PCCC is excited to host two Commencement ceremonies in May 2025 in the College Gym on PCCC’s Main Campus in Paterson.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 6pm
- We will celebrate Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree recipients and Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree recipients.
- All August 2024 and December 2024 graduates, and May 2025 graduation candidates are invited to participate.*
*Students registered for remaining required classes in the Spring 2025 semester are eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony. However, the actual certification of graduation will only be approved once Spring grades are posted.
Associate in Arts (A.A.) Degree List
- Communication
- Criminal Justice
- Early Childhood Education
- English
- English: Digital Media and Journalism
- Generalist-Humanities
- Musical Studies
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Studio Arts
- Teacher Education
- Theater
Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree List
- Accounting
- Automotive Technology
- Computer Information Technology: Network Administration
- Computer Information Technology: Technical Support
- Computer Information Technology: Web and Mobile Development
- Criminal Justice
- Culinary Arts
- Digital Media Production and Distribution
- Early Childhood Education
- Electronic Engineering Technology
- Fire Science Technology
- Graphic Design
- Hospitality Management
- Music Technology
- Nurse Education
- Nurse Education: LPN Mobility
- Pastry and Baking Arts
- Radiography
- Supply Chain Management
- Surgical Technology
- Technical Studies
Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 6pm
- We will celebrate Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.) degree recipients, Associate in Science (A.S.) degree recipients, and Career Certificate recipients.
- All August 2024 and December 2024 graduates, and May 2025 graduation candidates are invited to participate.*
*Students registered for remaining required classes in the Spring 2025 semester are eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony. However, the actual certification of graduation will only be approved once Spring grades are posted.
Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree List
- Advanced and Continuous Studies
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration: Management Information Systems
- Business Administration: Accounting/Management/Marketing
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Engineering Science: Industrial Engineering
- Engineering Science: Electrical/Computer Engineering
- Engineering Science: Mechanical/Civil Engineering
- Environmental Sustainability
- Exercise Science
- Health Science
- Homeland Security
- Human Services: Pre-Social Work and Counseling
- Mathematics
- Medical Informatics
- Nutrition
- Physical Science
- Public Health
Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.) Degree List
- Studio Arts
For more information regarding on the College’s graduation requirements or to access your graduation application, please visit PCCC’s Graduation Information webpage.
Commencement Related Events
Nurse Pinning
May 15, 2025 – 6 p.m.
WATCH HERE
PTK Induction
May 19, 2025 – 3 p.m WATCH HERE
Graduate Awards (Including Certificate of Achievement Recipients)
May 19, 2025 – 6 p.m. WATCH HERE
Before Commencement: What You Need To Do
RSVP for Commencement
Email us at [email protected] if you plan to attend the ceremony in person.
Note: Students must attend the Commencement Ceremony on the day their degree is being recognized.
Special Accommodations – Request by April 29
Any student who will need special accommodations at the Commencement Ceremony should contact the Office of Student Affairs at [email protected] by April 29.
May 8 GradFest Event: Cap/Gown & Ticket Pick-up
To kick-off the Commencement festivities, please join us for GradFest on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 12noon-6 p.m. in Broadway Lobby (Main Campus-Paterson). Come celebrate with your fellow graduates while picking up your regalia (cap & gown) and Commencement Ceremony guest tickets. You must have a College I.D. or a government photo I.D. with you. You will also have the opportunity to connect with campus resources and ask questions about the graduation process and/or the Commencement Ceremony.
Additional Regalia (Cap/Gown) & Ticket Pick-up Opportunities
If you are unable to attend GradFest, there are additional dates and times to pick up your regalia (cap & gown) and Commencement Ceremony guest tickets. Pick up will be at the PCCC Bookstore, with your College I.D. or a government photo I.D.
Thursday, May 15 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, May 16 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Monday, May 19 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday, May 20 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
For the Commencement Day
Ceremony Entry Information
Tickets are required for ALL guests to attend the Commencement Ceremony in-person in the College Gymnasium. This includes infants and children. Guests must have their ticket with them, as a photo will NOT be accepted for entry. Each graduate will be allowed FOUR (4) guests. Guest tickets will be distributed with Commencement regalia. Tickets can only be used for the date specified on the ticket.
Day of Commencement – Arrival on Campus and Parking
Parking will be available (from 4pm-10pm) in the parking garage at the corner of College Boulevard and Church Street (125 Van Houten Street) on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking passes are not required for entry or to exit into this parking garage.
Guest Information
All guests, including infants and children, will need a ticket to attend the Commencement Ceremony. Seating for guests is on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests (including children) are not permitted to process or sit with graduates during the ceremony. Guests must remain in the designated guest seating areas in the College Gymnasium or other ceremony viewing locations on campus.
Security Measures
Backpacks, book bags, balloons, flower bouquets, strollers and car seats are not permitted on campus for the ceremony. Security checks at all entrances will be engaged, and you are asked to cooperate fully upon arrival to campus. The safety of PCCC’s graduates and their guests is our top priority.
Video Cameras/Photography
Video cameras are prohibited in the Gymnasium during the ceremony. A professional photographer will be in attendance, and each graduate will be photographed while on stage. The photographer will contact graduates directly about purchasing these photos. Register your selfie check-in and provide updated contact information here.
Live Stream
The Commencement Ceremonies on May 21 and May 22 and other Commencement related events listed on this webpage will be live-streamed. The links for viewing will be available on this webpage on the day of the event.
Students should monitor their PCCC email account for updates and check this webpage often. Additional questions may be directed to [email protected].
Graduate Spotlights
Analisa Prowse – Valedictorian
AA Criminal Justice
Highest Honors
“Don’t just be the change you want to see in the world…but fight for that change”
Stefan Shapllo – Valedictorian
AS Engineering Science
Highest Honors
“I received a really great foundation for my future at PCCC.”
Tiffany Carrera
AAS Surgical Technology
“I never thought I would go to college, but here I am, ready to graduate.”
Ayana English-James
AA Communications
“My career dream is to own a film production company.”
Read Ayana’s story
(coming soon)
Tiffany Guerrero
AS Business Administration
“I don’t think I would have had such close relationships with my professors, deep friendships, or level of support if I started at a big university first.”
Damien O’Leary
AAS Nursing
“It was worth the sacrifice of the two years, to have a really rewarding career.”
Jadelyn Villa
AA English
Highest Honors
“I made the most of my time at PCCC and feel set up for my future.”
Cammie Ho
AA Liberal Arts/Sociology
Honors
“Children are the future. How they grow up will affect their lives and society.”
Conor Guzman
AA Liberal Arts/Criminal Justice
High Honors
“At PCCC I found an educational direction.”
What is the difference between Graduation and Commencement?
Graduation is the official confirmation in the College’s records that all degree requirements have been met, and the degree is conferred. To graduate from PCCC, you must submit a graduation application by the required deadline.
Commencement is the formal ceremony that celebrates your graduation. Participation in the Commencement ceremony does not guarantee graduation from PCCC.