pierce college students in cap and gown waiting to enter commencement

Commencement Livestream

The Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, June 17 will be livestreamed from the Tacoma Dome beginning at 7 p.m.

Congratulations Graduates

Congratulations! You made it! Here's what you need to do to get ready for graduation day.

Download 2023 Pierce College Commencement Ceremony Graduation Information (PDF)

Important Dates and Steps

  • Between Tuesday, June 6 and Friday, June 16, 2023: Pick up cap and gown

    • Cap and Gown: Pick up at either of the campus bookstores. No measurements are needed.  A variety of sizes will be available to choose from. There is no additional charge for these items.

      • Bookstore Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    • Honor Cords and Veteran Cords: Pick up at campus bookstores.
    • Phi Theta Kappa Cords: Pick up at Office of Student Life.
  • Saturday, June 17, 2023: Commencement Day!
    • Ceremony starts at 7 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.)
    • Location: Main arena at the Tacoma Dome, 2727 East D St. Tacoma
    • No tickets are necessary to attend the graduation ceremony. All are invited to attend.
    • To further expedite the entry process into the Tacoma Dome and to reduce touch points between staff and guests the Dome has instituted a clear bag policy much like the other large facilities in the region. Bags may only be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC sized 12"x6"x12" or smaller. Small clutch purses are okay if sized 4.5"x6.5" or smaller. This is in effect for all attendees. More information on the clear bag policy can be found at the Tacoma Dome website.
    • We respectfully request that you remain at your seat until the conclusion of the ceremony and all graduates have been recognized.  Early departures during the ceremony are disruptive and disrespectful to your fellow graduates who have not yet been recognized on stage.
    • Accommodations for Graduates with Disabilities - American Sign Language interpreters will be provided. The Tacoma Dome has accessible parking throughout all of their parking lots, however Parking Lots E and K are reserved for guests with disabilities, are van accessible, and are sold on a first come first served basis. Graduates needing additional accommodation due to a disability are to contact Access & Disability Services (ADS), at 253-964-6268 or ADS@pierce.ctc.edu by June 5. Graduates who requested and need accommodations should check in with the volunteer staff at the Access and Disability Services (ADS) table at graduation upon your arrival.
    • Accommodations for Guests with Disabilities – American Sign Language interpreters will be provided and the Tacoma Dome has accessible parking throughout the parking lots, however Parking Lots E and K are reserved for guests with disabilities and are van accessible and are sold on a first come first served basis. Guests needing additional accommodation due to a disability are to contact Access & Disability Services (ADS), at 253-964-6268 or ADS@pierce.ctc.edu by June 5. Tacoma Dome staff can assist with finding accessible seating at the event and direct those using interpreting services to reserved seating. Guests who requested additional accommodations should check in with the volunteer staff at the Access and Disability Services (ADS) table at graduation upon arrival.
    • Parking - Ample parking will be available in the Tacoma Dome parking lots. The parking fee for all Tacoma Dome lots is $15 per car. Tacoma Dome parking attendants accept cash and credit cards. The Tacoma Dome has accessible parking throughout all of their parking lots, however Parking Lots E and K are reserved for guests with disabilities, are van accessible, and are sold on a first come first served basis.  For directions, parking lot maps or additional parking options, please visit https://tacomadome.org/plan-your-visit/parking-direction
    • For additional event details, please review the  Pierce College Commencement Ceremony Graduation Information (pdf) above. 

Diplomas

Diplomas are not issued at the ceremony. Official diplomas will be mailed directly to the graduate approximately 10–12 weeks after the quarter in which requirements have been completed and verified. Please confirm your mailing address is correct in ctcLink to avoid any delays. 

Diploma Covers

A complimentary diploma cover and printed graduation program will be provided to all graduates at the ceremony.

If you are unable to attend the ceremony, we will offer drive thru diploma cover pickups at both campuses on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, June 21 from 12 to 4 p.m.
  • Thursday, June 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Puyallup: Parking Lot A
Fort Steilacoom: Parking Lot A

Questions?

For evaluations on Graduation or Commencement eligibility questions, please contact us at evaluations@pierce.ctc.edu.

For questions about the graduation ceremony, cap and gowns or anything else, please contact us at graduation@pierce.ctc.edu.