Graduation

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.

• 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.