Commencement
Registrar · Graduation Ceremony
Commencement 2026
Yavapai College Commencement ceremonies are social events celebrating graduates. The Verde Valley and Prescott area ceremonies are held each year in May.
Locations and Times
Review ceremony dates, times, locations, livestream information, and security requirements for the 2026 commencement ceremonies.
Graduate Reminder
Potential spring graduates should monitor their YC email for an RSVP link beginning March 31.
Verde Valley Area
Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 10 a.m.
Potential Spring Graduates: Monitor your YC email for an RSVP link on March 31.
- Yavapai College
- 601 W Black Hills Dr
- Clarkdale, AZ 86324
Graduates and guests are required to go through security checkpoints, including wand and bag checks.
Prescott Area
Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 1 p.m.
Potential Spring Graduates: Monitor your YC email for an RSVP link on March 31.
- Findlay Toyota Center
- 3201 N Main St
- Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
Suite rentals are available: complete the inquiry form .
Graduates and guests are required to go through security checkpoints, including wand and bag checks.
Who is eligible to participate in Commencement?
All students who graduated in the fall or spring semester, or who plan to graduate in the summer semester of the current academic year, are eligible to participate. Prior year graduates are not included.
Fall graduates and potential spring and summer graduates will receive an email notification after Spring Break regarding Commencement attendance.
Are graduates required to wear a cap and gown?
Yes. Graduates are required to wear a cap, gown, and tassel for Commencement.
Cap, Gown, and Tassel
Choose the Ceremony Essentials package, which includes cap, gown, and tassel.
$18.50 plus shipping.
Do I have to attend Commencement to get my diploma?
No.
- After final grades are posted, an audit will verify that all degree or certificate requirements have been met. Successful graduates will have access to a digital copy of their diploma or certificate within 10 days of the end of the semester.
- Diplomas and certificates will be mailed to successful graduates approximately two weeks after the end of the semester to the current mailing address on file.
- Check your current address by logging in and going to
My Account→My Personal Information. - Any balance due to the College or holds on your student record will prevent the release of your diploma.
What does graduation “with honors” mean?
A student who is awarded an associate degree with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or higher at Yavapai College is designated as graduating “with honors.” See the catalog for additional requirements.
The notation appears in the Commencement program. The words “with honors” are included in the degree conferral on the student’s official transcript and diploma.
Honors designations recognized at graduation
- Member graduates have a CHP notation in the Commencement program.
- Graduates are provided with a gold cord to wear around the neck at the ceremony.
- Member graduates have a PTK notation in the Commencement program.
- Member graduates are encouraged to purchase the key honors stole to wear at Commencement.
Graduate Attire and Cap Decoration Guidelines
Graduates are required to wear a cap, gown, and tassel for Commencement.
Ceremony Essentials Package
Choose the Ceremony Essentials package, which includes cap, gown, and tassel.
$18.50 plus shipping.
What graduates may wear in addition to the cap, gown, and tassel
Graduates may wear cords or stoles provided or sanctioned by a Yavapai College group, club, or organization.
For example, U.S. Military Veterans are provided with a red, white, and blue cord.
What graduates may not wear in the ceremony
Graduates may not wear privately purchased cords, stoles, or other items that are not provided or sanctioned by a Yavapai College group, club, or organization.
Cap decoration guidelines
- No offensive language, sayings, nicknames, pictures, or lyrics on the cap. No logos, numbers other than the graduation year, or symbols.
- No objects such as signs, bells, flowers, or any 3D object may rest on the cap.
- All decorations must lay flat on the cap.
- Nothing can appear beyond eye level. Only the top of the mortarboard can be decorated. Nothing may hang down from any side of the cap.
- No noisemakers are allowed on the cap, including bells, horns, or anything that makes noise.
- Flashing lights and other electronics are not permitted.
The administration reserves the right to disallow anything not considered appropriate for the commencement ceremony. Students may be provided a replacement cap while supplies are available. Students will not be able to participate in the ceremony without a cap and gown.