Congratulations Class of 2019! We are pleased that you will be celebrating your academic accomplishments at commencement. The followingdetails will help you and your guests prepare for this special occasion.

Date: Thursday, May 2, 2019

Place: Comerica Theatre 400 W. Washington St. | Phoenix, AZ 85003

Time: Ceremony starts 7 p.m. Lobby and auditorium doors open at 6 p.m.

Event Overview for Graduates

5:45 p.m. General Student Check-in Check-in at the Comerica Box O�ce on 4th Avenue (5:15 check-in for specialty group photos)

7 p.m. Program • Emcee • Processional (stage party, faculty & administration) • Honor Guard, Luke Air Force Base • National Anthem • Pledge of Allegiance

Welcome and Congratulatory Remarks • Ms. Kate Smith, Rio Salado College Interim President • Dr. Linda Thor, MCCCD Governing Board President Student Speaker Desiree Williams, Associate in Applied Science Graduate Candidate Con�rmation and Recommendation Dr. Wanda Tucker, Faculty Senate President Awarding of Certi�cates, Degrees, and Recognitions of Academic Achievement Ms. Kate Smith Conferring of Credentials Ms. Kate Smith Recessional Family and friends will greet all graduates outside the theatre

"Commencement marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. We celebrate you and encourage you to continue your journey with even greater determination, vision and commitment to excellence. We look forward to your continued success!"

Ms. Kate SmithRio Salado College Interim President

2019 COMMENCEMENTGraduates, families and friends

Commencement_FactSheet-External_FL_0419

Tips for Event Day1. Arrive on time wearing your cap and gown.2. Leave personal belongings behind with family and friends.

(Backpacks and purses will not be allowed in)3. Silence or set portable devices to vibrate.

When to ArriveStudents enter the Comerica Theatre Box O�ce entrance door on 4th Avenue at 5:45 p.m. Students participating in specialty student group photos arrive at 5:15 p.m. Graduates will be pre-seated by program of study.

GuestsLobby and auditorium doors open at 6 p.m.

Processional Order and Ceremony ProtocolGraduates and the audience will stand as the stage party, faculty and administrators enter the auditorium.

Students are expected to remain seated throughout the ceremony. If a graduate leaves their seat during the ceremony, they will not be able to return until there is a break in the program.

Candidates will be asked to rise row by row and proceed to the stage to be recognized. One credential will be read for each candidate. All credentials will be listed in the program.

Caps and Gowns Candidates participating in the commencement ceremony must wear the o�cial Rio Salado College blue gown, cap and 2019 tassel. The $25 commencement fee includes these items, as well as a diploma cover. Caps and gowns will not be available onsite.

Students can pick up their cap and gown between now and Thursday, May 2 (before noon) at Rio Salado College, 2323 W. 14th Street in Tempe. For more information contact 480-517-8540 or graduation@riosalado.edu

Concession & Flower SalesConcessions will be open until 7 p.m. in the theatre lobby. Student groups will also be on-site to sell �owers–cash only please.

No BalloonsBalloons are not allowed. Accommodations for holding balloons will not be provided.

Commemorative PhotographsGradImages will be taking two photographs of students on stage. Photo proofs will be available at www.gradimages.com for review. Photos are purchased directly from GradImages.

Live StreamingThe 2019 commencement ceremony will be streamed live to guests who cannot attend. Please check Rio Salado’s graduation website for the link.

Disability AccommodationsPlease contact Christina Bolyard at 480-517-8562 or disability.services@riosalado.edu, by Friday, April 26, 2019 to arrange for disability accommodations. Sign language interpreting services will be provided.

ParkingParking is available for $10 at the 305 Garage located at 305 W. Washington Street. Cash, credit and debit cards are accepted.

Light RailThere are light rail stops near Comerica Theatre. For details visit valleymetro.org

More Informationwww.riosalado.edu/graduation

2019 COMMENCEMENTGraduates, families and friends

Washington Street Garage

Graduates enter HERE

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The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District.

The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.