Commencement
Sharri Huey
Student Services
253.680.7003
Congratulations, class of 2013! Your hard work, dedication and commitment has paid off.
Official Twitter hashtag for Commencement: #BTCgrad
Use the official Twitter hashtag to connect with other families, alumni and students during the Commencement Ceremony. So, what's a hashtag? A hashtag is a basic phrase you can use within Twitter to link your update with others on the same topic. Talk about your experience at Bates, the speakers, and the joy and excitement of seeing your friend or family member graduate from Bates Technical College! Follow us @BatesTechnical.
At the end of Spring Quarter, Bates will hold its seventy-third commencement ceremony to celebrate our graduates. All graduation candidates are encouraged to apply to walk in the ceremony. Please review the details of Commencement 2013 below.
Commencement 2013
Date: Friday, May 17
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall
Apply to walk:
If you are eligible for graduation, please follow the steps below to ensure your participation in this year's Commencement ceremony.
- Complete a Commencement Registration Form.
- Turn in your paperwork and pay the registration fee.
- Purchase your cap and gown.
- Celebrate your success!
Students can pick up commencement registration forms from the following locations during Spring Quarter:
- Downtown Campus, Registration Office, M210
- Mohler Campus, Front Desk
- South Campus, Student Services, A115
Ordering your cap, gown, tassels and announcements
You can prepay for a cap, gown, and tassel package at $33.50, plus tax, at either the South or Downtown Campus Store. Extra tassels are $6, plus tax.
The gowns will be delivered to the downtown store the last week of April or the first week of May. South Campus orders will be delivered to the South Campus Store for pickup.
Gowns are one size fits all, and are sized by height, in two-inch increments. For example, 5'2"-5'4". The Downtown Campus Store will sell announcements and envelopes at $1 per announcement set.
Campus Stores offer extended hours for commencement
Starting Monday, April 22, the Campus Stores will offer extended hours.The stores will revert to their normal hours after Friday, May 17. Note: The Downtown Campus Store will be open on Friday, May 17 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. to serve those who still need to pick up commencement items.
Downtown Campus Store
- Monday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Wednesday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
South Campus Store
- Tuesday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Thursday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Commencement Rehearsal
Attention Walkers: Know before you go.
Please attend the commencement rehearsal on Friday, May 17 at 11:30 a.m. in the Downtown Campus Auditorium. Contact Sharon Netter, 253.680.7370 if you have any questions about the rehearsal.
Parking Information
Because parking at the Tacoma Dome can be difficult--especially with the potential of other events taking place at the same time as our Commencement ceremony, we encourage you to not only carpool, but to also park away from the Dome, around the Downtown Tacoma area, and ride the Link light rail to the Dome.
You can also consider parking at city-owned parking garages in Downtown Tacoma. Click here for a comprehensive map of all parking garages downtown.
If you want to take your special graduate out to eat before or after the ceremony, check out www.downtowntacoma.com for a list of restaurants. You can get special coupons when you print this map.
GradImages Pre-registration
GradImages is the official photographer for our commencement. Proofs will be sent to graduates' homes and via email within three to five days after commencement. Pictures can be ordered online, by phone, or by mail. Visit GradImages for more details.
Registering with GradImages provides graduates with the information they need to deliver graduation proofs in a timely manner. Be sure to provide them with an accurate mailing and email address so GradImages can send proofs to walkers without delay. Graduates can also provide them with email addresses of up to six friends and family members so they can help celebrate success.
Other Details
Graduates must arrive at the exhibition hall by 5:15 p.m. If you or your guests require special needs, please contact Disability Support Services at 253.680.7012. Parking (general and disabled) is $10 in the Dome parking lots. No balloons inside the exhibition hall please.
If you or your family member has a disability and needs a reasonable accommodation, please contact Disability Support Services at 253.680.7013, 253.680.7045 - TTY no later than April 1, 2013. We will attempt to meet a request received after that date, however the requested auxiliary aid or service may not be available because of insufficient time to arrange it. An interpreter will be present.
Please check this site frequently as information is updated when it becomes available. Direct inquiries to Sharri Huey, 253.680.7003.
**Please note names may not appear in the program if a student applies to walk in the commencement ceremony after April 15.**
How to apply for your credential, degree or certificate
After you have completed your program and have earned your credential, degree or certificate, students must complete a Credential Application to apply for their paper credential. Students apply for their credential so the college can verify the information, award it in the student management system, and order the degree from the vendor for printing. For more information, please contact the Registration Office, Downtown Campus, Room M210.
