Montgomery College hosts its annual commencement ceremony each May at the Rockville Campus Athletic Field to honor students who have completed associate degrees, certificates and other academic programs. The commencement event includes a formal academic procession, degree conferral, faculty recognition, and a celebratory acknowledgment of student achievement. The entire college community — graduates, faculty, staff, family and friends — come together to celebrate this milestone academic occasion.

Participation in the Montgomery College commencement ceremony requires official academic regalia. Graduates must wear a traditional mortarboard graduation cap, classic black graduation gown, and coordinating tassel to participate. Academic regalia sets (cap, gown and tassel) are sold at campus bookstores, Grad Fairs, and through vendors like Jostens. Graduates are encouraged to purchase regalia early to allow time for pressing or steaming prior to the ceremony.

Montgomery College offers honor cords that can be purchased at campus bookstores. In addition, advisors distribute Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) stoles at Grad Fairs and commencement rehearsals for eligible honor society members. Honor cords and stoles symbolize academic honors and society membership and are worn over the graduation gown in accordance with the college’s commencement policies.

Faculty and administrators participating in the commencement wear full academic regalia with scholarly gowns, hoods, and academic caps that reflect their highest earned degrees. Faculty regalia features color trim and hood lining that indicates academic discipline and scholarly achievement, contributing to the ceremonial dignity of the event.

Whether ordering your graduation cap and gown set, coordinating tassel colors, or adding honor cords and stoles, Montgomery College’s commencement attire standards help graduates embody academic tradition and celebrate their accomplishments on graduation day.