All commencement ceremonies for TCAT students will be held in the Humanities Auditorium on the main (Amnicola Highway) campus.

COMMENCEMENT DATE: August 1st, 2024

Morning Ceremony - 10:00am

Guests & Seating

TCAT students are not required to have tickets for the graduation ceremony. Doors will open an hour before the ceremony. Each student will be given 5 tickets for guests upon cap and gown pickup. Graduates with extra tickets may share them with other graduates in the same ceremony.

Location, Arrival Time, & Duration

All ceremonies will be on the main (Amnicola Highway) campus, in the Gymnasium in the HPF building, which is number 4 on the campus map.

Doors will open an hour before the ceremony. Come dressed in your regalia (cap, gown, cords/medals, etc.). Ceremonies will start promptly at the published time and will likely last around 45 minutes. Graduates should head to HPF 162 for check-in.

Photos

Professional photographs will be taken, and you will have the opportunity to order prints through the photography company. You will receive more details at the ceremony.

Parking & Accessing

Graduates and guests should park in Lot P1, the Visitor Parking Lot.

Accessibility & Accommodations

If you or any of your guests have accessibility needs or wish to request accommodations, please email Dr. Kristi Strode, the Director of the Center for Access and Disability Services. Her email is kristi.strode@chattanoogastate.edu. Typical requests might include that you or your guests cannot navigate stairs, or that your guests need to sit in a place where they can read the live captioning. The planned route for graduates includes a few stairs onto the stage, and a few stairs from the stage back down to the main floor.

Cap/Gown Pickup 

Make sure you have filled out the Cap and Gown order form that has been emailed to you. Please plan to pick up your cap and gown at the TCAT Student Services Office.

Intent to Graduate Forms

Each student must meet with their instructor to complete an Intent to Graduate form. Submission of the form will initiate posting your credential on your transcript and printing your diploma.

Required Exit Counseling for Student Loan Recipients

If you have received a student loan through Chattanooga State's Financial Aid Office, you must complete an on-line exit interview. Complete this requirement at studentaid.gov. Your diploma will not be released if you have not completed the exit interview.

Diplomas

Diplomas will be mailed each term approximately 6-8 weeks after final grades are posted for that term. They are mailed to the mailing address on file with the following schedule:

• August (Summer) graduates: October 1 - October 15
• December (Fall) graduates:   February 1 - February 15
• May (Spring) graduates: July 1 - July 15

Diploma Replacement from ChattState or Tennessee College of Applied Technology

A diploma replacement can be obtained free of charge if your year of graduation is from 2000 – present (diplomas earned before 2000 are not available). Requests should include the Student ID (if available), student’s complete name, address, phone number, and email address, along with the preferred delivery method (mail, pick up, etc.). Students can order their document, or direct any questions to records@chattanoogastate.edu.

Questions?

If you have questions or need additional information, please email tcatss@chattanoogastate.edu.