Graduation 2021 Update
Chancellor Announces Graduation Ceremonies
for Class of 2021
Frequently Asked Questions
Check back often as we will update the FAQs as we can.
General Information
What is a Virtual Graduation Ceremony?
The Virtual Graduation Ceremony is in place of our in-person commencement (graduation) ceremonies for each of the nine Los Angeles Community College District colleges. This is an online or virtual graduation ceremony to honor the achievements of the graduating Class of 2021.
When is the Virtual Graduation Ceremony scheduled to take place?
All campus Virtual Graduation Ceremonies are scheduled for Tuesday, June 8, 2021. The campus ceremony start times will be shared, once they are confirmed.
Why are we doing this instead of a “regular” Commencement?
Due to the COVID-19 coronavirus public health emergency, the current public health orders require social distancing, and prohibiting large public gatherings to prevent the potential community spread of the virus, a traditional, in-person ceremony is not possible. The Virtual Graduation Ceremony will allow all of the colleges to recognize our students and their achievements safely online, while allowing family and friends to celebrate with their graduates.
What is the difference between the Virtual Graduation Ceremony and a traditional Graduation/Commencement Ceremony?
The Virtual Graduation Ceremony will be ALL ONLINE to ensure the health and safety of our graduates and their families. Our traditional graduation/commencement ceremonies are in-person, however that is not possible this year due to the current pandemic. The Virtual Graduation Ceremony will be an online recognition of graduates with opportunities for friends and family to engage in the online ceremony.
If this is not a commencement, does it mean I am not graduating?
If you petitioned to graduate and meet the requirements of graduation, then you WILL graduate this year. Although the Virtual Graduation Ceremony is not an in-person commencement, this ceremony is serving as an online graduation to honor your achievements.
How long is this Virtual Graduation Ceremony?
Each Virtual Graduation Ceremony will be approximately two and a half hours long. The length of the ceremony is dependent on the number of graduates for the college.
When will there be an in-person graduation?
At this time, no in-person ceremony will be held for the graduating Class of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Are there any costs to participating in this Virtual Graduation Ceremony?
No! There are no costs for students to participate. We hope you will join us in celebrating your accomplishments online to commemorate your achievements as the graduating Class of 2021.
After I read all of this information, who do I contact if I have additional questions?
You can contact your campus Virtual Graduation Representative listed below:
Participation
How do I participate in the Virtual Graduation Ceremony?
You will receive an email sent to your LACCD email address from your campus no later than the end of April 2021.
This email is VERY important. You will have the opportunity to participate online and provide your picture and other information for your graduation slide. Be sure to check your email!
How do I find out if I am eligible to participate?
If you petitioned for graduation by your college’s graduation deadline, you are eligible to participate in the Virtual Graduation Ceremony. You will receive an email no later than the end of April 2021 with more information on how to participate.
I already applied to graduate at my campus. Do I have to apply for this virtual graduation?
No, you do not need to apply again to be included in the virtual graduation. However, you do need to engage with the activities emailed to you in order to have your picture and other information included.
Will a program be printed? Will it be a single District-wide program or a program for each of the nine campuses?
This will vary by campus.
What information will be included on my slide?
This will vary by campus.
Will my name be announced?
This will vary by campus.
What do I do if I log in late?
There is no login required. If you begin viewing the ceremony late, you may miss speakers or your name being called. However, the video will be posted, so you can watch at a later time.
Am I able to say anything during the Virtual Graduation Ceremony?
As with a traditional ceremony, the Virtual Graduation Ceremony has designated speakers for each campus. You will not have the opportunity to say anything during the ceremony, however you will be able to submit your information for inclusion within the ceremony. Also, you will be able to post encouraging comments and watch the ceremony remotely with your friends and family by hosting a virtual viewing party.
How and when do I get my diploma?
Once your final grades are posted and the Registrar’s Office confirms that you have met the requirements of graduation, you will be mailed your diploma to your home address. Please make sure that you update your mailing address in the SIS portal.
Will there be ASL interpreters available for the Virtual Graduation Ceremony?
Closed captioning will be provided during the Virtual Graduation Ceremony.
Picture Submission
What is the dress code?
We recommend professional, formal wear or your cap and gown.
Caps and Gowns
Do I need a cap/gown to participate?
No, you do not need a cap and gown to participate.
Will students be able to purchase/receive/pickup cap and gowns?
If you purchase a cap and gown online through the campus bookstore, it will be mailed to your home address. Please make sure that you update your mailing address in the SIS portal.
How do I get my cap and gown?
If you would like to purchase a cap and gown, you can do so online through your campus bookstores. Go to your home college website for the bookstore link.
Do I need to return my cap and gown?
No, if you purchase a cap and gown, it is yours to keep.
Will I still be receiving my cords and sashes?
This will vary by campus. Please be sure to update your mailing address in the SIS portal, so that any items can be mailed to your home.
Timelines/Deadlines
What is the deadline to notify you I want to participate?
This will vary by campus.
What if I’m late logging in to watch the ceremony?
There is no login required. If you begin viewing the ceremony late, you may miss speakers or your name being called. However, the video will be posted, so you can watch at a later time.
Technology
Do I need a special software to participate?
No special software is needed to participate. Your college’s Virtual Graduation Ceremony will be streamed on the college’s Facebook and/or YouTube platform on June 8, 2021.
What are the requirements for my computer?
You will need an internet browser if you are using your computer to view the ceremony. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer can all be used to view the ceremony. Using your computer’s internet browser, navigate to your college’s Facebook or YouTube platform at the prescribed start time. You would then be able to view the ceremony live.
Can I view and participate from my smartphone or tablet?
Yes! Make sure you have already downloaded the Facebook and/or YouTube app. Use the app to view the graduation ceremony at the prescribed time.
Is there a capacity limit for the number of viewers?
No.
Do campuses need to do anything to prepare?
The campus graduation committees are working closely with the District Virtual Graduation Taskforce to create the graduation ceremonies. No additional technology requirements are needed from the campuses except for the Facebook and YouTube logins, provided to the vendor assisting with the development of the virtual graduation ceremony.
Will the District provide a Help Desk on the day of the Virtual Graduation Ceremony to support public with troubleshooting?
Yes, the LACCD District IT Department will provide support on the day of the ceremony. A unique helpdesk email address will be shared closer to the ceremony.
Will graduates be able to troubleshoot a few days prior to the Virtual Graduation Ceremony to ensure their equipment functioning properly?
Yes, you can navigate to either Facebook or YouTube in advance of the ceremony to ensure you can view the pages.
What if I am having trouble logging in?
You should not have any issues with logging in as a login is not required for Facebook or YouTube. You would be using your own, personal account to view the ceremonies. If you need assistance with login information, you would contact Facebook and/or YouTube directly for assistance.
Can District/Vendor provide tutorial videos and student friendly instructions to email students, faculty, staff and family/friends?
Yes! The following resources will be made available for you as soon as possible:
E-Invitation you can send to your friends and family on how to view the ceremony
Tips on how to throw a fun virtual viewing party
Instructions on how to access the ceremonies on June 8
Is this ADA Compliant?
Yes! Both Facebook and YouTube allow for closed captioning. The ceremony will be ADA compliant on both platforms.
Family/Friends
What is the best way for family and friends to view the ceremony?
Friends and family can view the ceremony on Facebook or YouTube. They just need to go to the Facebook or YouTube page of the college you are graduating from at the start time of the ceremony to start viewing.
How can my family/friends participate and watch me?
If you choose to participate in the virtual graduation, you will be recognized as part of the ceremony. Your family and friends can tune in and cheer for you using Facebook and YouTube. We also recommend hosting a virtual viewing party using the tips provided to you.
Is there a limit of guests I can invite?
There is no limit to how many guests you can invite to view the ceremony virtually! Everyone is welcome to tune in and celebrate your achievements with you!
Is there a password required?
There is no password required to view the ceremony.
Other
Can I graduate from multiple LACCD colleges?
No, you may only graduate from your home college.
How can I participate in multiple ceremonies?
You can ONLY be recognized in the ceremony of your home college where you are awarded your degree.
If I do not participate, do I still receive my diploma?
We encourage you to participate in this celebration and graduation ceremony. However, if you are unable to participate, you will still receive your degree in the mail if you meet the requirements for graduation.
Who can I contact for more information?
You can contact your campus Virtual Graduation Representative listed below: