Graduation

Note:  Commencement Day instructions are subject to change.  Updated instructions will be provided to graduates upon arrival. 

Family and guests should plan their arrival time so they may be seated by 1:15 p.m. The graduate processional begins at 1:30 p.m. and marks the beginning of the Commencement Ceremony.

Graduate Report Time

Graduates should report beginning at 11:30am (no later than 12:00 p.m.) to the Alabama Theatre for instructions and line-up for the ceremony.

Ambassadors will be available to direct you to the check-in location. Please have your cap, gown, and hood on when you arrive. Your tassel will be to the right. Valuables and personal items should be left with a friend or family member and not left unattended. The room will not be secured during the ceremony.

Student marshals will meet graduates at the assembly locations and direct your movement throughout the ceremony concluding with the recessional. Graduates will follow their student marshal to the appropriate seating on the auditorium floor. You should remain standing until all graduates have processed to their seat and the Platform Party has reached its place on the stage.

A formal academic processional that includes all graduates and members of the faculty mark the start of the Commencement Ceremony.

Late Arrival Degree Graduates

Graduates arriving after the start of the ceremony should report to the rear of the auditorium. College office staff will be available to assist you with seating. Graduates will be seated in the next available seat which may not be with their degree.

Commencement is a dignified occasion honoring important educational accomplishments. Decorum and courtesy are important to you and your family, and to your fellow graduates and their families.

Suggested Attire for Women

• Dark dress or pants, cool fabric
• Dark low heel or flat shoes
• No high collars or bows at the neck
• No corsages or jewelry on the robe

Suggested Attire for Men

• Dark trousers, white shirts, tie is optional
• Dark shoes and socks
• No sandals

Ceremony Etiquette

• Once you have entered the auditorium and have been seated you are expected to remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony marked by the candidate recessional.
• Improper attire, signs, and insignia will be removed by the marshals.
• Cell phones and other electronic equipment should be turned off.
• Valuables should be left with family members or guests prior to arriving at your assembly location. Do not leave purses, keys, or other personal items in the line-up room or hallway. The College is not responsible for items left in the assembly room, hallways or in the auditorium.

The ceremony should last approximately two hours.

Yes, a professional photographer will be available for a Cap and Gown Portraits during graduate check-in only. The pricing and information on cap and gown photography packages. are listed below.

Due to limited parking, it is strongly encouraged that you get dropped off if possible or carpool! Also encourage family members to carpool as well. Limited parking may be available at 1401 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 . This is only a few blocks from the Alabama Theatre.

AA, AS, AAS Degrees

• Cum Laude 3.50 to 3.69 GPA
• Magna Cum Laude 3.70 to 3.89 GPA
• Summa Cum Laude 3.90 to 4.00 GPA

Certificates

• Graduation with Distinction 3.50 to 4.00 GPA

Graduation GPAs are calculated based on Jefferson State courses numbered 100  and above. In addition, the student must have completed a minimum of 24  semester credit hours at JSCC. Students graduating in August and December  may check their myJSCC transcript for honors listed with their  degree information.

• White Honor Cord for students graduating Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Cum Laude, or With Distinction (for certificates)
• Gold Honor Cord for Phi Theta Kappa members
• Green and gold Honor Cord for Sigma Kappa Delta members
• Purple Honor Cord for Sigma Chi Eta members
• Blue and gold Honor Cord for Kappa Beta Delta members
• Turquoise blue and gold Honor Cord for Mu Alpha Theta members

Students with a graduation GPA of 3.5 or higher will graduate with honors and may purchase an honor cord. Graduation GPAs are calculated based on Jefferson State courses numbered 100 and above. Students graduating in August and December may check their myJSCC transcript for honors listed with their degree information. If Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude or Summa Cum Laude is not listed you should not purchase an honor cord.

Students graduating in May should check their online transcript. Hours and grades for developmental and transfer courses will not be included in the graduation GPA. Developmental hours and quality points should be taken out of your cumulative stats to determine if you should purchase an honor cord. Since grades have not been posted for the spring term, honors in the Commencement program will be based on your cumulative Jefferson State GPA after fall semester (excluding developmental courses). The honor announced during the ceremony will be calculated with grades submitted for the spring term. Honors will be posted for May graduates with your degree if it is determined that your spring semester grades raise your Jefferson State GPA to a 3.5 or higher. In some cases, a student may not actually graduate with an honor designation. Final honors designations are placed on the student transcript and diploma.

Students not completing degree requirements can have their application moved forward to the next term. After two terms of non-enrollment in classes at JSCC, students will need to reapply for admission as well as for graduation, separately. Students transferring courses back to complete degree requirements must graduate under a catalog in effect during your enrollment at JSCC, the date of the earliest catalog not to exceed four years prior to the date of graduation. Students planning to graduate in spring semester must have graduated or be cleared to graduate during the spring semester to participate in the ceremony.

*Subject to Change

• Diploma Fee – $20.00 each diploma
• Cap/Gown/Tassel – $60.00 + tax
• Hood (required) – $41.98 +tax
• Honor Cord – $18.98 + tax
• Extra Tassel – $8.98 + tax

School rings and personalized graduation announcements can be ordered online at http://www.jostens.com. Information about diploma frames and more can be found at https://www.herffjones.com/.

Visit the Bookstore to purchase.

Jefferson Campus
(205) 855-0585
Order Cap, Gown, Tassel, & Hood Online

Jefferson Campus bookstore hours:

• Mon – Thurs 8-4
• Fri – 8-12

Shelby-Hoover Campus
(205) 855-0585
Order Cap, Gown, Tassel, & Hood Online

Shelby Campus bookstore hours:

• Mon – Thurs 8-4
• Fri – Closed

Extended hours are available during the first two weeks of classes and during book buy-back. Call locations for details.

Communication regarding graduation will be conducted via the student’s JSCC & personal email addresses. For additional information, graduation candidates and graduates may contact the Graduation Office at graduation@jeffersonstate.edu.

Invite your family and friends as guests to join you for the commencement ceremony. Guests may not enter the theatre until 12:30 p.m. and should plan their arrival time so they may be seated by 1:15 p.m. The graduate processional begins at 1:30 p.m. and marks the beginning of the Commencement ceremony. Small children should be seated and quiet. We know  this is a special, exciting occasion. Pictures may be taken.  Those taking pictures should stand left of the stage as  graduates are coming off so the aisles will not be blocked.  Tickets are distributed to students before the ceremony. Check with your  graduate for available tickets.

Yes, please see the following for specific information. For other questions about disability-related accommodations, please contact the ADA Accommodations Office at ada@jeffersonstate.edu or 205-856-6077.

Disability Parking

Your state-issued disability placard prominently displayed inside your vehicle is required. Jefferson State Security personnel will be located at entrances.

Entrance

Persons with disability accommodation needs will look for appropriate doors with ramps.

Wheelchair Availability

Family members, guests, and degree candidates in need of a wheelchair should make provisions to bring this item with you. The reserved seating area is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs or walkers are not provided.

Auditory Assistance

Accommodations for those who are hearing impaired will be provided in the form of an American Sign Language interpreter. Seating arrangements in an area within close proximity to the interpreter will be provided. Priority seating for those in need of disability accommodations or special seating will be located on the floor level to the right of the stage is given to wheelchair family members and guests.

Beginning Fall 2024, Jefferson State Community College offers a digital diploma and/or certificate to all graduates after graduation at no additional cost. You can obtain your digital diploma and/or certificate faster than you would a paper copy, so it’s a great way to immediately share your accomplishment with your family, friends, and potential employers.

Your digital diploma and/or certificate will always be accessible online through your Parchment account. You can login to your Parchment account and download or share your diploma and/or certificate as many times as you’d like throughout your lifetime.

Questions about the digital diploma or certificate? Contact graduation@jeffersonstate.edu.

FALL 2024 GRADUATES AND LATER

Upon completion of your certificate and/or degree program, graduates will receive an email and text notification (i.e., provided you have an active cell phone number on file) with instructions for electronically claiming their diploma and/or certificate. Follow these simple steps:

Check your school email and text messages for the award notification.
Follow the link to set up your Parchment digital credentials account.
Be sure to add a secondary email address to your Parchment account for future login access.
(Optional) Share your digital diploma on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter or download a secure .pdf version.

SUMMER 2024 GRADUATES AND EARLIER

Order your digital diploma and/or certificate – Digital Diploma Order Form here. The cost is $10 for each diploma/certificate ordered.

TO ORDER A PAPER DIPLOMA

If you prefer paper to digital documents, then you can order a paper diploma by completing a Diploma Order Card and paying a diploma fee of $20.00 for each diploma/certificate ordered. Diplomas for all graduates, contingent upon final grade submission and degree verification, will be mailed to the address on the diploma order card no later than four weeks after the end of the term. If you have not received your diploma four weeks after payment please contact graduation@jeffersonstate.edu.

To update your diploma mailing address, contact the  graduation office:

Graduation Office
Jefferson Campus
Allen Library First Floor
graduation@jeffersonstate.edu

Note: changing your address with the Graduation Office does not change your address for the College. Contact Enrollment Services at (205) 856-7704 for information about updating the mailing or physical address on file.

Jefferson State presumes all graduates want their names recorded in the Commencement Program for sentimental, as well as historical reasons. As a result, your name will appear in the College’s Commencement Program (and be available for public dissemination) unless you send a written request with your signature to graduation@jeffersonstate.edu to request that your name not be included in the printed Commencement Program.

All graduates participating in the ceremony must wear the appropriate cap, gown, hood, and tassel. Purchase your cap, gown, hood, and tassel at the Jefferson Campus Pioneer Bookstore or online at https://jeffersonstate.shopoakhalli.com. PLEASE NOTE that online orders will be accepted from now until April 3, 2025. Online orders will include a $15.95 shipping charge.

Jefferson State now uses the black cap and gowns.

Bookstore Hours:

Jefferson Campus
Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Shelby-Hoover Campus

Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday: Closed

Extended hours are available during the first two weeks of classes and during book buy-back. Contact the Bookstore at 205-855-0585 (Jefferson) or 205-855-0585 (Shelby-Hoover) for details.

When purchasing your cap, gown, hood, and tassel, be sure that all items are included. After purchasing your gown, immediately hang it up. Do not iron your gown. The material is very thin, so only light steaming is recommended.

For advice about club specific apparel, consult your advisor:

KBD – Kappa Beta Delta

Fred Hughes
fhughes1@jeffersonstate.edu

MAT – Mu Alpha Theta

Brandon Darby
(205) 983-5959
jdarby2@jeffersonstate.edu

PTK – Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa students may wear an honor stole purchased from Phi Theta Kappa.

Liesl Harris
(205) 983-5956
lwharris@jeffersonstate.edu

SKD – Sigma Kappa Delta (English)

Dianna Hyde
(205) 983-5959
dhyde@jeffersonstate.edu

SCE – Sigma Chi Eta (Communications)

Sarah Creel
(205) 983-5958
sarah.creel@jeffersonstate.edu

Effective Fall 2025, a student may be awarded only one transfer degree (AS or AA) per semester.

To earn a second transfer degree (either an AA or AS) from Jefferson State Community College, the student must:

• Complete an additional 15-16 semester hours (25% or more) beyond the requirements of the first associate degree, with a grade of “C” or higher in all courses.
• Note: While only one AA degree will be awarded, a student may earn an additional AS degree by adhering to this policy.

The student must also meet the following requirements:

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
• Complete at least 25% of all coursework at Jefferson State.
• Fulfill all other graduation requirements set by the College.

The associate in arts and associate in science degrees are the basic degrees awarded to students completing a planned university-parallel program designed to meet the requirements of the first two years of a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. Students must print and retain the Alabama Transfers articulation guide for their major along with the transfer institution’s Area V courses. This information is available from the appropriate academic division, Enrollment Services, and our home page. All associate in arts and associate in science degrees will contain the following General Education Core requirements. Since not all courses will satisfy these requirements in all programs, courses should be chosen from a Alabama Transfers articulation guide, approved degree plan or Degree Works audit to ensure they meet the requirements. The Alabama Transfers articulation guide, degree plan or Degree Works audit will also indicate the courses needed in addition to the General Education Core to complete the degree.

Note: Courses satisfying Areas I-IV are noted in the “Course Descriptions” and “University Parallel” sections of the Catalog and Student Handbook. All students receiving the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree will complete ORI 101 unless the student transfers in 12 or more hours.

AREA I: WRITTEN COMPOSITION I AND II………..6

AREA II: HUMANITIES AND FINE ARTS…………….12

• Literature**……………………………………………………..3
• Arts…………………………………………………………………..3
• Remaining semester hours to be selected from Humanities and/or Fine Art….6

(Humanities and arts disciplines include but are not limited to area/ethnic studies, art and art history, foreign languages, music and music history, philosophy, ethics, religious studies, speech, theater and dance.)

AREA III: NATURAL SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS…….11

• Mathematics at the Precalculus Algebra or Finite Math Level……..3
• Natural Sciences (laboratory)……………………………………8

In addition to mathematics, disciplines in the natural sciences include: astronomy, biological sciences, chemistry, geology, physical geography, earth science, physics, and physical science.

 AREA IV: HISTORY, SOCIAL, AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES…….12

• History**…………………………………………………………………..3
• Other disciplines in the Social and Behavioral Sciences……..9

No more than six hours of History may be completed for Area IV. (Social and behavioral sciences include, but are not limited to: anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology.)

AREAS I-IV: MINIMUM GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS…….41

AREA V: PRE-PROFESSIONAL, PRE-MAJOR, AND ELECTIVE COURSES………..**19 – 23

Courses appropriate to the degree requirements and major of the individual student and electives. See your advisor, Degree Works Audit, or see Area V on the transfer institution’s website.

 AREA I-V: GENERAL STUDIES CURRICULA………. **60 – 64

Students completing courses that have been approved for the General Studies Curriculum and are appropriate to their major and/or degree program may transfer these courses with credit applicable to their degree program among Alabama’s public two-year and four-year colleges and universities.

**Must complete a six-semester hour sequence either in literature or in history. The sequence in Area II and IV in literature or history needs to follow the sequence requirements according to the student’s major and transfer plans.