Updated: June 21, 2023
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.
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.