Congratulations, graduates, on your academic achievement!
You have come to the right place as you look at the necessary steps to complete and celebrate your degree or certification from Clover Park Technical College! Make sure you read all of the information thoroughly and complete all applicable steps noted below.
2025 Commencement Ceremony
This year’s 2025 commencement graduation ceremony will take place at the Tacoma Dome on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 6:30pm. The Arena is located at 2727 E D St. Tacoma, WA 98421.
Doors open at 5pm and the ceremony will start promptly at 6:30pm. The event is not ticketed.
The RSVP form will be available on April 8.
Apply for Graduation
In order to receive your certificate or degree you must complete a Degree/Certificate Application. This step is crucial as it communicates with our credentials evaluator that CPTC needs to go through your transcripts and verify that we can award you your physical degree and/or certificate.
Students should complete this degree/certificate application the 4th week of the quarter they will complete their program or certificate. Completing the Degree/Certificate Application does not register you for the annual Commencement Ceremony, please continue to officially RSVP for the ceremony.
Students completing their degree/certificate in Spring 2025 must submit a degree/certificate application by Friday, April 25. Students completing their degree/certificate in Summer 2025 must submit a degree/certificate application by Friday, July 25.
RSVP for the 2025 Commencement Ceremony
The priority deadline to RSVP to the 2025 Commencement Ceremony is Sunday, May 11. Graduates should RSVP to the ceremony using Tassel by the priority deadline to ensure your name is displayed on the screen and read aloud as you cross the stage, and to ensure your name is included in the printed program.
How to RSVP to the 2025 Commencement Ceremony
- Create an account with Tassel. Graduates will receive an email, to their preferred email, from Tassel with link to create their Tassel account.
- Click the link in the email
- Click on "Register as a New User"
- Enter your email address and create a password
- Once your account is created, information for the 2025 ceremony will display on your screen along with button that says "Register Here"
- Click the "Register Here" button and complete the registration form
Didn't get an email from Tassel? No worries! Simply submit a Tassel Access Request Form and we'll get you uploaded into the Tassel system within 24-48 business hours!
Note: Students completing in Summer 2025 will need to submit an access request form to be added into the Tassel system.
Students that miss the May 11 priority deadline can still register and participate in the ceremony though your name may be excluded from the program as it has already gone to print. Your name will not be pre-recorded but will still be announced live as you cross the stage.
The final RSVP deadline is Thursday, June 5.
Please note, completing the RSVP form does not notify the credentials evaluator that you are completing your degree and/or certificate. Please make sure you also complete the Degree/Certificate Application noted above.
Tacoma Dome Details
- Prohibited/Permitted Items
- Security Enhancements
- Bag Size Restrictions
- Parking & Directions
- Park free at the Tacoma Dome
Watch Commencement Live
The 2025 ceremony is scheduled to be live streamed for those who are unable to attend the event in person.
The link to the live stream will be added to this webpage as we get closer to the event.
While we do everything we can to ensure a great streaming experience for you, we cannot guarantee the absence of technological difficulties.
Student Speaker & National Anthem Performer
The Graduation Committee is looking for 2025 graduates to represent the Class of 2025 as the Student Speaker and National Anthem Performer during this year's commencement ceremony. Interested? Complete a Student Speaker/Musical Performer Application form by April 25, 2025.
Caps & Gowns
A cap and gown are required to participate in the 2025 Commencement Ceremony. There are a couple of ways you can order your cap & gown.
Online Purchasing Options
- Graduates can visit http://cloverpark.shopoakhalli.com to purchase their graduation items.
- Graduates can choose the ship to store option and can order March 14-April 25, 2025.
- All ship to store orders will be available for pick up starting June 2, 2025.
- Graduates can choose the ship to home option and can order March 14-May 7, 2025.
- Shipping to home adds an additional $15.95 shipping charge.
In Store Purchasing Options
- Graduates who prefer to order in store can do so June 2 - June 10, 2025.
- The CPTC Bookstore is located on the Lakewood Campus in Building 23.
Pricing
- Graduates can purchase their cap, gown & tassel (bundle) for $49.98 plus tax
- Cap only is $11.98 plus tax
- Tassel only is $9.98 plus tax
- Keyring is $9.98 plus tax
Questions about purchasing your graduation regalia at the CPTC Bookstore? Contact Kariena Mellor, Bookstore Manager, at kariena.mellor@cptc.edu or call 253-589-5614.
Wear It Forward
The Department of Student Life loans out a limited number of gowns, free of charge, to graduates through a program called "Wear It Forward". There are approximately 100 gowns, in a variety of sizes available on a first come, first served basis. The Wear It Forward request form will be available starting April 8 and students will be notified starting May 19 of the status of their request. Students who receive a loaner gown will be able to pick them up in the Student Leadership & Service Center (SLSC) between May 28 - June 5.
We are also really excited to share that through a generous partnership with Event Services, students who sign up for the Wear It Forward this year will also receive a free cap and tassel! For questions about the Wear It Forward program, please contact Danny Lee at danny.lee@cptc.edu or 253-589-5644.
Event Photos
Professional photographers will be taking photos at this year's Commencement Ceremony. Each graduate participating in the ceremony will have the opportunity to have a posed photo commemorating the event. Graduates will be able to go to the 1000 Words Events website after the ceremony to view and save photos of the event at no cost. Photos will be available approximately 1 week after the event.
Tacoma Dome Parking
The Tacoma Dome has parking lots located around the perimeter of the facility that can accomodate 1,100 cars.
There is no parking fee at the Tacoma Dome this year.
Alternate Parking Options
Alternate parking options include parking in downtown Tacoma and taking the Tacoma Link Light Rail (check schedule for hours) or parking in the Pierce Transit/Sound Transit Tacoma Dome Station Garage which is located a few blocks from the Tacoma Dome. Cabs may also be available at the Tacoma Dome taxi drop-off/pick-up area or new Freighthouse Square. The Tacoma Dome has built an official Uber Pickup/Dropoff Zone as an additional option for visitors.
Disability Accommodations
If you or your family members need any ADA accommodations to fully attend and/or participate in the commencement ceremony please contact Sarah Addington, Disabilities Services Manager at sarah.addington@cptc.edu or 253-589-5767. To ensure accommodations will be in place prior to your arrival, please contact us by Monday, May 12 . We will do everything in our power to accommodate any requests that are submitted after the priority deadline.
Veteran's Cords
Students who are eligible to receive a Veterans Cord should contact Dee Ladson, Veterans Service Manager, to pick up their cord.
Phi Theta Kappa Members
Members of Phi Theta Kappa may purchase the traditional Honor Stole at the PTK virtual store.
Graduation Information Sessions
Do you have questions about graduation? Join us for a graduation information session and get all of your questions answered!
- Monday, April 28 at 3pm viz Zoom
- Monday, May 5 at 3pm in Building 23, Ballroom
Childcare
Please note, there is no childcare option on site during graduation. Children, family members and/or guests are not able to site with graduates during the ceremony. Please plan accordingly.
Ceremony Expectations
It is our expectation that all students participating in the Commencement Ceremony stay thoughout the entire event. You and your peers have worked so hard to reach this milestone and we want to make sure all of our graduates have the same wonderful and supportive experience. We anticipate the event will end between 8:00-8:15pm.
CPTC Commencement Ceremony FAQ's
There will not be a rehearsal at the 2025 ceremony.
More info about the 2025 Commencement Ceremony will be sent by email to students who have registered to attend and also be available on this web page as the date approaches.
The ceremony starts at 6:30pm. Graduates should arrive no later than 6pm to make sure they have plenty of time to check-in and get in line.
A cap and gown are required in order to participate in the graduation ceremony. There are a couple of ways you can order your cap and gown:
Online Purchasing Options
Graduates can visit http://cloverpark.shopoakhalli.com to purchase their graduation items.
- Graduates can choose the ship to store option and can order March 14-April 25, 2025.
- All ship to store orders will be available for pick up starting June 2, 2025.
- Graduates can choose the ship to home option and can order March 14-May 7, 2025.
- Shipping to home adds an additional $15.95 shipping charge.
In Store Purchasing Options
- Graduates who prefer to order in store can do so June 2 - June 10, 2025.
- The CPTC Bookstore is located on the Lakewood Campus in Building 23.
Pricing
- Graduates can purchase their cap, gown & tassel (bundle) for $49.98 plus tax
- Cap only is $11.98 plus tax
- Tassel only is $9.98 plus tax
- Keyring is $9.98 plus tax
Questions about purchasing your graduation regalia at the CPTC Bookstore? Contact Kariena Mellor, Bookstore Manager at kariena.mellor@cptc.edu or 253-589-5614.
The Department of Student Life loans out a limited number of gowns, free of charge, to graduates through a program called "Wear It Forward". There are approximately 100 gowns in a variety of sizes available on a first come, first served basis. Students interested in participating in the program must submit a request/ Gown rentals are on a first come, first served basis. Students will be notified in mid May of the status of their request for a loaner gown. For questions about the Wear It Forward program please contact Danny Lee, Manager of Student Engagement, at danny.lee@cptc.edu or at 253-589-5644. Applications for Wear It Forward will be available April 8.
Students who will be completing their degree during the summer quarter of 2025 are eligible to participate in the June 2025 ceremony though their names and credentials will not appear in the official printed materials.
Since the ceremony is not a ticketed event, there is no limit to the number of guests that you can invite.
No. the ceremony is not a ticketed event, therefore no tickets are required. There is no limit to the number of guests that you can invite.
The Degree/Certificate Application communicates to Clover Park Technical College and our credentials evaluator that we need to go through your transcript and verify that you are eligible to complete your program or certificate!
The annual Commencement Ceremony honors any eligible student completing a degree, certificate, high school diploma, or High School Equivalency Diploma granted by CPTC during the fall, winter, spring, and summer quarter of the current academic year.
If you or your family members need any ADA accommodations to fully attend and/or participate in the commencement ceremony please contact Disabilities Services Manager, Sarah Addington at 253-589-5767.
To ensure accommodations will be in place prior to your arrival, please contact us by Monday, May 12. We will do everything in our power to accommodate any requests that are submitted after the priority deadline.
Please contact Blake Smith, Student Life Program Assistant or Jessica Wallack, Director of Student Life and Graduation Coordinator.
Tassel Order FAQ's
Tassel is a software system designed to create more personalized graduation experiences for students. As graduates cross the stage their name will be announced (pre-recorded by a professional voice artist, ensuring your name is pronounced correctly), along with their name and degree will be displayed on the screen.
Graduates will receive an email, to their preferred email address that is on file with CPTC, from Tassel with a personalized link to create your Tassel account. Click that link to create your account!
No! Once you create your Tassel account, you still need to login and complete the RSVP form.
Program or Certificate Completion FAQ's
- A cumulative grade point average of no less than 2.0;
- Met all of the program requirements;
- Completed 25 percent of the technical coursework at Clover Park Technical College
- Earn a cumulative grade point average of 3.75-4.0 while completing their degree/certificate
- Students will be notified by mail of their eligibility for graduation honors
Clover Park Technical College curriculum is based on current industry standards. Returning Clover Park Technical College students who left prior to completion of their program must meet the program's graduation requirements as described in the current Clover Park Technical College catalog.
Clover Park Technical College Students who have completed the technical requirements of their program but have not completed the General Education requirements for a degree or certificate will have one year from their date of withdrawal to complete the required General Education classes. If a longer period of time elapses before General Education courses are completed, the student will be required to meet the program's graduation requirements as described in the current Clover Park Technical College catalog.
A student is in good academic standing when the quarterly grade point average remains at or above 2.0.
The Associate of Applied Technology degree, the Associate of Applied Science-T degree, the Associate of Arts and Science Degree (DTA/MRP) in Pre-Nursing or in Technology, or the Bachelor of Applied Science in Manufacturing Operations. One of the degrees is awarded to students who satisfactorily complete the competencies and requirements as approved by the College's Curriculum Committee and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. The degree programs are defined and program requirements outlined in the current CPTC catalog.
A Certificate is awarded to students who satisfactorily complete the competencies and requirements for programs that are not defined as degree programs. Core academic courses are required in certificate programs of one academic year or more (more than 45 credits).
Students who believe they have completed their academic requirements for their degree or certifications can apply online for Degree Completion Audit by completing a Degree/Certificate Application. This step is crucial as it communicates with our credentials evaluator that CPTC needs to go through your transcripts and verify that we can award you your degree or certificate. Upon completion Certificates and Degrees are mailed to the students home.
Degrees and Certificates are not given out at the Commencement Ceremony.
Honor Cord FAQ
A student completing a CPTC degree and/or certificate who achieves a cumulative college level grade point average of 3.75-4.0 is eligible for honors at graduation. Each student who meets these criteria will have the notation of Honors placed on their diploma.
Must have earned a cumulative college level grade point average of 3.75-4.0 while completing their degree/certificate.
No. Honors eligibility each spring is based on winter quarter GPA. Summer quarter is not calculated for honors, so honor cords are not available for summer 2025 graduates participating in the Spring 2025 ceremony.
Students will receive their honor cord letters by May 20.
Enrollment Services, Building 17. You can talk to any of these three people in Enrollment Services:
- Marie Ott, Manager of Admissions & Enrollment Systems
- McKenzee Murphy, Director of Enrollment Services and Registrar
Honor cords will be available for pick up at the Enrollment Services Office beginning May 21, 2025.
Please note, Enrollment Services will be closing at 12pm on June 10 in preparation for the Commencement Ceremony.
Honor cords may be picked up through the day of the Commencement Ceremony, June 10. Please note, offices will be close at 12pm on the day of the ceremony, so please be sure to stop by before then. Honor cords will not be available for pick-up at the ceremony.
To pick up your honor cord, please bring your letter and photo ID to the Enrollment Services Office, located in Building 17 on the Lakewood campus. Honor cords may be picked up during Enrollment Services business hours noted below.
- Monday: 7:30am - 4:30pm
- Tuesday: 7:30am - 4:30pm
- Wednesday: 7:30am - 6:00pm
- Thursday: 7:30am - 4:30pm
- Friday: 7:30am - 12:00pm
Nothing – honor cords are free!
Unfortunately not. Eligible students can only receive one honor cord.
Only if you earned a degree/certificate and your cumulative grade point average is 3.75-4.0.
No. Students were reminded via email at the beginning of the quarter to order their PTK regalia for graduation. Students can order their PTK regalia, including honor cords, through www.ptk.org.
Commencement Details
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 6:30pm
Doors open at 5pm
Commencement Location
Venue Details
Contact
- Questions about the Graduation Application
- Credentials Evaluator
- evaluator@cptc.edu
- Questions about the Ceremony
- Graduation Coordinator
- jessica.wallack@cptc.edu
- 253-589-5780
