Commencement 2026

Saturday, June 6, 2026

DeKalb Conference Center
495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021

Industrial Technology & Professional Services - 10 a.m.
Allied Health & Computer Information Systems - Noon
Education & Business - 2 p.m.
Adult Education - 4 p.m.

Rehearsal

The exact rehearsal date and time will be announced on this page prior to graduation. Please arrive early and wear everyday attire.

Important Reminders

• Graduation status: Schedule an appointment with your program advisor to confirm eligibility.
• Graduation fee: A graduation fee is required before cap & gown pick-up. See the Cashier's Office for details.

Regalia Pick-Up

Regalia pick-up can be done at one of our graduation fairs on May 20 & 21, 2026.

• DeKalb Conference Center – May 20, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Newton D Conference Center – May 21, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Alternate pickup: Registrar's Office, Building A, Room 102, (next to the Opticianry Classroom), Clarkston Campus

• Monday - Thursday, 5/25/26 – 5/28/26 - 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Friday, 5/29/26 - 8:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
• Monday - Thursday, 6/01/26 - 6/04/26 - 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Friday, 6/05/26 - 8:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Professional Graduate Portraits

The Grad Team will be at the DeKalb Campus Conference Center on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Newton Campus Conference Center on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., to take professional graduation portraits.

Please click on the link below and select your time slot to sign up.

There is no charge to make an appointment, and you are under no obligation to purchase.

Photos will be taken, close-up to 3/4 shot.  Feel free to bring a prop or a sign saying Congratulations, Graduate Class of 2026, to add to your picture.

DeKalb Photo SignupNewton Photo Signup

Commencement Day

Ceremony dates and times for each academic field will be announced on this page prior to graduation. Please plan to arrive at least one hour before your scheduled ceremony for check-in and lineup, and come dressed in full regalia.

Extra caps and gowns will be available on the day of Commencement, if necessary.

Guest & Ticket Information

• Each graduate receives two guest tickets. Tickets are required for entry to the Conference Center.
• Overflow seating with closed-circuit video will be available, and all ceremonies will be live-streamed on the GPTC Commencement page.
• Guests are encouraged to arrive early.

Ceremony Protocols

• Follow the directions of the Graduation Marshals for smooth transitions.
• Please exit promptly after your ceremony so the venue can be prepared for the next group.

Photography

A professional photographer will take photos of graduates as they receive their diploma covers.

Prohibited Items

Noise makers, balloons, and confetti are NOT allowed inside the Conference Center

Accessibility Information

Georgia Piedmont Technical College is committed to providing an inclusive commencement experience.

Degree candidates needing disability accommodations to participate in commencement ceremonies at Georgia Piedmont Technical College should complete the graduation accessibility request form.

Please inform Student Accessibility Services or the graduation office of any potential disability-related needs, including, but not limited to:

• Any graduating student who uses a mobility device (wheelchair, scooter, walker, crutches, cane, etc.), along with any graduating student who may have difficulty walking long distances or walking up stairs.
• Any graduating student who plans to bring a service animal (or service animal in training) to the ceremony.
• Any graduating student who needs communication access accommodations (such as access to a sign language interpreter).
• Any graduating student who needs specific seating due to a disability-related need (anxiety, health concerns, etc.).

All ceremonies may include:

• A ramp or accessible pathway to the stage.
• Priority seating for students with mobility disabilities (available on a first-come, first-served basis).

Please note that accommodation requests from graduating students should be made at least five business days in advance of commencement programs. While every effort will be made, the College may be unable to fulfill last-minute requests.

Guests

Georgia Piedmont Technical College makes every effort to help guests with disabilities access and fully experience commencement ceremonies.

Wheelchair spaces and seating for guests with limited mobility are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Most reserved areas can accommodate wheelchair seating and are accessible from ground level.

Accommodations for visitors with disabilities at GPTC commencement ceremonies may include:

• Accessible parking
• Shuttle services, if applicable
• Accessible seating
• Sign language interpreting/captioning services
• Assistive listening/hearing loop technology

When to Arrive

Due to the large number of guests attending commencement, visitors with disabilities are encouraged to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before the ceremony.

Parking

Visitors who have a valid state-issued accessible parking placard or license plate, or who can demonstrate a disability-related need, will be provided access to designated accessible parking areas.

• Parking Map
• ADA Parking Request Form

Accessibility Shuttle Services

Shuttle services, when available, may transport guests to and from commencement and designated parking areas. Shuttles will only pick up and drop off at designated locations.

When planning your arrival, please allow additional time for shuttle transportation and event traffic.

Seating

Visitors/guests with disabilities who require accessible seating should identify this need to commencement staff upon arrival at the ceremony venue. Visitors will be directed to the closest available accessible seating area.

Visitors with disabilities who wish to sit in another section closer to their graduate may do so; however, seating cannot be guaranteed in that section.

Each visitor with a disability may have one accompanying family member or friend seated with them in the accessible seating area, based on availability.

Mobility Devices

Commencement guests needing mobility assistance should bring their own or rented wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility devices, as Georgia Piedmont Technical College does not provide these devices.

Assistance During the Ceremony

If you are a person with a disability who may require one-on-one assistance during the ceremony, please get in touch with Student Accessibility Services as far in advance as possible to allow time for coordination.

Please contact Student Accessibility Services if you need disability-related accommodations or if you encounter barriers to accessing commencement ceremonies.

Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

Email us at accessibility@gptc.edu for more information.

For commencement of ceremony ticket information and event updates, please visit the GPTC commencement webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Where do I check in?
  • Graduates check in at the Lion’s Den (Ground Level, Building A).
• When should I arrive?
  • Plan to arrive at least one hour before your ceremony starts.
• How will my name be announced?
  • At check-in, you will receive a name card to provide the pronunciation/phonetic spelling for the announcer.
• Will I receive my diploma at the ceremony?
  • No, you will receive a diploma cover at the ceremony. Diplomas are mailed to the address on file (typically 60–90 days after the ceremony).
• Can I keep my cap and gown?
  • Yes — you may keep your regalia.