Graduation & Commencement

Commencement is the ceremony to honor the year’s graduates. This year's ceremony will be held on Friday, June 21 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the ShoWare Center. Participation in Commencement is not required to receive your degree, certificate, high school diploma, or GED.

Graduation is the act of receiving your degree, certificate, or diploma after you have finished all course requirements. You must apply to graduate one quarter before finishing your program of study to receive your degree, certificate, or high school diploma. Please contact your Program Advisor to request an Academic Review to confirm that you have completed all the requirements for your degree plan. They may be reached at 425-235-5840 or advising@rtc.edu. Make sure there are no past-due balances on your account.

STEP 1: Apply for Graduation/Diploma and to participate in the commencement ceremony by Friday, May 31

If you are completing your degree/diploma or certificate in Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024, or Summer 2024, apply for graduation and to attend the commencement ceremony by Friday, May 31, 2024.

Although participating in the commencement ceremony is optional, we strongly encourage graduating students to attend and celebrate the completion of their academic achievements.

STEP 2: Purchase and pick up your cap, gown, and regalia from the RTC Bookstore in the I-Building.

Caps, gowns, and tassels will be available for purchase at the bookstore or online. They will be available for pickup starting the week of April 30 and can be purchased up until the day before graduation.

Cords celebrating Running Start, Veteran, and Honor students will be distributed at check-in on the day of Commencement or can be picked up at the Office of Student Leadership and Programs (J-216).

STEP 3: Complete the Exit Survey

*If you are under 18 years of age, please DO NOT take this survey.

Your input is significant and valuable to us and will help us improve our services. This survey includes short questions and takes about 5 minutes to complete. We value your responses, and they will remain anonymous and confidential. If there is anything we can do for you, please leave your contact information in the survey.

Student Exit Survey

Optional: Requesting a replacement or duplicate credential costs $25 per credential

If you would like to place an order for a replacement or duplicate diploma, certificate, or degree, please order a replacement diploma.

Need GED exam scores or a GED transcript? RTC does not possess GED records. Visit this site for GED transcripts or call 1-877-392-6433.

Where Do I Check-in After Arriving at the ShoWare Center?

Graduating students who will be marching in the ceremony should arrive at the ShoWare Center by 5 p.m. (no later than 5:30 p.m.). The ceremony will start promptly at 6 p.m. (Directions to the ShoWare center and parking lot.) There is free parking located in the ShoWare Center lot. Upon parking, all graduating students should come to the back entrance of the ShoWare Center where there will be check-in tents available for you to receive your name card and line up with your program/degree before the ceremony begins.

How Can I Watch the Graduation Livestream?

Friends and family of students who will be watching the ceremony can either sit in the audience or watch the live stream from home. Please check back to this page in June for more information.

ShoWare Center Bag Policy & Safety Precautions

Given students and faculty/staff concerns about being in such a large venue with hundreds of people, RTC has included a list of safety measures below that both RTC and the ShoWare Center staff have implemented. IMPORTANT: Once the graduation ceremony begins at 6 p.m., we will not allow graduates, or audience members into backstage areas. We also kindly ask that you please do take young children into the graduate line-up and seating areas.
  
ENTERING THE CENTER   

  1. Audience Security Check & Clear Bag Policy: All guests are subject to a bag search and security check without exception. Security checks can include wanding, metal detectors, and pat-downs. Clear bags no larger than 12" x 12" x 6" are allowed. One-gallon clear plastic Ziploc bags are also allowed. Small clutches no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" are allowed. Security must be able to see inside and identify items at the bottom of the bag. Items may not be used to obscure the view of bag contents, including but not limited to non-clear bags, pouches, etc. Bags with interior contents obscured from view are not allowed. Backpacks, multi-compartment bags, duffle bags, and purses larger than 4.5"x 6.5" are not allowed. Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items or single-compartment diaper bags (a child must be present). Clear bag details page is available here.
  2. Contactless Entry: Guests will now use walkthrough metal detectors to get through security. This makes entry to the venue quicker while maximizing safety and minimizing touchpoints for staff and audience members.
  3. Code of Conduct & Prohibited Items:  Detailed information on allowable and non-allowable items to take inside the ShoWare can be found here.

INSIDE THE CENTER

Note: All graduation applications will be processed at the end of each quarter. Please allow 4-6 weeks after the end of the quarter for processing.

QUESTIONS?

Transcripts

You can request an official or unofficial transcript online. Visit the RTC Transcripts Request page to get started.