Graduation Requirements
You must meet the graduation requirements in order to participate in the commencement ceremony. You must file for graduation with Admission and Records. Graduation is not automatically conferred.
The associate in arts or the associate in science degree shall be conferred by the Board of Trustees of the Kern Community College District upon a Bakersfield College student who has satisfactorily completed the requirements. These requirements are consistent with those prescribed by the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges and the Board of Trustees of the Kern Community College District.
Participation Eligibility
Commencement ceremonies are held once each year in May. Students who complete their degree requirements during the fall, summer or spring prior to the ceremony or who will complete them in the following summer, are eligible to participate.
Diplomas
Diplomas are mailed to graduates approximately twelve (12) weeks after the current semester ends.
Please note that the name on your diplomas will appear as the name we have on file (class schedule/transcripts.) To change your name, you must bring in your state issued picture identification and either a social security card or another document showing your name change such as court papers or marriage/divorce papers. Be advised that only legal name changes are allowed. If you have questions on a name changes please contact Admissions and Records at 661-395-4301.
Graduation with Honors
Students who have completed at least 60 units in degree applicable letter graded courses, have taken at least 12 of those units at Bakersfield College, and who have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher are eligible for graduation with honors.
The honors designation will appear on the diploma and transcript as follows:
| Grade Point Average |
Honor Designation |
| 3.50–3.69 |
Cum laude |
| 3.70–3.89 |
Magna cum laude |
| 3.90–4.00 |
Summa cum laude |
Grad Fair
April 9 & 10, 2019 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Bakersfield College Bookstore, located on the main Panorama Campus, will be hosting a “Grad Fair” April 9 and 10. Several vendors will be in present to assist you with your graduation needs such as Regalia (your graduation attire: cap, gown, sash and tassel) and commencement portraits. Regalia can be purchased in a package or separately if you already have some parts. Other vendors will be selling graduation announcements and class rings. Pricing is included in the official announcement you will receive from Admissions.
Regalia can be purchased at the Grad Fair or anytime after Grad Fair the Bakersfield College Bookstore, located on the Main campus. The purpose of the Grad Fair is to have everything in one place, a one stop shop. If you need, you can have someone else pick up your regalia; however, they will be required to verify your name is spelled correctly for the graduation program.
Commencement Photographs
The commencement photographer will be on the Panorama campus at the Grad Fair April 9 and 10 to take pictures of you in your cap and gown. To schedule an appointment for portraits:
- Schedule your appointment
- Click "Schedule Your Sitting"
- Click "Cap and Gown"
- Select your school, and the time and date that works best for you
Caps and Gowns
Regalia, your graduation attire: cap, gown, sash and tassel, can be purchased at the Grad Fair or anytime after in the Bakersfield College Bookstore, located on the Main campus. Regalia can be purchased in a package or separately if you already have some parts. You may also borrow them from our loaner program beginning April 30.
Day of Commencement
Once you have filed for graduation, you will be sent instructions on the procedures for commencement via email. For pre-commencement ceremonies with your program or cohort, please find the contact information on Pre-Commencement Ceremonies.
- Arrive in the cafeteria promptly at 5:30 to dress in your commencement attire and pick up your name card. There will be no practice.
- You will be lining up behind your discipline/major sign. Sign holders will be placed outside the cafeteria area as we exit. You will then form two lines to proceed to the football field. For those that choose not to line up behind the signs you will be placed at the back of the line.
- Please do not bring handbags or other personal items. Security will not be provided for personal items left in the cafeteria or out on the field during the Commencement Exercises.
- Be prepared to have your picture taken after President Christian hands you your diploma cover, by moving next to her, and facing the photographer. There is no time for posing.
- You can decorate your cap but please be respectful to others. No foul language allowed.
If you or your guests have special needs or concerns, please call Eryn Justice in the Admissions and Records Office at (661) 395-4306. Note: Handicap parking and seating is available at the stadium. Carts will be available in the parking lot for those who need assistance.
What to wear
Graduates wear a traditional cap, gown and sash for the ceremony. May is usually very warm in Bakersfield even in the evening. It is suggested that you wear light clothing under your gown. Wear comfortable shoes, no high heels or platform shoes, that are easy to walk in on multiple types of surfaces. You will be walking long distances on grass, blacktop, stepping over curbs and up and down stairs.
Prohibited Items
The following items are prohibited and possession of these items can result in your removal from the stadium.
- air horns/noisemakers
- alcohol/drugs
- balloons
- bottles and cans
- camera tripods
- firearms/weapons
- fireworks
- outside food
- selfie sticks
- strollers
- tobacco (including e-cigarettes)
- umbrellas
Guests
The doors for the main commencement will open at 6:00 p.m. The Bookstore will have items for your guests to purchase. We request that everyone display courteous and respectful behavior toward the graduates, their families, and friends. Note: We do not give out tickets, it is open seating and you can have as many people attend as you wish. See the Guests page for more information.
Honor Students
Records Office personnel will issue a gold tassel to the honor students at the cafeteria check-in area. A cumulative GPA of 3.50 after Fall 2018 is required to graduate with honors. (This does not include courses in-progress for the Spring 2019 semester). A $10.00 Cash deposit will be required at check-in for a gold cord. The money will be refunded upon return of the cord to the Office of Admissions and Records by May 30.
Tentative Timeline:
- 5:30 PM: Graduates Arrive
- 6:00 PM: Doors Open
- 6:20 PM: Graduates line up for the processional
- 7:00 PM: Ceremony Begins
Other Important Information: Spring grads are still being evaluated at this time.
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