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​​​​Comm​encement

(#norcocollegegrad​  #NCgrad2023  #NC_Commencement2023)​​​​ ​


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2023 Commencement Snapshot

Updated: June 21, 2023


General InformationRegalia

Diplomas and Program BookPhoto Frames & Backgrounds

Meet Your Commencement SpeakersGrad Stories


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General Information


When and Where is Commencement 2023?

Commencement takes place on Friday, June 9, 2023 at 6 PM at the Norco College Soccer Field.

What takes place at the Norco College (NC) Commencement Ceremony?

The NC Commencement ceremony is hosted by the RCCD Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, and the College President. The ceremony opens with a grand academic procession beginning promptly at 6:00 PM, followed by remarks from college leadership, the conferring of honorary degrees, addresses by the faculty and student commencement speaker, and the formal transition—the turning of the mortarboard tassel from right to left—that marks the moment when members of the current graduating class officially become NC graduates and alumni.

Is this a ticketed event?

This year, students will be able to register for up to 10 free tickets for their family and friends. Tickets are not needed for children under 2 years of age. Seating is first come, first serve, we ask you to limit saving no more than 2 seats. You can register for your guest tickets here:

​Will the ceremonies be broadcast for those unable to attend?

Yes, for those who cannot join us at Norco College on June 9th, the in-person ceremonies will be broadcast online, live, and on-demand for future viewing. The broadcast will be available on our Norco College homepage starting at 6 PM.

How do I participate in social media?

When posting to your social media, please use the hashtags #norcocollegegrad and #NC2023.

Do I need to attend the in-person Commencement ceremonies to have my degree conferred?

No, graduates do not need to attend to have their degree conferred, but you will be missing out on an event of a lifetime!!!

Do I have to attend the Commencement Ceremony?

While it is not required for students to attend the Commencement Ceremony, most alumni would agree that the ceremony exceeded their expectations and put an exclamation point on their time at Norco College. Family members have also shared that this is a great way to celebrate their student’s tremendous accomplishments because it is a big, spirited celebration!  

I will be finishing my degree requirements this summer or fall (2023). Can I participate in this year’s graduation ceremony?

Students may participate in commencement if they are within 9 units of completing the requirements for the degree they have applied for. Any application received with a student lacking more than 9 units in order to complete requirements will be cancelled. 

When does the graduate need to arrive on campus on Commencement Day?

In order to walk in the NC Commencement ceremony procession, you should be ready on Friday, June 9th no later than 4 PM at the Amphitheater next to the Center for Student Success Building.  As parking and seating are on a first-come, first-served basis, it is wise to arrive early. 

When should guests arrive on Commencement Day?

The ceremony begins promptly at 6:00 PM. We recommend guests to arrive between 4:30 PM – 5:15 PM to secure parking and seating. Those who arrive closer to 6:00 PM will have a very difficult time finding parking and seating. Wear comfortable shoes. It is a long walk from the parking lot to the soccer field. Seating is first come, first serve, we do not give out tickets with reserved seating.

Is food permitted on the Soccer Field?

No, food is not permitted on the soccer field. However, bottled water may be brought onto the field. Bottled water will also be sold at this event as a fundraiser for one of the campus clubs.

Accommodations: Riverside Community College District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations to all District programs and activities.

What accommodations will be available for STUDENTS with disabilities?

Accommodations for students with disabilities may be requested by contacting the Disability Resource Center at drc@norcocollege.edu or (951) 372-7070 no later than five days before the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

What accommodations will be available for GUESTS with disabilities?

ASL Interpreters: ASL interpreters will be available for the duration of the ceremony. They will be viewable on the screens to each side of the stage.

Closed Captioning: Closed Captioning (CC) for the ceremony will be available on the YouTube Livestream only. Please click here to view the Livestream on the day of commencement.

Parking: Limited handicap parking will be available in the upper parking lot adjacent to the soccer field. A handicapped drop-off zone will also be available in the same lot.

Seating: For guests with disabilities, there will be limited accessible seating, available on a first come, first served basis. Once you have entered the soccer field, there will be a golf cart available to transport you to the accessible seating area if needed. Golf cart service will only be offered before the ceremony begins.

Wheelchairs/Equipment Unavailable: Wheelchairs and other accessible equipment are not provided by Norco College.



Regalia


​Do I need to wear regalia for the in-person Commencement ceremonies?

Yes, regalia is available at the NC Bookstore, and will be available for purchase in-store and online at www.norcocollegeshop.com​. ASNC will be subsidizing the cost of regalia for the first 250 students. These 250 students will pay $25.00 for their cap, gown, tassel, and hood - ASNC will pay the rest. Honor cords are only available to qualified students as determined by Admissions & Records and cost $12.00.​

Will regalia be shipped to my home, or can I pick up on campus?

Students may purchase instore for quickest service. You may also purchase online and have it shipped to your house. Please include your height and weight when ordering. Gowns are one size fits most; XL caps and gowns also available upon request, while supplies last.

Can I purchase regalia the day of my Commencement ceremony?

Regalia will be available for purchase up to the day of Commencement, however, discounted pricing will likely be exhausted.

Can I get my tassel and honors cords with my regalia?

The Grad Regalia Set includes cap, gown, and tassel. Associate hoods and Honor cords have an additional charge.

Who can I contact if I have questions regarding regalia?

Please call the Norco College Bookstore at 951.372.7085 during business hours or email Bookstore@norcocollege.edu. Their business hours are 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Monday – Thursday and 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Fridays.

How do graduates get honor cords?

Students graduating with Great Distinction are eligible to purchase an Honor Cord. Students graduating with Great Distinction or Distinction will receive a silver 2023 tassel marking their achievement.

 


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Diplomas and Program Book


When will I get my diploma?

Diplomas are distributed by the Office of Admissions and Records. They will be mailed to your permanent address approximately six weeks after degrees are conferred on June 9th.

When and where do I receive my diploma cover?

Diploma covers are distributed to students on stage at the in-person Commencement Ceremony.

How do I get my diploma cover if I cannot attend in person?

For those unable to attend, diploma covers can be picked up after June 20th in the Office of Admissions and Records.

Will my name be listed in the 2023 commencement printed program?

Graduate's name will be included in the printed program unless the graduate has specified otherwise at the time you submitted your application.

How do I get a copy of the 2023 commencement printed program?

The commencement printed program will be available at the in-person ceremony on campus. You will also be able to download a copy of the program from the commencement website.​

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Photo Frames & Backgrounds 


Share your graduation celebrations and Mustang pride with custom social media frames and backgrounds. Be sure to tag @norcocollege in your posts and use hashtag #NCgrads2023.  

To add a frame to your social media post, use an app such as Phonto, Canva or Photoshop Express that allows you to layer multiple images.  

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NC Grad Instagram Story Background (PNG)​​ ​​Grad Instagram Story Background


NC Grad Instagram Story
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Printable Parent Sign


 


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Meet Your Commencement Speakers


Faculty Speaker Bio: Dr. Maria Jurado


Professor Maria Jurado on Norco College campus

Maria Jurado, Ed.D., is a Puente Counselor at Norco College, dedicated to providing invaluable guidance and support to students. She holds a bachelor's and master’s degree from CSU, Los Angeles, in addition to an education doctorate from USC. Dr. Jurado's academic endeavors revolve around her integral role as a counselor and Puente coordinator.

Born in Quito, Ecuador, Dr. Jurado migrated to California at an early age, experiencing the challenges of adapting to an unfamiliar environment firsthand. This fuels her understanding of the importance of establishing effective support systems for students in similar circumstances. Prior to her current position, she worked as a high school counselor and assistant principal, driven by a commitment to make a positive impact on the Latinx population.

Inspired by Dolores Huerta's quote, Dr. Jurado deeply believes in the transformative power of education and is dedicated to empowering students to reach their full potential. Since joining Norco College in 2015, she has exhibited unwavering dedication and passion for guiding and supporting students on their academic and personal journeys.

Student Speaker Bio: Lino Leon


Lino Leon on Norco College campus
Lino G. Leon defied the odds, achieving personal and academic success through resilience and determination. Graduating from Norco College, he demonstrated the power of persistence and self-discipline. Lino actively engaged in various organizations, discovering a passion for self-improvement and community-building. As Vice President of Relations at ASNC, he played a pivotal role in promoting campus events through app development, social media expansion, and poster creation.

Lino's ambition extends beyond academics, aspiring to own a business focused on positive social impact by constructing infrastructure and communities. His remarkable transformation highlights tenacity and dedication, overcoming depression and drug addiction through sobriety, mental health recovery, and physical wellness.

Lino excelled academically, raising his GPA from 1.8 to an impressive 3.4, while using adversity as motivation to excel in student leadership and maintain sobriety. As part of the Disability Resource Center (DRC), he proves that disability does not hinder greatness, diligently grasping subjects and achieving rewarding results.

Looking ahead, Lino eagerly anticipates transferring to UC San Diego, inspiring personal growth, and leaving a legacy of positivity, empowerment, and community transformation.



 

Grad Stories​​​​



Grad Stories: Zehra Kazmi

Zehra Kazmi is an honor's student who majored in Political Science. She is graduating today and will be transferring to UCLA in the fall. Congratulations Zehra! #umoja #eops #honors #NCgrad2023 #MustangPride #congrats #classof2023 #NC_Commencement2023



Grad Stories: Lexi Jones

Lexi Jones is a History major who will be transferring to California State University, Fullerton in the fall with plans to become a teacher. She's enjoyed her time here at NC, participating in Umoja. She is graduating today. Congratulations Lexi! #NCgrad2023 #MustangPride #NC_Commencement2023



Grad Stories: Devean Woolridge

History student Devean Woolridge is graduating today and will be transferring to California State University, Fullerton as he journeys to become a history professor and eventually come back to teach at NC! Congratulations Devean! #NCgrad2023 #MustangPride #NC_Commencement2023 #umoja #menofcolor



Grad Stories: Klutvert Tabot

Biology student Klutvert Tabot is graduating today and transferring to UC Berkley in the fall. He's been active on campus in student government, Umoja, Men of Color, and the Honors Program. Congratulations Klutvert! #NCgrad2023 #Classof2023 #MustangPride #NC_Commencement2023



Grad Stories: Makenna Ashcraft

ASNC president Makenna Ashcraft is a Communication major who will be transferring to UC Riverside in the winter. She has been very active on campus. Congratulations Makenna! #NCgrad2023 #MustangPride #NC_Commencement2023 #ASNC



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