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Line of graduates in the APGFCU Arena

Commencement 2024

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Harford's Sixty-Sixth Annual Commencement Ceremonies

The stage is set, and we are ready to honor Harford's Class of 2024. We are excited to share this celebration with all of you. The ceremonies held in the APGFCU Arena at Harford Community College will recognize all August and December 2023 graduates, as well as May and August 2024 candidates for graduation.

10 AM Ceremony

Arts and Humanities
Behavioral and Social Sciences

2 PM Ceremony

Business and Applied Technology
Nursing and Allied Health Professions
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

Visit the Academic Catalog, Programs of Study if you need assistance determining which division applies to you.

RSVP 

Students who have graduated in August or December 2023 or applied to graduate for May or August 2024 will be invited to Commencement 2024. Students will be required to RSVP if they plan to attend their Commencement ceremony. To RSVP for Commencement, students must first apply for graduation. Application for GraduationLinks to RSVP to Commencement will be provided below starting April 5, 2024.

Important Dates

  NOW UNTIL May 1, 2024:   Apply for Graduation
Students who miss this deadline will NOT have their name printed in the Commencement program.
OwlNet> My Academic Life> Quick Links> Forms> Application for Graduation

APR 5: Commencement Invitations emailed to students
To their Harford email address.

APR 8 (week of): Official Commencement Invitations mailed to students
To students' home address, allow time for delivery. Use OwlNet to make sure your home mailing address is accurate.
OwlNet> My Academic Life>  Quick Links> Forms> Change of Residency

APR 5–MAY 1: RSVP to attend Commencement Ceremony
Includes complimentary cap and gown reservation.
Links to be posted by April 5, 2024.

MAY 6–20: Pick up Cap and Gown
During College Store hours: MON–THU 8:30 AM–5PM  |  FRI 8:30AM–3 PM

Save the Date!
MAY 20  |  7–9 PM:
Graduation Gala Celebration
More information to come. RSVP by May 12, 2024.

MAY 23: Commencement Ceremonies

Frequently Asked Questions

GRADUATION VS. COMMENCEMENT

Graduation refers to the conferring of an academic degree. At Harford Community College, you must meet specific requirements to graduate, and you must apply for graduation. Commencement is an optional College-sponsored ceremony in which graduating students dress in regalia, process, and are formally conferred a degree or certification. To participate in the Commencement ceremony, you must meet all graduation requirements and reserve a spot in the ceremony. RSVPing for Commencement is a separate form from the graduation application.

To apply to graduate, please go to: OwlNet> My Academic Life > Quick Links> Forms> Application for Graduation. Deadline to apply is May 1, 2024.

To RSVP for commencement, starting April 5, please refer to the links above depending on the division you are receiving a degree/certificate in.

REGALIA

The college provides caps and gowns to all students that RSVP to commencement. Regalia will be able to be picked up at the bookstore May 6–20, excluding weekends. For hours, please visit the College Store website.

While it is not the practice of the College to encourage the decoration or messaging of regalia at the Commencement ceremony, if it is your intention to do so, please do it tastefully and with respect for the dignity of the occasion. The College holds Commencement to celebrate the academic achievements of all the graduates of the Class of 2024. We ask that you recognize it as a formal and prestigious occasion and to hold the event in proper perspective.

Stoles and/or cords are provided by Honor Societies. If you are part of an Honor Society, you will receive information from your Honor Society advisor. If you believe you should have received an Honor Society stole or cord and have not, please reach out to your advisor or the Office of Student life at studentlife@harford.edu.

CEREMONY ATTENDANCE

Students should arrive at the auxiliary gym in the Susquehanna, 1 hour before their ceremony start time. Bring limited belongings and leave them with guests before heading to the Auxiliary Gym. Belongings may not be stored in the Auxiliary Gym.

We recommend that graduates dress semi-casual or semi-formal depending on your level of comfort walking across the stage and being recorded/photographed wearing. Gowns are blue.

TICKETING

There are no tickets needed for guests to attend either Commencement Ceremony. Seating is first come, first serve.

ACCESSIBILITY  

Harford Community College is committed to promoting the full participation of all individuals with disabilities in the Commencement Ceremony.  For disability-related accommodations, contact 443.412.2402 by Wednesday, May 1, 2024.  Please find additional accommodation information below:

  • Drop Off/Pick Up: The main entrance of the APGFCU Arena offers a convenient drop off/pick up option for guests.
  • ADA Parking: Accessible parking is available in the S Lot closest to the Arena.  A disability placard or disability license plate is required to park in these designated spaces.
  • Ramp: In addition to the stairs leading from the parking lot to the main entrance of the Arena, there is a ramp to the left-hand side when facing the Arena.
  • ADA Seating: Seating for individuals with wheelchairs is located in row A on the floor in bleacher sections B, C, L, and M, and on the concourse in row P in bleacher sections F, G, and H (under the flags).
  • Elevator: Upon entering the Arena’s main entrance, the elevator is located just beyond the restrooms on the concourse.
  • ASL Interpreting Available: Each ceremony will include live ASL interpreting services.  Seats in Section B will be reserved for individuals utilizing these services.
  • Large Print Programs: Large print programs are available upon request, as supplies last.
2024 COMMENCEMENT PORTRAITS  

Congratulations, Harford Class of 2024! We're extremely proud of our newest graduates! We're recognizing you with a small gift from all of us here at Harford Community College.

If you participate in this year’s in-person Commencement Ceremony and take part in the formal portrait session, your digital portraits will be available for download at no cost as a small gift from all of us at Harford.

NOTICE REGARDING PHOTOGRAPHY: Be advised that photographs and/or video may be taken at this event for use by Harford Community College. By taking part in this event you grant the event organizers full rights to use the images resulting from any photography or video taken. Photos and video become the property of Harford Community College.