Graduation Forum

If you missed our 2026 Graduation Forum, you can download the full presentation below. This document includes important information on

• the graduation application process,
• commencement ceremony details,
• cap and gown requirements,
• graduation honors and cords,
• transcript information,
• and key contacts.

Commencement Ceremony Tickets

Commencement is free and open to the public—bring your friends and family to celebrate! No tickets required.

Disability Assistance

To assist us in providing arrangements for accessibility support services for graduates, please contact Student Services at 925 W. Edenborne Parkway, Gonzales, Louisiana, main building, room 111, and may be contacted at 225-743-8526.

Ceremony Etiquette

This is a significant academic milestone, and we encourage everyone to celebrate respectfully. Families are welcome to applaud graduates; however, air horns and other artificial noisemakers are not permitted.

Ceremony Attire

All graduates must wear regalia. If needed, steam your gown before the ceremony. Please wear appropriate attire and comfortable shoes, as gowns can be warm and graduates will stand for extended periods. Jeans, tennis shoes, work boots, flip-flops, and shorts are not permitted. Caps should be worn straight on the head with the point centered on the forehead, and tassels should hang on the left side.

Graduation Procession Instructions

At check-in, you will receive a white index card with your name and assigned number. Line up in your designated section according to your assigned number and follow instructions from RPCC Marshalls. Bring your white card with you to the stage, where it will be collected for name announcements. After the benediction, remain seated until dismissed by an RPCC Marshall.

Diploma Distribution

Diplomas will be distributed electronically and by USPS mail through Parchment. Please confirm your preferred email and mailing address in LoLA for accurate delivery. Digital diplomas may arrive as early as 2 hours after commencement, and mailed copies typically arrive within 15–20 business days. No diplomas will be distributed on-site.

Graduating With Honors

River Parishes Community College distinguishes honor students based on the following GPA requirements:

• Overall GPA Honor’s graduates between 3.00 and 3.49
• Dean’s Honor graduates between 3.50 and 3.84
• Chancellor’s Honor graduates between 3.85 and 4.00

These distinctions are noted on a graduate’s transcript.

Honors cord issuance will take place May 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Student Services on the Gonzales and Reserve Campuses.

Photography

RPCC is proud to partner with Candid Campus Photography to capture this special milestone for our graduates. Whether you’re looking for graduation portraits, ceremony photos, or professional headshots, we’ve got you covered. Here's what to expect this year:

Grad Fest – Graduation Portraits

Get your graduation photos taken at Grad Fest, with various photo packages available for purchase. This is the perfect opportunity to capture a timeless keepsake before the big day!

Commencement Ceremony – On-Stage Photography

Candid Campus Photography will be on-site during the Commencement Ceremony, capturing every student’s moment on stage after receiving their diploma. Photos will be available for purchase after the event!

Stay tuned for more details on how to access and purchase your graduation photos.

Candid Campus Contact Information:
[email protected]
504-366-0607

Ordering Your Cap & Gown

To place your order, choose one of the following options:

Option 1: Rex Package (Cap & Gown + Graduation Announcements)

Complete the 2026 RPCC Rex Package Order Form to purchase a bundled package that includes your cap, gown, and graduation announcements. View the full order form for details on what’s included.