Live at the Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis
May 22, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
Live at the Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis
Where and when will Commencement take place?
The 2025 Commencement Ceremony will be held Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 4:00 pm at the Cape Cod Melody Tent at 41 West Main St. Hyannis, MA 02601. Students and their guests are invited to the President’s Reception on the Melody Tent grounds beginning at 3:00 pm.
What do I have to do to participate?
May graduates, including those completing a certificate program, should have declared their intent to graduate by February 1. For December 2024 graduates, the deadline to file was October 1 and for August graduates, June 1. We may accept late applications but strongly urge students to submit their applications in by the priority deadline.
Once you file, you are on “the list” which means you will receive emails and other notifications regarding how to pick up your cap and gown, and other information pertinent to the ceremony.
When do I get my diploma, and what will be on it?
Graduates will receive a blank diploma cover as they cross the stage at Commencement. Diploma will arrive via mail to the graduate’s address approximately 4-6 weeks after commencement. To ensure delivery, make sure all contact info is up to date with the registrar; and if you are moving, be sure to set up the appropriate mail forwarding services with your post office.
Diplomas will state the type of degree earned (Associate in Arts or Associate in Science, etc.), and the date of degree conferral. Associate in Arts degrees will only say Associate in Arts while the Associate in Science degrees will say Associate in Science and the Major (i.e. Business Administration, Information Technology). The name printed on the diploma will be the diploma name that submitted on the graduate application.
What if I completed my requirements during the fall 2024 semester?
Cape Cod Community College holds Commencement exercises in the spring semester only. This celebration recognizes Summer 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025 graduates. Any student who has fulfilled their requirements during these semesters is invited to participate in the 2025 Commencement.
What if I won't complete my requirements until August 2025?
Students who will be only one course short may participate in Commencement and must complete a new application to graduate based on when they will complete their requirements.
If I can't attend the ceremony this May, can I walk next May?
Students are invited to walk in the ceremony for the year they file. If a graduate files for August 2024, December 2024, or May 2025 graduation, they will be on the May 2025 Commencement list and only able to participate in that ceremony, not future ceremonies.
How do I get my cap and gown (academic regalia)?
Students may pick up their cap and gown at the 4Cs bookstore for free. Please check back for days and times closer to the event.
Pick-Up Times for Caps and Gowns at the Bookstore
Each student will receive 2 (two) tickets for guests to attend the Ceremony. Graduates do not need a physical ticket – your cap and gown are your ticket! Students graduating from the Funeral Service program (Bridgewater Campus) or Aviation Maintenance program (Plymouth Aviation Facility) will have their caps, gowns and tickets shipped to and distributed at their respective campuses.
Do I have to pay for my cap and gown?
No, you will not be charged for your academic regalia.
How do I look up my student ID?
Student ID#’s are listed on the official student schedule which they can view in their My4C’s student portal. You will need your ID number to pick up your cap and gown.
Will I receive a cord or stole?
Honors, Veterans and certain other associations, departments, and clubs on campus may distribute cords and stoles. Please check with your affiliations.
I do not plan on attending the Commencement Ceremony. Do I still have to apply for graduation?
Yes. All students must apply for graduation to complete their degree requirements, have their degree awarded, and receive their diploma. Attending Commencement is not mandatory.
What about Graduation Photos?
Photos will be taken of each graduate as they cross the stage. Photos will be taken by GradImages and can be viewed via their website a few days after the event.
Will the Commencement Ceremonies be livestreamed?
Yes, the ceremonies are livestreamed every year and the links will be provided on the Commencement webpage.
What about Parking?
The Melody Tent uses “church-style” parking, where cars are parked bumper to bumper. Once parked, guests will not be able to leave the lot until after the ceremony ends. Guests of either the Nursing or Dental Pinning Ceremonies who will NOT be attending Commencement should plan on parking across the street at the Resort & Conference Center at Hyannis, so as not to get blocked in the Melody Tent lot. ADA parking spots are available near the entrance gates.
Someone in my family requires special accommodation seating. What should I do?
We have a designated ADA seating area for those requiring special seating accommodations. Guests who need sign language interpretation will be seated in view of a sign language interpreter. Please contact the O’Neill Center at [email protected] with any specific accommodation requests.
How do I get my tickets?
Students may pick up their cap and gown and 2 tickets at the 4Cs bookstore. Please check back for days and times closer to the event.
Each student will receive 2 (two) tickets for guests to attend the Ceremony. Graduates do not need a physical ticket – your cap and gown are your ticket! Students graduating from the Funeral Service program (Bridgewater Campus) or Aviation Maintenance program (Plymouth Aviation Facility) will have their caps, gowns and tickets shipped to and distributed at their respective campuses.
How many tickets do I get?
Each degree and certificate candidate will receive two (2) tickets for commencement.
What if I need more tickets?
Additional tickets will be available at the Commencement Rehearsal held Wednesday May 22, 2025. Students will have the opportunity to request up to 10 additional tickets at this time. Please keep in mind that the availability of additional tickets is not guaranteed and will be given out on a first come, first served basis during the Rehearsal.
What about the Nursing and Dental Pinning Ceremonies?
The Dental Hygiene program will hold its Pinning Ceremony at 11:00 am on Thursday May 23, 2025, and the Nursing Pinning Ceremony will be held at 1:00 pm. Tickets are not required for these events, however, guests that wish to also attend the Commencement Ceremony will need to show a ticket to remain on the property after 2:15 PM. Pinning Ceremony guests who will NOT be attending Commencement are advised to park across the street at the Resort & Conference Center at Hyannis, so as not to get blocked in the Melody Tent parking lot.
Is there a rehearsal for graduation? How do I know where to go and what to do?
Yes, we do have a rehearsal! Please plan to attend the brief student rehearsal on Wednesday, May 21 at 3:00 PM. You will also be able to pick up extra tickets for your guests at this time.
For other general questions, please contact Student Engagement at [email protected].
For questions about your graduation status please contact the Registrar’s Office at [email protected].