Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Location: Wells Fargo Arena - 233 Center Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Doors Open: 4:45 p.m.
All participants are required to stay for the entire ceremony. If you do not want individual and family photos taken, please plan to arrive between 5:15 and 5:30 pm to allow adequate time to pick up your cap and gown and receive instructions for the processional. If you want individual and/or family photos taken, please plan to arrive between 4:45 and 5:00 pm. Students should be in their seats by 6:30 pm.
Participants in the graduation ceremony are presented as candidates for their respective awards. If you are eligible for more than one certificate/diploma/degree, your name is listed in the program for all awards but you will only walk across the stage once for the highest award received. Students who completed their program requirements in December of 2019 will be identified in the commencement program as fall graduates. At commencement you will receive a diploma cover. Diplomas are mailed approximately six weeks after the end of term in which you complete your program requirements.
To earn an honor cord, students must achieve a 3.50 grade point average in all courses that apply toward their program of study. Since we will not have spring grades recorded prior to the commencement ceremony, only courses completed through the fall semester are included in this GPA calculation.
ATTIRE and CHECK-IN PROCEDURE
Commencement regalia shall consist of a cap, gown and tassel. DMACC has purchased this for you, and it is yours to keep after the ceremony. If earned, DMACC honor cords, veterans cords, DMACC Honors Program medallions and Phi Theta Kappa stoles may also be worn at the ceremony. Phi Theta Kappa members should contact your chapter advisor for information about obtaining stoles prior to the date of the ceremony. If you indicated on your DMACC application that you are a veteran, then you are eligible to receive a veterans cord. Please remember this is a solemn occasion and to choose clothing and shoes that will respect this event.
Due to the size of the venue, the processional will require plenty of walking, including three levels of stairs down to the arena floor as well as walking to the stage and back. Please plan accordingly by wearing comfortable shoes.
Reader cards, caps, gowns, tassels and cords are distributed on the third level of Wells Fargo Arena. Go to the table designated by the first letter of your last name where you will receive your regalia and reader card. It is of utmost importance to keep your reader card with you at all times as this is read when you cross the stage during the ceremony.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS
If you require special accommodations or assistance during the ceremony, contact the Graduation Office immediately so arrangements can be made. A sign language interpreter will be available the entire commencement ceremony. Handicap parking is available in all the lots surrounding the arena. If your guests need special accommodations, please see a Wells Fargo Arena usher at the ceremony.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Non-personalized graduation announcements may be purchased at any DMACC campus bookstore. Personalized graduation announcements may be ordered at
https://www.cbgrad.com/.
NO COAT CHECK
There will not be a coat check available. Please plan to leave purses, keys and valuables at home or with family members. Do not bring backpacks to the ceremony. Information on Wells Fargo’s bag policy and security measures can be found on their FAQ page here,
http://www.iowaeventscenter.com/plan-your-visit/event-policies-faq.
GUEST SEATING
Wells Fargo Arena provides a generous amount of seating for guests.
Tickets or reservations are not required. Children must sit in the arena seating area with an adult. They are not allowed to sit with graduating parents on the main floor.
PARKING
Wells Fargo Arena charges for parking in the lot, but free parking may be available on the streets. Please allow extra time to find parking and still arrive at the arena on time. Additional parking information can be found at
http://www.iowaeventscenter.com/plan-your-visit/directions-parking.
PHOTOGRAPHS
Lifetouch Photography will photograph this year’s ceremony. Individual and family photos will be taken between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm only, on the second level. Additionally, each student will be photographed during the commencement ceremony when crossing the stage and when exiting the stage. Lifetouch will send proofs to you within one week after commencement. You may order copies of the proof and various photograph packages at
http://events.lifetouch.com/findphoto.aspx.
FOOD
Concession items will be available for purchase. Please no outside food.
If you have questions regarding commencement or are unable to attend, please contact the Graduation Office at (515) 964-6644 or
credentials@dmacc.edu before Thursday, April 16, 2020.
