Commencement
What is Commencement?
Commencement is a festive, celebratory occasion, but also a formal academic event. This is the ceremony where graduates don their caps and gowns and get to walk the stage to commemorate their academic accomplishments. 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.
When is Commencement?
Paris Junior College has a commencement ceremony at the end of the Spring semester in May and at the end of the Fall semester in December. All students who complete their degree or certificate requirements are encouraged to participate in the ceremony.
See future Commencement ceremony dates on PJC's Academic Calendar.
Information for the upcoming ceremony will be listed below.
When is this page updated?
Generally 2 months before the ceremony. A digital program will be available by the day of the ceremony.
Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony Information
Updated 9/22/25
Hunt Physical Education Center, Paris Junior College
Friday, December 12th, 2025.
10 AM - Last Name A-K
2 PM - Last Name L-Z
Last Name is based on your graduation application
Graduate Information
Regalia and Ticket Pick-Up
Students participating in the commencement ceremony also receive a keepsake cap and gown and tickets for 6 guests prior to the ceremony at no charge.
All guests, 4 years old and older, attending the PJC Commencement Ceremony are required to have a ticket for entry. Guests without tickets will not be allowed to enter the venue but will be invited to view the ceremony via livestream.
Regalia and tickets will be issued to students prior to the ceremony and may be picked on December 2nd-5th at the locations listed below. Students can pick them up at the campus they indicate on their graduation application. Regular campus hours are 8am to 5pm M-Th and 8am to 12pm on Friday.
- Sulphur Springs Campus –Center Lobby
- Greenville Campus –Center Lobby
- Paris Campus – Records Office, Louis B. Williams Administration Building
Graduate Arrival and Check-In
Graduates will need to arrive at the PJC Library 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.
Regalia and Dress Code
- Graduates participating in commencement must wear PJC provided caps and gowns
- No Unapproved Regalia, Cords, Stoles, Medals, Etc. Only approved regalia may be worn during the ceremony. Students are not permitted to modify their regalia, with the exception of the graduation cap, which may be decorated as long as all messages and images are appropriate.
- Students who qualify for honors, are Veterans, or are members of the PTK or TRIO programs will receive additional cords or accoutrements at check-in to wear during the ceremony.
- 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
- Keep in mind that graduates will be walking outdoors roughly 700ft on a decline. Also keep in mind that this event takes place in December. Please dress accordingly and sensibly.
- 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.
- 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.
Guest Information
We kindly remind everyone of the guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable event for all attendees. Your cooperation in adhering to these rules is greatly appreciated.
Tickets
All guests, 4 years old and older, attending the PJC Commencement Ceremony are required to have a ticket for entry. Guests without tickets will not be allowed to enter the venue but will be invited to view the ceremony via Livestream.
Prohibited Items
To maintain a dignified atmosphere during the ceremony, we prohibit the following items in the gym during the ceremony.
- Noise Makers
- Balloons
- Alcohol
- Pets (exception - service animal)
- Large banners or posters
Your understanding and compliance with these guidelines will contribute to the success of our ceremony. Thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to celebrating this special occasion together.
Commencement FAQ
All students participating in commencement must be on track to complete all remaining coursework required for their credential by the end of the semester in which they apply for graduation. This will be confirmed by a graduation audit conducted by the Registrar's Office after the student has submitted their application.
Students who do not meet these criteria may be ineligible to participate.
For more information, see the graduation webpage.
Graduation Application Deadlines:
May Commencement: April 1
December Commencement: November 1
To participate in the Commencement ceremony, students will need to complete the graduation application found in the MyPJC portal.
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.
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.
Honors distinctions are awarded as follows:
• Honors: Cumulative grade point average of 3.50 to 3.99
• Highest Honors: Cumulative grade point average of 4.00
For Commencement, 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.
During Commencement, honors graduates will be recognized by wearing gold honors cords. Graduates with highest honors will also be recognized by being awarded an honors medallion. Honors students will receive these items at check-in for the ceremony.
PTK and TRIO students will receive cords during check-in. Be sure to arrive an hour early to have time to check-in and receive all of your cords!
After completing their graduation applications, graduating Veteran-connected students should contact the Veterans Services office at 903-782-0371 or veterans@parisjc.edu.
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 invitation letter to contact the PJC Chapter Advisor. Students can order online at www.ptk.org and have items shipped to their home.
Both Commencement ceremonies will be streamed live and a link will be posted on the PJC website the day of the event.
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 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 Ansley Hoskins at ahoskins@parisjc.edu or 903-782-0281.
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 after the last day of the semester.
Records Office at (903)782-0425 or records@parisjc.edu.