Summer graduates may request a Commencement Appeal due to extenuating circumstances that prevent the graduate from attending the following year鈥檚 commencement ceremony.
The Commencement ceremony is an opportunity for MCC to pay special tribute to its graduates for the outstanding efforts they have shown in earning their degree or certificate.
Congratulations! You've made it!
Our commencement ceremony is held once a year in the Dort Financial Event Center (formerly Perani Arena) at the end of the Winter semester.
The Event Center has instituted required bag checks for everyone entering the arena. Our Public Safety will be conducting these as quickly as possible, but there will be delay in entering the facility. Please plan accordingly and also remember lines into the parking lot will be long as well. (See Bag Policy below)
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 2:00pm
Dort Financial Event Center 3501 Lapeer Rd. Flint, MI
Commencement will be Live Streamed
Graduation candidates need to arrive NO LATER than 12:30pm. There is NO rehearsal.
Proceed to the downstairs level of the arena. MCC staff will be present to direct the candidates in the commencement lineup.
Graduation candidates are required to wear the traditional black cap and gown for the commencement ceremony. Only solid black regalia will be accepted, with no additional colors or modifications permitted. This ensures uniformity and honors the formality of the occasion.
There is no assigned seating, however Honors College and PTK graduates are invited, but not required, to be seated in the front rows.
Only your name will be read at the stage; not your degree or certificate. The graduate is called to the stage only once, even if several degrees or certificates are conferred.
It is strongly recommended by Dort Financial Center to avoid bringing bags to events. However, if necessary, attendees may bring:
Traditional attire is required for participation in commencement ceremonies. Graduates may purchase their caps and gowns in the Student Life Center (Main Campus - CM 1129) starting May 4, 2026.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cap, Gown & Tassel | $45.00 |
| Extra Tassel | 8.00 |
| Honor Cords | 15.00 |
Honor Cords designation by color
White cords: 3.0 - 3.4999 "Graduation with honors"
Silver cords: 3.5 - 3.999 "Graduation with high honors"
Gold cords: 4.0 "Graduation with highest honors"
Cap & Gown Sales start on May 4, 2026! You can purchase your cap and gown in the Student Life Center (Main Campus - CM 1129). The final day for purchases (9th) is on Commencement Day and will be located in the staging area of the Dort Federal Event Center.
Graduate Honor Reception 鈥 Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Eligible graduates who have achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher in their studies will be invited to a college-wide Graduate Honors Reception to be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Students who qualify receive an invitation from the Office of the Student Academic Success Vice President. Invited grads, families and friends must RSVP as tickets are limited. Graduates will receive their honors pins and those earning an Associate degree with a 4.0 GPA along with the Paul Karr and Phil Braun award winners will be recognized during the ceremony.
Paul Karr Award
The Paul Karr Award is awarded each year to the graduate chosen to represent the
class as its best citizen on the basis of scholarship based on number of credits and
GPA, character and service. This honor is noted on the student鈥檚 permanent record.
Phil Braun Award
Recognition is awarded each year to the graduate most outstanding in scholarship.
This honor is noted on the student鈥榮 permanent record.
Graduation with Honors Designations
Students graduating with a cumulative 3.0 鈥 4.0 GPA will receive one of the following
notations
on their Associates Degree transcript:
A photographer will be present at the graduation ceremony to take photos before the ceremony and when you walk across the stage to receive your diploma. The company will send you information about ordering photos shortly after the ceremony.
Contact Information: Call Photography (734) 449-2467 or email [email protected].
This year the Event Center has instituted required bag checks for everyone entering the arena. Our Public Safety will be conducting these as quickly as possible, but there will be delay in entering the facility. Please plan accordingly and also remember lines into the parking lot will be long as well.
Location:
Dort Financial Event Center 3501 Lapeer Rd. Flint, MI
Please advise your family and friends to arrive early. There is NO reserved seating. Doors open at 12:30pm.
All parking at Dort Financial Event Center is FREE for the Graduation ceremony.
If you require special accommodations such as a stage ramp for a physical disability, or an interpreter for the deaf, please call (810) 762-0237 and email [email protected] so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Congratulations, you are a graduate and eligible to join the MCC Alumni Association!
Sign-up in the Alumni & Friends Registry to keep in touch with your classmates and MCC. There is no membership fee.
Remember, you will receive your degree or certificate by mail approximately 6 weeks after final grades are posted.
Your degree will take you farther at a 4-year university/college.
With our partnerships and transfer agreements with universities/colleges, your completed degree credits transfer towards your Bachelor's Degree.
