Graduation Ceremony

MPC Students Smiling and Walking at Graduation under Balloon Arch
At MPC, we value and celebrate your goals and we want to help you reach them. Our wide variety of programs means you have options. Explore our programs and speak with a counselor if you have any questions.

Have Questions?

graduation@mpc.edu

(831) 646-4155

Prepare for the Big Day!

Commencement 2025 - Friday, May 23rd | 6pm (Pappas-Phillips Community Stadium)

Make sure you're ready for Graduation! Prepare for your special day with everything you need to know for the ceremony, from purchasing your regalia and choosing the right attire to inviting guests and capturing the moment with photos. Find helpful information to ensure a smooth and memorable graduation experience or learn how to take part in separate affinity Recognition Ceremonies.

Who Can Participate?

Graduates of the Summer and Fall semesters (2024), as well as prospective graduates of Spring and Summer of the current year (2025), may participate in the ceremony, and we look forward to celebrating with you! If you haven't yet submitted your graduation petition and required worksheets, you should contact Admissions and Records immediately to discuss submitting a late petition. They can guide you through the specific steps needed for your situation.

Next Steps: Complete the RSVP Form to Participate

Graduation RSVP

Click the button above if you would like to participate in this year's commencement ceremony. Complete the form by Wednesday, May 14, 2025 to ensure your confirmation of attendance.

Regalia & Attire

Graduation caps & gowns are required to participate in the ceremony. Students are encouraged to decorate their caps to identify their degree program or transfer destination!

Regalia can be ordered in-person or online at the MPC Bookstore prior to graduation. Student Services and the Bookstore will hold a special GradFest Sale in the Student Center on May 15 from 11am-2pm. This event provides a great opportunity for students to pick up graduation regalia and other festive graduation items prior to the ceremony.

Special Note: The last day to order graduation items online is May 2, 2025 at 8:59pm.

Students should wear clothing that is personally comfortable to them under their gown, business casual attire is recommended. Shoes with sharp and/or pointy heels are not permitted, as they may puncture the turf. If wearing heels, a block-style is recommended.

Graduates are expected to walk from the amphitheater to the stadium across rough terrain. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Accommodations will be made for any student with a physical disability, including those students requiring wheelchair access. The weather on the Monterey Peninsula fluctuates frequently. Jackets, blankets and an umbrella are recommended.

Information for Your Guests
  • No tickets are necessary and there is no limit on the number of guests a student may invite. Seating is available on both sides of the football stadium. We are unable to reserve seats for people—all seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Parking is available at any parking lot designated for students. There will be signs directing graduates and guests to designated parking areas.
  • Individuals with disabilities should park in any adjacent accessible parking spaces. Wheelchair access is readily available from Lot C. Wheelchair accessible seating is available above the press box bleachers on a first come, first serve basis. MPC staff are unable to assist in the transport of any guest.
Graduation Photography

Professional photography will be taken at the ceremony and photos will be available for you and your family members at no charge. A button will be available on this webpage within 2 weeks after graduation so you can view (and download) photos taken by our professional photographers.

Live Stream Graduation

The Commencement Ceremony will be live streamed for your family members to enjoy even if they cannot attend the ceremony. The video will be embedded on this page the day of graduation.

Advisories
  • Please leave valuables with family or guests—there will be no designated area at the ceremony where you may leave your valuables. If you choose to carry your cell phone or camera with you, please be advised that MPC is not responsible for the loss or damage to these or any other valuables.
  • As a courtesy to your fellow graduates, please have your cell phone or any other electronic devices set to vibrate.
  • Graduate seating is done by student preference, not alphabetical. Students are able to choose who they walk with when lining up in the processional line. Full details are provided during the ceremony rehearsal.

NOT ALLOWED ON CAMPUS DURING CEREMONY:

  • Food. No food will be provided to the graduates. Please plan accordingly.
  • Drinks other than water. Water is the only drink allowed and will be provided to the graduates.
  • Chewing gum, confetti, birdseed, loose flower petals. No exceptions.
  • Use or operation of drones.
  • Thin / pointy high heels are not permitted on the football field. See attire.

Recognition Ceremonies

MPC hosts several affinity recognition ceremonies in addition to the main ceremony to honor student accomplishments. Complete the sign-up form if you're interested in participating in any of the below ceremonies.

Affinity Recognition Ceremonies Registration Form

Register to Join Our MPC Alumni Group

MPC would like to keep in touch with you as you move on to the next step of your education or career. Fill out the form below to stay in the loop with alumni activities and events. For more information, contact the MPC Foundation at (831) 655-5507. 

MPC Alumni Form