General Commencement Ceremony

This page contains general commencement information for May, August, and December ceremonies.

VENUE: Wolens Special Events Center, Navarro College - Corsicana icon: Map locator pin

 

Arrival Information for Graduates

Graduates should arrive on time to check in and receive instructions.  

  • Check-in: Arrive one hour prior to your scheduled ceremony time at the Louis Gibson Hall (Corsicana location, building #38 on map below). Please arrive dressed in your cap and gown.

  • No rehearsal: There will be no rehearsal, so your prompt arrival is essential.

  • Dress code: The ceremony is a distinguished event. Please dress tastefully, and keep in mind the robe is knee to shin length. Slacks or knee-length skirts are appropriate.

  • Cap and Stole policy:

    • Gowns should be free of any markings or other modifications.

    • Caps may not be decorated during ceremonies.

    • Only approved stoles, cords, and medallions may be worn. Approved items include:  Academics, Health Professions, Career & Technical, Phi Theta Kappa, National Adult Education Honor Society, Fine Arts, Athletics, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Veterans cords, and Honors, Bulldogs Unite, and PTK medallions.

    • Visit the Cap & Gown page for details.

  • Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes - you may be standing for long periods at a time.

  • Late arrivals: Students arriving late will be placed out of order to the end of the line.

  • Accessibility requests: Please contact the Registrar at (903) 875-7348 or email the Registrar if you or any of your guests will need assistance with seating arrangements, the procession or crossing the stage.

  • Personal belongings: Please leave all personal belongings (purses, jackets, cell phones, etc.) with your guests prior to check-in. Navarro College will not be responsible for any personal items left.

  • Social media: Share your graduation moments with the official hashtag: #NCDawgs2025

 

Corsicana Campus Map - Parking lots

 

Commencement Exercises (For All Graduates)

  • Tassel placement: The tassel is worn on the right side of the cap until directed otherwise towards the end of the ceremony.

  • Procession: All graduates will walk in single file, keeping a safe social distance, and remain standing until after the invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem are completed. (Men, please remove caps).

  • Name card: At check-in, graduates will receive a card with their name and honors listed. Graduates must keep this card until they reach the stage; then give it to the reader. The card will be used to read your name.

  • Stage process:

  1. Cross the stage after your name is announced.

  2. Proceed to the District President and then to the Board of Trustee to receive your diploma and take a picture.

  3. Continue across the stage and return to your seat.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Visit gradinfo.navarrocollege.edu  - for additional details about May, August, and December ceremonies.

 

Information for Commencement Guests

LOCATION: Special Events Center (SEC), Navarro College - Corsicana  |  3200 W. 7th Avenue, Corsicana, TX 75110  |  Mapit

 

General Parking

Parking will be limited during commencement.

Guests and graduates are encouraged to carpool when possible. 

  • Free parking is available in lots near buildings #33 (SEC) and #38 (GIB), as shown on the map below. 

Corsicana Campus Map - Parking lots

 

Commencement Schedule

See the Commencement Schedule page for a full list of ceremonies and times.

 

Guest Arrival

  • Doors on the West side of the Wolens Special Events Center will open one hour before each ceremony.

  • Seating is general admission - no seat reservations. Admission is first-come, first-served. 

  • In the event of overflow, we will close admission of the Special Events Center (SEC) and overflow seating with a livestream of the ceremony will be made available in the Bulldog Life room located in the Richard M. Sanchez Library (#35 on map).

 

Overflow Seating and Parking

Corsicana Location Map - Parking lots

 

Restricted Items (Forbidden Items) 

NO BALLOONS OR NOISE MAKERS

Graduates and their guests are requested to be respectful to all graduates and the college by attending the entire ceremony.

  • Please refrain from using air horns, noise makers, confetti, balloons, or any items that block other's views.

  • Such items are not permitted inside the Special Events Center or overflow areas.

  • If you bring any of these items, you will need to leave this in your vehicle.

 

Gifts for Graduates 

Celebrate your graduate with a keepsake from the Navarro College Bookstore.

Locations: Corsicana, Mexia, Waxahachie, and Midlothian or shop online at bookstore.navarrocollege.edu. 

A Bookstore booth will also be open at the Wolens Special Events Center for last-minute gifts.

 

Watch the Livestream 

Can't attend in person?

Watch the ceremony live at live.navarrocollege.edu.