Students who wish to participate in the commencement ceremony must register in advance to reserve their place in the event.

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Graduates

Graduates should arrive at the ShoWare Center by 4:30 p.m. (or earlier) to check in, receive their name card, and line up their program before the ceremony begins.

Guests

Guests are encouraged to arrive between 5 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. to allow time for parking and security screening before the ceremony begins at 6 p.m.

Once the ceremony begins, graduates and guests will not be allowed into backstage or graduate line-up areas.

Graduates may purchase and pick up their cap, and gown at the RTC Bookstore, located in the I-Building, or order online.

Caps, gowns, and cords will be available for purchase and pickup beginning the week of April 27, 2026.

Bookstore hours:

• Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Friday, remote only

Contact: (425) 235-2323

Honor Cords Distribution:

Honor cords will be distributed on the day of the commencement ceremony at the ShoWare Center. There will be a dedicated station for honor cords.

Eligibility Criteria:

Eligibility is based on the cumulative GPA through Winter Quarter 2026. To qualify, a student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher.

Grades from the Spring quarter 2026 will not be considered for honor cord eligibility, as grades will not be posted until June 27.

Honor Cord Meaning:

• Teal – CCP/High School and GED students
• Gold – Honor students (3.7 GPA or better)
• Silver & Gray – ASG Executive Team and Senate
• Red, White & Blue – Veterans
• Purple – 3.5 GPA to 3.6 GPA
• White – Running Start students

No, official credentials are not given out at commencement. You will receive a blank credential cover during the ceremony. Your diploma, degree, or certificate will be mailed to you after your graduation application is reviewed and processed at the end of your final quarter.

Graduating students who will be marching in the ceremony should arrive at the ShoWare Center by 5 p.m. (no later than 5:30 p.m.). The ceremony will start promptly at 6 p.m. (Directions to the ShoWare center and parking lot.) There is free parking located in the ShoWare Center lot. Upon parking, all graduating students should come to the back entrance of the ShoWare Center where there will be check-in tents available for you to receive your name card and line up with your program/degree before the ceremony begins.

Given students and faculty/staff concerns about being in such a large venue with hundreds of people, RTC has included a list of safety measures below that both RTC and the ShoWare Center staff have implemented. IMPORTANT: Once the graduation ceremony begins at 6 p.m., we will not allow graduates, or audience members into backstage areas. We also kindly ask that you please do take young children into the graduate line-up and seating areas.
  
ENTERING THE CENTER   

1. Audience Security Check & Clear Bag Policy: All guests are subject to a bag search and security check without exception. Security checks can include wanding, metal detectors, and pat-downs. Clear bags no larger than 12" x 12" x 6" are allowed. One-gallon clear plastic Ziploc bags are also allowed. Small clutches no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" are allowed. Security must be able to see inside and identify items at the bottom of the bag. Items may not be used to obscure the view of bag contents, including but not limited to non-clear bags, pouches, etc. Bags with interior contents obscured from view are not allowed. Backpacks, multi-compartment bags, duffle bags, and purses larger than 4.5"x 6.5" are not allowed. Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items or single-compartment diaper bags (a child must be present). Clear bag details page is available here.
2. Contactless Entry: Guests will now use walkthrough metal detectors to get through security. This makes entry to the venue quicker while maximizing safety and minimizing touchpoints for staff and audience members.
3. Code of Conduct & Prohibited Items:  Detailed information on allowable and non-allowable items to take inside the ShoWare can be found here.

INSIDE THE CENTER

• CASHLESS - The ShoWare Center has transitioned to a cashless transaction arena ensuring contactless options at the box office and for food and beverage. Credit card transactions only. Cash will no longer be accepted.  
• CONTACTLESS RESTROOMS - Motion censored sinks, soap dispensers, and toilets have been installed in all restrooms for your safety and convenience.  
• HAND SANITIZER STATIONS - Touch-free hand sanitizer stations are available for all fans throughout the arena.  
• SMOKE-FREE FACILITY - The ShoWare Center will be discontinuing the use of the exterior smoking section and guests will no longer be permitted to leave the building and re-enter to smoke.

Friends and family of students who will be watching the ceremony can either sit in the audience or watch the live stream from home.

The event is live streamed on RTC's YouTube page or check the video below: 

How to Order Pictures from the 2025 Commencement Ceremony

Graduates and family members looking to order professional photos from the 2024 Commencement Ceremony can easily do so by contacting GradImages. You can reach their Customer Service Department in the following ways:

• Phone: (800) 261-2576
• Online: www.gradimages.com
• Email: ecc.giservice@gradimages.net

GradImages has a large team of customer care representatives ready to assist with any inquiries or needs regarding graduation photos.