Graduation FAQs

Graduation candidates may participate in Commencement if they are lacking 1-6 credit hours and intend to complete their coursework the following semester.

To participate in the Commencement ceremony, students will need to complete the graduation application found in the MyPJC portal.

The graduation application deadlines are as follows:
Fall – November 1st
Spring – April 1st
Summer – August 1st

If you apply after the deadline, it is not guaranteed that your degree audit will be completed in time to ensure that you are qualified to participate in Commencement or that your name will be listed in the Commencement program.

Students are not required to participate in graduation. However, we highly encourage you to do so as we, along with your family and friends, want to celebrate your academic accomplishments!

The graduation ceremony is a festive, celebratory occasion, but also a formal academic event. The joy and satisfaction of the student’s accomplishments is more than worthy of being celebrated! However, these accomplishments should also be marked by seriousness where the actual conferring of degrees signifies the hard work of all involved: students, faculty, staff, administrators, and family. Hence, there is an expectation to maintain a measure of decorum consistent with the occasion.

Graduates will be expected to stay for the duration of the commencement ceremony from check in beginning an hour before each ceremony to the recessional signifying the end of the ceremony. Family and friends are asked to respectfully remain in their seats for the duration of the ceremony as well.

Academic Regalia (cap/gown) is the appropriate and required attire for Commencement. Regalia is pre-ordered in a range of heights and sizes and will be available for pickup at any of the PJC center locations on specified dates in April and November during the Fall and Spring semesters.

Yes, it is mandatory to wear the provided academic regalia. Graduates will be reviewed for proper academic apparel during check-in, upon entering the ceremony, and before walking across the stage. Students who do not have the proper apparel, agree to wear it appropriately, and/or who do not comply with the following guidelines, risk being dismissed from participating in the ceremony.

• Graduates participating in commencement must wear PJC provided caps and gowns
• Appropriate clothing should be worn under the gowns; nice slacks/skirts with a dress shirt or a dress and clean, neat, comfortable shoes are recommended
• All gowns must be zipped completely
• Caps are to be worn with the front point over the forehead below the front hairline, so that the flat board is parallel to the floor. Not worn on the back of the head with the board pointing upward.
• Tassels hang on the right.
• Caps may be decorated as long as it does not interfere with being worn properly and is not disrespectful or inappropriate.
• Graduates should not chew gum or tobacco.
• Lost tassels can be replaced, but replacement regalia will not be provided to you at the ceremony.
• There will not be a secure place to leave your personal belongings. Please do not bring purses or other valuables.

While there are no specific requirements for what graduates wear under their regalia (gowns), there are recommended guidelines. Appropriate clothing should be worn under the gowns; nice slacks/skirts with a dress shirt or a dress and clean, neat, comfortable shoes are recommended.

Caps may be decorated as long as it does not interfere with being worn properly and is not disrespectful or inappropriate.

To be considered for graduation with honors, a student must be seeking an associate degree and have completed at least 30 semester credit hours at Paris Junior College. Graduates who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above will be recognized during the Commencement ceremony and in the program. Honor graduates will be recognized by wearing gold honors cords. Graduates with a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 will also be recognized by being awarded an honors medallion. For the printed Commencement program & ceremony, the GPA calculation will be made only on those courses that have been completed through the end of the semester prior to graduation. For spring graduation, GPA calculations will be as of the fall semester. For fall graduation, GPA calculations will be as of the summer semester.

Graduation with Honors:

• To be considered for graduation with honors, a student must be seeking an associate degree and have completed at least 30 semester credit hours at Paris Junior College.
• Honors – overall cumulative grade point average: 3.50 – 3.99
• Highest Honors – overall cumulative grade point average: 4.00
• Students can view their GPA in the MyPJC portal. If you have questions, you may contact Advising and Counseling or Admissions and Records.

PTK members are recognized by wearing a gold tassel and monogrammed stole with their cap and gown. This academic regalia must be purchased separately. PTK members should receive instructions from a previous invitation letter to contact the PJC Chapter Advisor. It is preferred that students order online at www.ptk.org and have items shipped to their home. However, students who cannot order online may order their stole and tassel by paying $40 at the Business Office at any center location; payment must be received by December 1st or May 1st. Students will pick up preordered and prepaid PTK regalia from the Greenville Center Main Office, Sulphur Springs Center Main Office, or from the Chapter Advisor at the Paris campus. Students must show their receipt when picking up their PTK regalia.

Yes. All guests, 4 years old and older, attending the PJC Commencement Ceremony are required to have a ticket for entry. Each graduate will be issued 6 tickets in advance to distribute to their guests before their arrival to the ceremony venue. Guests without tickets will not be allowed to enter the venue but will be invited to view the ceremony via Livestream.

Tickets will be distributed to graduates when they pick up their regalia at any of the PJC campuses on the days listed below between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

• April 15, 2025 - Sulphur Springs (Center Lobby)
• April 16, 2025 - Greenville (Center Lobby)
• April 17, 2025 - Paris (AD 149)

Both Commencement ceremonies will be streamed live and a link will be posted on the PJC website the day of the event.

Graduates will need to arrive at Paris High School’s main entrance one hour prior to the Commencement time, with their regalia, for check in and final instructions. Upon arrival, graduates will be provided with a name card and will line up alphabetically with fellow graduates.

Students who wish to send graduation invitations should contact their local office supply store, print shop, or online store.

A photographer from Candid Color Photography will be taking pictures of all graduates receiving their diplomas as they walk across the stage. They will contact you directly regarding proof review and purchasing or you can visit their website at http://oklahomapartypics.com/.

 

If you have any questions about access or need to request any reasonable accommodation that will facilitate your full participation in the Commencement ceremony and activities such as ASL interpreting, captioned video, etc., please contact the Office of Admissions and Records at (903) 782-0425.

During Commencement, graduates will receive a diploma cover. Diplomas will be mailed to those individuals who meet all graduation requirements following receipt of final grades and completion of a degree audit. Diplomas are generally mailed within four to six weeks of the last day of the semester.

Office of Admissions and Records at (903)782-0425 or records@parisjc.edu.