Graduation
Graduation Requirements
Graduation applications will need to be completed and a $50 graduation fee paid no later than February 15th. If you do not complete your program, a refund will be applied to your account or funds will be moved over to the next graduation cycle.
A graduation application must be on file with the Registrar’s Office or Workforce Development/Continuing Education Department, and payment processed, to be able to walk at commencement.
Important Dates – Spring 2026
| Ceremony Type | Application Deadline | Rehearsal | Commencement | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Workforce Development/ Continuing Education |
February 15, 2026 | May 14, 2026, 7:30 AM |
May 14, 2026, 2:00 PM |
Duplin County Events Center |
| Curriculum | February 15, 2026 | May 14, 2026, 10:00 AM |
May 14, 2026, 6:00 PM |
Duplin County Events Center |
Ceremony Location
One commencement ceremony is held each academic year in May for our Summer, Fall, and Spring graduates. Ceremonies are currently held at the Duplin County Events Center, located across the street from the main campus at 195 Fairgrounds Drive, Kenansville, NC 28349.
FAQs
Ordering Regalia
- When completing the graduation application for attending the ceremony, you will be asked for your height and weight. This information will be used by the vendor to pull your gown order.
- Regalia is ordered in February and should be available at JSCC in April.
-
Dates and hours for pickup in the JSCC Bookstore, Strickland Student Center:
April 20th, Monday: 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
April 21st, Tuesday: 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
April 22nd, Wednesday: 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
April 23rd, Thursday: 9:00 A.M. – 6:30 P.M.
April 24th, Friday: 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Wearing Regalia
- Your tassel starts on the right side.
- Decorations on graduation caps (mortar boards) symbolize pride and accomplishment. To ensure that commencement exercises remain dignified celebrations of achievement of all students, the following rules must be followed when decorating caps for graduation:
- Decorations should not interfere with attaching the tassel to the cap. Graduation caps must not have any advertisements, symbols, words, or slogans conveying messages inappropriate for a dignified commencement ceremony.
- Caps must not threaten others’ safety or use any hate speech.
- Caps must be consistent with the code of conduct for commencement.
- Obscene, profane, or vulgar language is expressly prohibited.
Encouraged attire
- Graduates are encouraged to wear business casual attire under their cap and gown with shoes that are both stylish and comfortable for standing and walking. Everyone please avoid tennis shoes, if at all possible.
- Graduation guest are also encouraged to wear business casual attire and comfortable shoes for standing and walking.
- Guests and graduates are required to abide by Duplin County Event Center policies and procedures. Everyone entering the Duplin County Event Center must pass through the front metal detectors. The following is prohibited:
- Smoking, vaping, and any open flames
- Weapons
- Balloons or inflatable toys
- Outside food
- Strollers
- Only college-issued cords and stoles may be worn.
- Two-year degree graduates with a program GPA of 3.5 or higher will receive a Blue, White, & Gold honors cord. This will be given at rehearsal.
- Veterans that identify this in the graduation application will receive a Red, White, & Blue cord. This will be given at rehearsal.
- Spartan Skills Award recipients will be given a Blue & White cord at the Student Awards Ceremony in April. Those that do not attend can get this cord from the Library. Bring with you if you want to wear this.
- PTK student can order Gold tassels, stoles, and medallions from store.ptk.org but are not included in the membership fee. Members are emailed discount codes from the Chapter Advisor. Bring with you if you want to wear this.
- SGA members will be given a Navy & Gold cord in April by Tonda Clowney. If you received a cord for the previous graduation, you can bring that with you if you want to wear it.
Reserved Parking
- A limited number of designated wheelchair-accessible parking spaces will be available during graduation. This area will be blocked off and reserved for cars displaying their handicap placard.
Reserved Seating
- Seating for guests who use wheelchairs will be located in designated areas in compliance with fire and safety codes. One person may accompany the person in the wheelchair. It is important to arrive early to guarantee access to these seats. Doors will open at 12:30pm for WD/CE and 4:30pm for CU.
- Because the reserved area is designated for persons with disabilities and those assisting them, we regret that it is not possible to seat whole families together in that area.
- Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate a last-minute, unanticipated need for reserved seating, as space is available. In such cases though, it may be possible to accommodate only the person with the disability.
- For more information or clarification regarding specific accommodations and individual circumstances, please email jcotten@jamessprunt.edu or call 910-275-6387.
Interpreter Services
- A Sign Language and Spanish Interpreter will be available at graduation.
Animals
- Per the Duplin County Events Center, pets are not permitted, with the exception of service dogs.
- To attend the graduation ceremony and/or receive your paper diploma please complete these steps by the February 15th deadline:
- Curriculum: Complete all required fields in the graduation application form.
- Workforce Development/Continuing Education: Complete all required fields in the graduation application form.
- Pay the required $50.00 fee with the Business Office – Located in McGowen 106 or (P) 910-275-6132.
- Curriculum: Diplomas will be mailed after graduation. Workforce Development/Continuing Education: Certificates will be handed out at graduation.
- Curriculum: If you DO NOT want a printed diploma but need to show graduation status for a job or other school, this information will show on your transcript at the end of the semester. You will just need to request a transcript to go to that person or school a few days after the end of the semester to ensure your transcripts have been updated. If after the graduation ceremony you decide you want a printed diploma, you can order one using our Replacement Diploma Request form (located on the Registrar page of the JSCC website) for $10.00.
CONTACT INFO
CURRICULUM
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT/
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Gloria Wiggins
Vice President of Workforce Development/Continuing Education
2025 Graduation Ceremonies
James Sprunt Community College proudly celebrates the achievements of its graduates and the dedication that brought them to this milestone. Each graduate represents perseverance, growth, and a commitment to learning that will carry forward into their careers and communities. As they take their next steps, the College remains confident in their ability to lead, contribute, and succeed. We are honored to be part of their journey and look forward to all they will accomplish.
Ad crastinum prosperiorem.
~ Towards a more successful tomorrow.