Georgia Piedmont Technical College 2025 Commencement Information
Rehearsal
Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 6 PM
Location: DeKalb Campus | Conference Center
495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021
Important Reminders
-
Graduation Status:
Schedule an appointment with your program advisor to confirm your graduation status -
Graduation Fee (See cashier):
A $40 graduation fee must be paid before picking up your cap and gown -
Graduation Regalia Pick-Up
-
Date & Time: Friday, May 30, 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
-
Location: DeKalb Campus, Building “A” Atrium
-
Alternate Pick-Up: Starting Monday, June 2, graduates may also pick up regalia in the Registrar’s Office (DeKalb Campus, Building “A”)
-
Commencement Rehearsal
-
Date & Time: Thursday, June 5, 6:00 PM
-
Location: DeKalb Campus Conference Center
-
Notes:
-
Please arrive 30 minutes early
-
Everyday attire is acceptable
-
-
-
Commencement Day
-
Date: Friday, June 6
-
Ceremony Times: 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM
-
Details:
-
Check your assigned ceremony time by academic field: Ceremony Schedule
-
Arrive one hour prior to your scheduled ceremony to check in and prepare
- Arrive dressed in regalia
-
Location: DeKalb Campus Conference Center
-
-
-
Guest Information
-
Each graduate is limited to 2 guest tickets
-
Tickets are required for entry into the main venue (DeKalb Campus Conference Center)
-
An Overflow Area will be available below the Conference Center with closed-circuit video streaming
-
Live streaming of all ceremonies will be available on the GPTC Commencement Web Page
-
Guests are encouraged to arrive one hour early for the assigned ceremony time
-
-
Commencement Ceremony
Friday, June 6, 2025
Location: DeKalb Campus | Conference Center
495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021
Graduation Schedule
-
10 AM: Adult Education (GED & ESL)
-
12 PM: Education & Business
-
2 PM: CIST & Allied Health
-
4 PM: Industrial Technologies & Professional Services (ITPS)
Arrival Recommendation: Please arrive at least one hour before your scheduled ceremony to check in and line up. Graduate check-in will be in the Lion’s Den.
Parking Information
-
Disability Parking:
Available beside the Conference Center. - Need to reserve a handicap parking space? Request one by clicking here.
- Handicap parking reservations are issued on a first come, first served basis.
-
General Parking:
GPTC Campus Police and DeKalb County Police Officers will manage traffic control.
We kindly request that parking lots be cleared promptly after each ceremony to accommodate subsequent ceremonies. - Where do graduates and their guests park for each ceremony?
-
Graduation 1 (10 AM: Adult Education): Preferred entrance to use is Memorial Drive, Park in Zone #1Graduation 2 (12 PM: Education & Business): Preferred entrance to use is N. Indian Creek Drive, Park in Zone #2Graduation 3 (2 PM: CIST & Allied Health): Preferred entrance to use is Memorial Drive, Park in Zone #1Graduation 4 (4 PM: ITPS): Preferred entrance to use is N. Indian Creek Drive, Park in Zone #2Please Exit the same way you came in
-
Ceremony Protocols
-
Follow the directions of Graduation Marshals to ensure smooth transitions between ceremonies. More information pertaining to this will be covered at rehearsal.
-
At the conclusion of your ceremony, we respectfully ask that the venue be vacated promptly to allow for preparations for the next group.
Photography
-
A professional photographer will capture graduates as they receive their diplomas
Prohibited Items
-
Noise makers, balloons, and confetti are not allowed inside the Conference Center
Guest Tickets
-
Two tickets will be provided to each graduate upon request
- Tickets will be provided during the Cap & Gown pick-up (check back for more information forthcoming)
Additional information concerning overflow seating: Please ensure that all of your guests have tickets for admission to the main venue (Dekalb Campus Conference Center). Also, please remember that each graduate is limited to 2 tickets. Guests will need a ticket for entry into the Conference Center. As a consideration for graduates who may have additional guests attending, GPTC will provide an Overflow Area below the Conference Center where the ceremonies can be enjoyed via closed circuit video screens. Please know we will also be live streaming all ceremonies. The link will be available on the GPTC Commencement Web Page. We encourage guests to arrive an hour early for your assigned ceremony.
Commencement 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if I don’t have enough tickets for my guests?
Each graduate will receive two tickets beginning Friday, May 30th during regalia pickup in the A Building Atrium.
If you need additional guest accommodations, we will provide overflow seating located under the Conference Center. This space offers a cool, comfortable environment with closed-circuit monitors to view the live ceremony.
Where do I check in for Commencement?
Graduates should check in at the Lion’s Den, located on the Ground Level of the A Building.
When should I arrive?
Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your ceremony begins.
An hour early is strongly recommended to ensure a smooth check-in.
What are the ceremony start times and how do I know mine?
Graduation Ceremony Schedule – June 6, 2025:
-
10:00 AM – Adult Education (GED & ESL)
-
12:00 PM – Education & Business
-
2:00 PM – CIST & Allied Health
-
4:00 PM – Industrial Technologies & Professional Services (ITPS)
Where should I and my guests park?
Campus Police will direct you to zoned parking lots upon arrival.
You can also view a detailed parking map on the Commencement Page of the College website.
What if I or my guests need ADA/disability parking?
A link to request an ADA parking placard will be available on the GPTC Commencement page.
Placards can be picked up in advance from Student Affairs and must be displayed on your dashboard. Note: Only 30 ADA placards are available per ceremony, issued on a first-come, first-served basis. All parking lots remain ADA compliant.
Will there be a photographer?
Yes! A professional photographer will capture a photo of you receiving your diploma cover.
Can I keep my graduation regalia (cap and gown)?
Yes, you may keep your regalia.
How will my name be announced correctly?
Upon arrival at check-in, you’ll receive an index card to fill out with:
-
Your full name as you’d like it read
-
A phonetic spelling to assist the announcer
Please be respectful and list your given name.
What time should my guests arrive?
Guests should plan to arrive and park at least one hour prior to the ceremony start time.
When will the Conference Center doors open for guest seating?
Doors open to ticketed guests only 30 minutes prior to each ceremony.
Guests may queue inside the hallway or outside the Conference Center until entry.
Only guests with the correct ticket for that time slot will be admitted. Others may view the ceremony from the overflow area.
Will the ceremonies be live streamed?
Yes. A live stream link will be available on the Commencement Page of the College website.
Guests watching remotely should ensure they have strong Wi-Fi access.
How long can my guests remain after the ceremony?
To allow setup for subsequent ceremonies, we ask that guests exit the Conference Center promptly following each event.
What should I wear under my cap and gown?
Graduation is a celebration—dress to feel confident, comfortable, and yourself!
If you prefer traditionally masculine styles:
-
A collared shirt looks sharp; a tie is optional.
-
Dress pants or khakis (preferably in dark/neutral tones).
-
Shoes should be stylish yet comfortable—closed-toe or open-toe are both fine.
If you prefer traditionally feminine styles:
-
A modest blouse or scoop-neck top.
-
Dress pants, jumpsuits, or skirts above the ankle are ideal.
-
Heels, wedges, flats, or even dressy sneakers—whatever feels good and walks well!
Overall Tips:
-
Think business casual with a personal touch.
-
Avoid bulky or hard-to-manage clothing and footwear.
-
Choose an outfit that lets you feel safe, celebrated, and like YOU—you’ve earned this moment!
Will I receive my diploma at graduation?
No, diplomas will be mailed to your address on record with the Registrar’s Office. You will receive only a “diploma cover” at the Commencement ceremony. You should receive your actual diploma 60-90 days following the ceremony.