Commencement 2024

Graduation refers to the conferring of an academic degree. At Harford Community College, you must meet specific requirements to graduate, and you must apply for graduation. Commencement is an optional College-sponsored ceremony in which graduating students dress in regalia, process, and are formally conferred a degree or certification. To participate in the Commencement ceremony, you must meet all graduation requirements and reserve a spot in the ceremony. RSVPing for Commencement is a separate form from the graduation application.

The College provides caps and gowns to all students who RSVP to Commencement. Regalia will be able to be picked up at the bookstore May 6–20, excluding weekends. For hours, please visit the College Store website.

While it is not the practice of the College to encourage the decoration of caps at the Commencement ceremony, if it is your intention to do so, please do it tastefully and with respect for the dignity of the occasion. The College holds Commencement to celebrate the academic achievements of all the graduates of the Class of 2024. We ask that you recognize it as a formal and prestigious occasion and to hold the event in proper perspective.

Stoles and/or cords are provided by Honor Societies. If you are part of an Honor Society, you will receive information from your Honor Society advisor. If you believe you should have received an Honor Society stole or cord and have not, please reach out to your advisor or the Office of Student life at studentlife@harford.edu.

Students should arrive at the Auxiliary Gym in the Susquehanna Center one hour before their ceremony start time. Bring limited belongings and leave them with guests before heading to the Auxiliary Gym. Belongings may not be stored in the Auxiliary Gym. Once students check in, they will be given a card to hand to the Dean as they walk across the stage. All graduates will walk to the Arena together and will be seated by division. Staff will be available in the Auxiliary Gym to assist with any questions.

We recommend that graduates dress semi-casually or semi-formally depending on your level of comfort walking across the stage and your level of comfort being recorded/photographed. Gowns are blue.

There are no tickets needed for guests to attend either Commencement Ceremony. Seating is first come, first serve.

Heavy Traffic Anticipated Around Harford Community College
Traffic will be very busy around the College as students and visitors arrive and depart. Parking at the College will also be congested. Plan your trip accordingly to account for extra time if attending or driving in the area around the campus. Note: There is construction on the Harford Community College campus.

Parking

• Parking behind Susquehanna will be restricted May 23-31 to accommodate VIP parking and will be closed to traffic.
• The tennis courts will be closed from May 20 to 31.
• S Lot and T Lot will be available for Commencement parking. C Lot will remain open for students, employees, and graduation guests.
• Those who can park farther away from the APGFCU Arena in other campus lots and walk to the building are encouraged to do so. 

Graduates
Graduates should enter the Susquehanna Center by the APGFCU Arena main entrance and go to the Auxiliary Gym. 

General Public
Doors open to guests at 9 AM  for the 10 AM ceremony and at 1 PM for the 2 PM ceremony.

Harford Community College is committed to promoting the full participation of all individuals with disabilities in the Commencement Ceremony.  For disability-related accommodations, contact 443.412.2402 at least 2 weeks before the event.  Please find additional accommodation information below:

• Drop Off/Pick Up: The main entrance of the APGFCU Arena offers a convenient drop off/pick up option for guests.
• ADA Parking: Accessible parking is available in the S Lot closest to the Arena.  A disability placard or disability license plate is required to park in these designated spaces.
• Ramp: In addition to the stairs leading from the parking lot to the main entrance of the Arena, there is a ramp to the left-hand side when facing the Arena.
• ADA Seating: Seating for individuals with wheelchairs is located in row A on the floor in bleacher sections B, C, L, and M, and on the concourse in row P in bleacher sections F, G, and H (under the flags).
• Elevator: Upon entering the Arena’s main entrance, the elevator is located just beyond the restrooms on the concourse.
• ASL Interpreting Available: Each ceremony will include live ASL interpreting services.  Seats in Section B will be reserved for individuals utilizing these services.
• Large Print Programs: Large print programs are available upon request, as supplies last.

Congratulations, Harford Class of 2024! We're extremely proud of our newest graduates! We're recognizing you with a small gift from all of us here at Harford Community College.

If you participate in this year’s in-person Commencement Ceremony and take part in the formal portrait session, your digital portraits will be available for download at no cost as a small gift from all of us at Harford.