Commencement FAQs
FAQs for Grads
Our commencement ceremony will be held on May 22, 2024, at the Alamodome, 100 Montana St, San Antonio, TX 78203.
The graduate procession will begin at 3:45 p.m. with the commencement ceremony beginning at 4 p.m.
The commencement ceremony will take approximately two hours.
You can invite as many friends and family members as you would like.
No, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please arrive no earlier than 2:30 p.m.
Graduates, please proceed to the South end of the Alamodome and enter through the Loading Dock entrance. Metal detectors will be used for your safety. For security reasons, the Alamodome has a clear bag policy for entry. However, since our area doesn’t have a secure place to store personal belongings, we kindly ask graduates to refrain from bringing any items they can’t carry on their person. No additional guests are allowed in the check-in area.
Students with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations through the Disability Support Services office at 210-486-3020. Please give a 72-hour advance notice to arrange accommodations.
Be prepared for extensive walking. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
Before the ceremony, graduates wear tassels on the right side of the cap until directed to turn the tassel by the College president.
Yes! All decorations must lay flat on the cap. Nothing can lay perpendicular, thus allowing us to see the decoration beyond eye level. Caps should not be offensive, distracting, or obstruct anyone’s view of the ceremony.
Due to the formality of this occasion, we ask that you do not cover your gown with personal items. Only approved stoles or cords can be worn over your gown. Your graduation gown should not be decorated.
No, you will receive a diploma cover. Your diploma/certificate will be mailed to you about 2-3 months after completing all degree requirements.
Doors will open at 2:30 p.m.
To provide an enjoyable environment for all attendees, visit the Alamodome facility & security guidelines webpage.
Students will park in lots B & C. Lots B & C can be accessed from the southbound lane of Cherry Street between Montana St. and Cesar E. Chavez Blvd.
Any guests who drive separately from the graduate will park in lot B and C. The charge is $20 per vehicle.
The College will provide a professional photographer from Flash Photography who will take a photo of each graduate as they receive a diploma. Flash Photography will email a proof to you so you can order items.
Your connections to Palo Alto College do not end when you graduate. You are considered an alumnus whether you have taken a class, completed a certificate, or earned a degree. Once a Palomino, always a Palomino! Membership in the PAC Alumni & Friends Association is all about being PAC proud.
Here’s what you can expect when you join:
- Establishing and maintaining relationships with alumni, former students, family members, and community members
- Opportunities to give back to Palo Alto College through service
- Participation in alumni activities, events, and fundraisers
- Check out your alumni website.
FAQs for Guests
Doors will open at 2:30 p.m.
No, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
To provide an enjoyable environment for all attendees, visit the Alamodome facility & security guidelines webpage.
Parking lots B, & C are available for parking during the Palo Alto College Commencement.
Lots B & C can be accessed from the southbound lane of Cherry Street between Montana St. and César E. Chávez Blvd.
For any guests who drive separately from the graduate, the charge is $20 per vehicle.