Commencement

How To Apply for Graduation

As you plan your schedule for your final semester you need to meet with your advisor to ensure you are ready to graduate. Your advisor will review your degree audit and verify you have completed all the requirements necessary to earn your degree. Remember you can schedule advising appointments in myPellisiippi through Navigate.

Your advisor will provide you with a pin to apply for graduation and a password to use to schedule the exit exam. Please submit your graduation application when you register for classes prior to your final semester at Pellissippi State.

Apply for graduation in myPellissippi under “Student Self-Service”, select “More Options” and click “Student Records”, then “Apply to Graduate/Graduation Status”. The deadline to apply to graduate is typically four weeks prior to the semester graduation date. Please check with your advisor for more information.

The graduation application allows you to identify any honors society memberships you may have.

Graduation Confirmation

You will be notified through your Pellissippi State email account that your graduation application has been received. Following receipt of your graduation application, the Records office will notify you of any missing requirements or deficiencies. It is your responsibility to ensure all requirements are fulfilled prior to graduation. You should check your Pellissippi State email regularly for any updates.

Updating Your Address

Please verify your mailing address is current prior to graduation through your myPellissippi account. If you need assistance updating your mailing address, please contact the records office at 865.694.6632 or records@pstcc.edu.

Exit Exam

All Tennessee community college graduates are required to complete an exit exam. When you meet with your advisor to apply to graduate, your advisor will help you register for the Exit Exam. You will also have the option to complete the exam remotely and will receive emails with the instructions.

The exam is not part of your grade and your score does not affect your ability to earn your degree. However, you must complete the exam to be eligible to graduate.

The exam tests your skills in college-level reading, writing, mathematics and critical thinking. The exam consists of 36 multiple-choice questions and takes about 45 minutes to complete.

Where to Buy Graduation Announcements, Class Rings and More

Graduation announcements and other items such as diploma frames, memorabilia and gifts can be ordered online from .

Where to Order Your Cap and Gown

Graduates must wear a cap and gown to participate in the commencement ceremony. Our caps and gowns are black, and we encourage graduates to dress nicely to complement the gowns.

When the intent to graduate form is completed, you are added to the list of people who will graduate. This form includes height and weight so that the correct size of regalia can be ordered.

Caps and gowns will be available for sale at the Graduation & Career Fair on the Hardin Valley campus
The cost is just under $44, including sales tax
Payment is due at pickup
If you cannot attend the fair, an email will be sent with instructions on purchasing a cap and gown or having it sent to a different campus bookstore

Disability Accommodations

Participants in commencement who have a disability and require special accommodations should contact Disability Services at 865.539.7153 early in their last semester of college.

If a member of the audience has a disability and requires special accommodations, please ask an usher at the event for directions to special seating on the arena floor.

There is limited accessible parking also in the Visitor Lot, and it is first come first serve. The Faculty Lot 2 (F2), beside the ERC has been designated for accessible parking, since it is a large lot. A hangtag is not needed to park in the F2, but you will need to speak with the uniformed official controlling parking in the F2 to gain access. There are other federally designated handicap parking spaces in several other lots on campus that will be uncontrolled and also first come first serve. Please see the map and look for the wheelchair symbol, as well as the highlighted F2 lot.

How To Receive Your Diploma

You will not receive your diploma during the commencement ceremony. Your diploma will be available for pick-up four – six weeks after graduation each semester. You will be notified when your diploma is ready for pick-up and a postcard will be mailed to the address on file. You will also be notified through your Pellissippi State email address so be sure to check it frequently. If you have an address change please contact the records office at records@pstcc.edu or call 865.694.6632.

Quick Links:

New Students:

Commencement

Information for graduates

Ceremony Registration

Arrival and Check-in

Guests and Live Streaming

Prohibited Items

Disability Accommodations and Requests

Photos

Bouquets for Purchase

Commencement Frequently Asked Questions