ESCC Shares Commencement 2026 Info

ESCC’s 2026 Commencement Newsletter

If you have not already applied for graduation, follow these directions:

How to Apply for Graduation

1. First, see your advisor and they will work with you in completing an initial review of your graduation readiness. You must certify on the graduation application that you have consulted with your advisor.
2. Next, if it is determined that you will be ready to graduate by the upcoming semester, submit an online graduation application by the deadline.

To access the online Graduation Application

1. Go to the ESCC website by clicking HERE
2. Click on “MyESCC”
3. Enter your username and password
4. Click on VCCS SIS: Student Information System
5. Click on the “Academic Records and Progress” tile, then select Apply for Graduation. (This is at the bottom left on your screen)
6. Click on the “Proceed with Making Application” button and follow the prompts, answer the questions, and click “I agree” and then “Submit.”

Once your application is received, the college will officially review your academic record, and the registrar will send you an email informing you of your graduation status.

Commencement 2026

Congratulations on completing your program—now it is time to stand and be recognized! Commencement will be held on the campus of Your Eastern Shore Community College on Wednesday,May 13 at 5:00 p.m. The event will be outdoors with no tent. The rain date is Thursday, May 14th, at 5:00 p.m.

Guests

You may invite up to 3 guests to the ceremony. All guests aged 3 and above need a ticket to the event. You can pick tickets up from Student Services Monday-Thursday, April 20-April 23, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Friday, April 24 from 8:30am-12:00pm. If there are additional tickets, you will receive an email on Monday, May 4^th. For additional assistance, email Amy Shockley at ashockley@es.vccs.edu or call (757) 789-1720.

Rehearsal

Commencement Rehearsal will be held on Monday, May 11th, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. on campus in the Great Hall of the Workforce Building. Please plan to attend. 

Caps & Gowns (Regalia)

You must wear the ceremonial cap and gown regalia to participate in commencement. You must order your cap and gown between March 2^nd and April 2^nd from Herff Jones. Click here to order:

https://collegegrad.herffjones.com

Again, you must order no later than April 2^nd. The cost is $36.50 plus tax. All regalia will be shipped to ESCC on May 2^nd.  You will not have to pay shipping costs. You will be contacted when your order is available for pick-up from Student Services.    If you have questions, please contact studentservices@es.vccs.edu or call (757)789-1720.

If you order more commencement materials other than the cap and gown, you will pay a shipping fee, and those items must be shipped to your home.

Day of the Ceremony/Arrival Time

You must arrive at the main academic building no later than 4:00 p.m. to put on your cap and gown, receive your name card, and line up for the procession. Graduates who earned Certificates of Completion and/or Career Studies Certificates report to room 148. Graduates who earned an Associate Degree report to room 147.  Graduates who earned a High School Equivalency Credential (GED/NEDP) report to room 140 (classroom in the Adult Education suite).

Photos

A professional photographer will take a photo of each graduate during the ceremony. If you want a professional photo taken in front of the ESCC backdrop, you should arrive by 3:00 p.m. inside the main entrance to the academic building. Order forms for the photos will be in the diploma cover you receive. Guests may take pictures from their seats but cannot be in the aisles due to safety hazards.

Ceremonial Tips for Graduates

• Wear business clothes (no jeans) with comfortable shoes. You will be walking on uneven ground and up steps to the stage.
• Wear your tassel towards the front on the right side of your cap.
• Remain standing until all graduates are at their seats.
• Be respectful of commencement speakers.
• Get your name card from the ESCC staff in the room. Do not lose it! You must have it ready to hand to Professor Zodun, who will announce your name.
• Once Professor Zodun announces your name, you will receive your diploma from Dr. Minus with your left hand and shake his hand with your right hand. You will then shake hands with the ESCC Advisory Board Chair and exit the stage.
• Your diploma cover will contain directions for ordering pictures taken by the photographer. You will be notified by text when your Academic degrees and/or certificate are available. This does not apply to Workforce students. Please contact Workforce at 757-789-7979 for more information.
• No balloons will be permitted.

Important Dates & Times

Last date to order cap and gown: Thursday, April 2nd at 11:59pm.

• Commencement rehearsal: Monday, May 11^th 5:00 pm on campus in the Great Hall in the Workforce Building.
• Commencement ceremony: Wednesday, May 13th, 5:00 p.m.
• Rain date: Thursday, May 14th, 5:00 p.m.
• You will be notified by text when your Academic degrees and/or certificate are available. This does not apply to Workforce students. Please contact Workforce at 757-789-7979 for more information.

More Information

For more information about commencement, go to ESCC’s website homepage (https://es.vccs.edu/), scroll down to “Important Events” and click on 2026 Spring Commencement.