Spring Graduation at MGCCC
May 8 & 9, 2024
Adult Education Ceremony – May 8 at 7:00 PM
School of Nursing and Health Professions Pinning and Recognition Ceremony – May 9 at 9:00 AM
Commencement Ceremony – May 9 at 2:30 PM
Mississippi Gulf Coast
Coliseum and Convention Center
METAL DETECTORS WILL BE USED AT ALL ENTRANCES.
PLEASE DO NOT BRING WEAPONS OF ANY KIND INCLUDING SMALL POCKET KNIVES.
PURSES AND BAGS WILL BE SEARCHED. BRING ONLY WHAT YOU NEED. LEAVE VALUABLES AT HOME OR LOCKED IN YOUR VEHICLE.
There will be a Pinning and Recognition Ceremony at 9:00 am for eligible completers enrolled in the School of Nursing and Health Professions. Eligible graduates can return that evening for Commencement. Further instructions will be sent to completers college email.
Please read instructions CAREFULLY.
There will be one (1) rehearsal
for the School of Nursing and Health Professions completers.
Rehearsal: Wednesday, May 8
Arrive promptly at 3:30 pm for the rehearsal at
MS Gulf Coast Coliseum & Convention Center
(Please do not bring or invite children or guests to the rehearsal)
Pinning: Thursday, May 9
Arrive at 7:30 am for the pinning ceremony.
Would You Like Your Photo Featured?
Upload your best cap and gown photo to be featured in the ceremony.
MGCCC will review all photographs and any pictures that are inappropriate will not be included during the graduation slideshow.
Announcements
Pinning Announcement for sharing or printing: Download File
Pinning
As you walk across the stage, you will be recognized to receive your healthcare program pin.
Photograph Receiving Pin
When your pin is presented to you, the photographer will capture the image (smile). The photographer will send color proofs after pinning ceremony should you wish to purchase a photo.
Live Streaming & Video
Guests who cannot attend the ceremony can view the livestream. A link will be provided on this page before the ceremony. Replays of the livestream are available shortly after the live broadcast is completed. A video recording of the pinning ceremony will be available several days following the event.
Dress
Arrive at the Coliseum at 7:30 am correctly dressed in your program uniform. The Pinning Committee has established pinning guidelines for each completer to adhere to.
Parking
Pinning completers will park in Parking Lot 4 and enter through the Convention Center. (See Map.)
Accommodations for Completers with Disabilities or Special Needs
Participants who need accommodation due to physical disabilities should notify Student Support Coordinators at the appropriate campus by April 26. In addition, students with mobility issues (trouble standing, or walking for more than 5 minutes) and/or students who require more than one chair, should contact the Program Director.
Procedure
- Completers and their guests should conduct themselves in a dignified manner, respecting the rights of others at the ceremony.
- Program Uniforms are required.
- Completers are encouraged to leave personal items in a vehicle.
- Cell phones should be silenced.
- Pay attention to the row monitors sitting to the left and right of the completer seating. They will direct you to stand and sit at the appropriate time. The podium speaker will also have instructions for you.
Timeline
7:30 am
- Arrive at the Coliseum.
- Metal detectors will be used at all entrances.
- Enter through the SOUTH ARCADE LOBBY ENTRANCE of the CONVENTION CENTER to Hall C. This is not an entrance for guests or children! Guests and children enter through the Coliseum North Lobby.
- Pick-up name card.
- Sit in your designated seat (alphabetically per program) backstage.
8:20 am – 8:30 am
- Be seated in line up area.
8:30 am – 8:50 am
- MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR CARD WITH YOU
- Remain in your seat and be prepared to process.
- The completer on program for the invocation will remain on stage. The script will be on podium (After invocation, will be seated with class).
- March onto the stage floor in single file behind the Stage Marshall.
- Floor Marshalls will guide you to the appropriate row.
- Walk to the end of the row and remain standing until the invocation is over.
During Ceremony
- Remain seated during the speakers’ presentations.
Crossing the Stage
- WATCH THE ROW MONITORS.
- Each row of completers will stand.
- Walk together in a single file line to the stage ramp.
- Hand your name card to the college employee as you approach the stage.
- Walk onto the stage when your name is called.
- Receive your pin (the photographer will take a photo)
- Walk off the stage and take your photo with your pin.
- After taking your photo, a Stage Marshall will direct you to a platform in preparation for the candle lighting ceremony. Do not bring program specific lamps/candles. Candles are provided.
Benediction/Recessional
- The completer on program for the benediction will come down off ramp to the podium (Script will be on podium)
- Completers will remain in place during the Benediction.
- Benediction is played.
- Ceremony is concluded.
- FAMILY/GUESTS ARE NOT ALLOWED BEHIND STAGE OR IN HALL C.
Completers Exit
- Completers will exit through the South Arcade Lobby Entrance – signage will indicate exit direction.
Thank you for choosing Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College!
Congratulations and Best Wishes!
Please read instructions CAREFULLY.
There will be no rehearsal for the Graduation Ceremony.
Arrive at 1:00 pm.
Cap & Gown Pick-up/Parking Passes
Cap and gowns and parking passes will be available for pick-up Monday, April 29 through Thursday, May 2 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, at the campus you attend as indicated on your graduation application.
Students MUST come to campus during the day and time frame listed below in order to participate.
Pick-up Locations
The Bryant Center at Tradition
Administration Desk
(228) 267-8637
George County Center
Student Services Building / Business Office
(601) 766-6451
Harrison County Campus
Keesler Center
Navy Base
Harrison County Campus Student Services Building
(228) 896-2517
Jackson County Campus
Student Service Center
(228) 497-7649
Perkinston Campus
Stone Hall
(601) 928-6258
West Harrison County Center
Administrative Office
(228) 563-2236
Would You Like Your Photo Featured?
Upload your best cap and gown photo to be featured in the ceremony.
MGCCC will review all photographs and any pictures that are inappropriate will not be included during the graduation slideshow.
Announcements
Printable graduation announcements are available for download in PDF format. Select your ceremony, type in your name and save or print.
Graduation Announcement – May 9 – 3:00 pm Ceremony
Pricing
Includes invitations and envelopes.
10 for $10
20 for $15
40 for $30
50 for $35
Photograph Receiving Diploma
When your diploma is presented to you, the photographer will capture the image (smile, and keep your tassel to the side). The photographer will send color proofs after graduation should you wish to purchase a photo.
Live Streaming & Video
Guests who cannot attend the ceremony can view the livestream. A link will be provided on this page before the ceremony. Replays of the livestream are available shortly after the live broadcast is completed. A video recording of the graduation ceremony will be available several days following the event.
Dress
Arrive at the Convention Center Hall C two hours before the ceremony correctly dressed in cap and gown.
- Prepare for extensive walking and standing. Wear comfortable shoes.
- Prior to the ceremony, hang your gown so the wrinkles will release.
- You will NOT return your cap and gown after the ceremony. It is yours to keep.
- The tassel hangs left front, halfway between the corners.
- Honors (GPA 3.3 – 3.7) – Gold Tassel.
- High Honors (GPA 3.7 – 4.0) – Gold Tassel and Gold Cord.
- Phi Theta Kappa – optional honor society stoles (order one from https://store.ptk.org/product-category/grad/ or see advisor).
- Alpha Beta Gamma – optional honor society stoles (see advisor).
- Alpha Delta Nu – optional honor society cords (see advisor).
- Military Honors Cords – Present your Military ID or DD214 to receive your cords on graduation day at the Coliseum.
Arrival
Graduates will arrive at 1:00 pm.
- Doors open at 1:00 pm.
- METAL DETECTORS WILL BE USED AT ALL ENTRANCES. Please do not bring weapons of any kind including small pocket knives. Purses and bags will be searched. Bring only what you need. Leave valuables at home or locked in your vehicle.
- All candidates for graduation must enter the south arcade lobby entrance of the Convention Center. This is not an entrance for guests! Guests enter through the North or South entrances of the Coliseum.(see map)
- Pick-up your name card and honors regalia (if applicable) when you arrive. You will be directed to the pre-seating area.
- Honors cords and tassels are given based on the candidates’ cumulative grade point average (GPA) prior to the end of the term (posting of final grades and final GPA calculation). Please see the Special Assistance table if you believe you should have received honors regalia.
Parking
Graduates will need to take Pass Road to Beauvoir Road and enter the Coliseum at Gate 3. You will be directed to park in Parking Lot 5 next to the Parking Garage. Shuttle service will drop you off near the South Arcade Lobby of the Convention Center where you will enter. (See Map)
Accommodations for Graduate with Disabilities or Special Needs
Candidates who need accommodations due to physical disabilities should notify Student Support Coordinators at the appropriate campus by April 26. In addition, students with mobility issues (trouble standing, or walking for more than 5 minutes) and/or students who require more than one chair, should contact the Student Support Coordinator on his/her campus.
Harrison County Campus
Aimee McGehee
U110
(228) 896-2556
aimee.mcgehee@mgccc.edu
Jackson County Campus
Darla Lyons
Student Services Center
(228) 497-7787
claudia.lyons@mgccc.edu
Perkinston Campus
George County Center
Shellye Smith
Dees Hall 124 – Perkinston
(601) 928-6325
shellye.smith@mgccc.edu
West Harrison County Campus
The Bryant Center at Tradition
Adriane Matsenbaugh
(228) 267-8689
adriane.matsenbaugh@mgcc.edu
Procedure
- Candidates and their guests should conduct themselves in a dignified manner, respecting the rights of others at the ceremony.
- Cell phones should be silenced.
- Pay attention to the row monitors sitting to the left and right of the graduate seating. They will direct you to stand and sit at the appropriate time. The podium speaker will also have instructions for you.
Timeline
1:00 pm
- Arrive at the Coliseum.
- Enter through the SOUTH ARCADE LOBBY ENTRANCE OF THE CONVENTION CENTER to Hall C.
- Pick-up name card.
- Sit in your designated seat backstage.
1:45 pm – 2:20 pm
- Be seated in line up area.
2:20 pm – 2:45 pm
- MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR CARD WITH YOU
- Remain in your seat and be prepared to process.
- March onto the coliseum floor in rows of two behind the platform guests.
- Floor Marshalls will guide you to the appropriate row.
- Walk to the end of the row and remain standing until the invocation is over.
During Ceremony
- Remain seated during the speakers’ presentations.
- Stand at the President’s request to have degrees conferred.
Crossing the Stage
- WATCH THE ROW MONITORS.
- Each row of graduates will stand.
- Walk together in a single file line to the stage ramp.
- Hand your name card to the college employee as you approach the stage.
- Walk onto the stage when your name is called.
- Receive a diploma case (the photographer will take a photo)
- Walk off stage and take your photo with your diploma case.
- Return to your seat.
- Your diploma will not be in the case that you receive.
- DIPLOMAS WILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER THE CEREMONY HAS ENDED AND GRADUATES MARCH-OUT. Please do not return to Hall C before the ceremony has ended.
Recessional
- Benediction is played.
- Graduates follow Floor Marshalls.
- FAMILY/GUESTS ARE NOT ALLOWED BEHIND STAGE OR IN HALL C.
After Ceremony
- Proceed to Hall C to pick up your diploma.
- Keep your gown, cap, tassels, and gold cords.
- Please check the diploma to be sure it is correct.
- Summer and Fall 2023 graduates, there is no need to wait in line for a diploma as you have received it already.
Graduates Exit
- Graduates will exit through the South Arcade Lobby Entrance – signage will indicate exit direction.
Thank you for choosing Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College!
Congratulations and Best Wishes!
Arrival
Spring Commencement
- Coliseum North and South Lobby doors will open at 1:00 pm
- Ceremony begins at 2:30 pm
School of Nursing and Health Professions Pinning and Recognition Ceremony
- Coliseum North Lobby doors will open at 7:30 am
- Pre-Ceremony begins at 8:30 am
- Ceremony begins at 9:00 am
Adult Education Ceremony
- Coliseum North Lobby doors will open at 5:30 pm
- Ceremony begins at 7:00 pm
Traffic and Parking
Guests should allow time for travel and parking. Traffic becomes extremely heavy before the ceremony and parking becomes difficult. See map for guest parking areas.
Special Accommodations for Disabled Guests
Handicapped seating is limited to Terrace Level behind section 6, 9, 20 and 22. One guest accompanying the handicapped guest may sit in the row in front of the handicapped guest. Please arrive early to ensure you have a seat.
An elevator is located in the North and South lobby (Please see an usher if you need assistance).
If you are not able to walk far, please bring a wheelchair.
Hearing Impaired Guests
An interpreter will be on the stage throughout the ceremony.
Departure
Completers/Graduates will exit the South Arcade Lobby of the Convention Center following the ceremony. Guests are not allowed backstage or in the convention center.
Please check the Intranet’s Graduation site frequently for instructions and any updates.
Degree Works
Degree Works is an online advising tool to help you and your advisor monitor your progress toward degree completion. Degree Works matches your coursework (completed, currently enrolled, or registered for in the future) to your degree requirements in an easy-to-read worksheet that shows how the courses count toward degree requirements. Learn more at https://mgccc.edu/degree-works.
Congratulations to MGCCC’s
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Fall 2023 Pinning and Recognition Ceremony Participants
The Pinning Ceremony signifies the completion of this level of education and official initiation into the profession. Participants were honored December 12, 2023, at Harrison County Campus’s Immersive Media Performing Arts Center (iMPAC).
Congratulations 2021 Graduates
Livestream Summer 2021 Commencement Ceremonies
Livestream Spring 2021 Commencement Ceremonies
Summer 2021 Commencement Program (PDF)
Spring 2021 Commencement Program (PDF)
Search and Order Graduation Photos
New graduates, stay connected to your MGCCC family with a complimentary two-year membership in the MGCCC Alumni Association.
Purchase Photos from Past Ceremonies
Photos are available for purchase from past ceremonies.