Caps and gowns now available

By Kara Cline, News Writing Student

Cap, gown and tassel sets for students participating in the May Commencement are now available for purchase in the bookstore, said Barbara Gowdy Graduation Services Director. 

Gowdy said students could expect to pay around $25 for these items. 

In order for students to receive their degree, an application for graduation must be submitted to the Office of Records and Graduation Services, she said.

These applications are available at the Graduation/Transfer Evaluation Office and the Admissions desk or online at: www.occc.edu/records/graduation.html. 

“Applications may be turned in up until the last day of the semester,” Gowdy said.

Consequently, students should apply for graduation after they have accumulated forty-five credit hours toward their degree or by the third week of their graduating semester; therefore, students planning on graduating this spring should do so immediately.

Gowdy said she would do her best to ensure graduates’ names appear in the commencement program.  However the deadline was Feb. 6 and no guarantees can be made, she said. 

“Each student is responsible for their graduation goals this is not an automatic process,” Gowdy said.

Kim White, assistant director of the bookstore, said students wanting to purchase graduation regalia would need to ask one of the bookstore staff members for assistance.  Also, the graduate will need to have a card on file supplied by the Graduation office to make the purchase, she said.

“The regalia items will be available through graduation day,” White said.  “However, it is recommended that students not wait as sizes can become unavailable.”

The Commencement is scheduled for May 8, at the Cox Convention Center.

For more information contact Gowdy at 405-682-1611 ext. 7528, or e-mail bgowdy@occc.edu.