & red tassel: The gown, cap and black & red tassel are yours to keep. Only the black & red tassel OR the PTK gold tassel are allowed. You may wear one or the other but not both at the same time. Souvenir tassels are not permitted to be worn on the cap for the ceremony.
• The Honor Medal; Gold Honor cord; PTK - gold stole and gold tassel; English Honor Society - green/gold cord; SALUTE - red/white/blue cords; NSLS - light gray sotles; and Veterans - intertwined red/white/blue cord are allowed to be worn. 

Aims welcomes the tasteful decorating of your mortar board. Please be respectful of other graduates that may be sitting behind you. All decorations must be flat to the top of the mortar board. Any decorations that raise the height will not be allowed and will be asked to be removed.

Photos will be taken at the ceremony by a professional photographer. You will receive sample photos and information for ordering photos by mail or e-mail, depending on the information you provide on your card. You are not obligated to purchase any photo packages. Selfies will not be allowed to be taken on the stage area during the ceremony.  

If you have questions about the Commencement Ceremony only please email ceremony@aims.edu