The commencement ceremony for Summer and Fall 2008 graduates is fast approaching and there are some details that need to be communicated.  The commencement ceremony will take place on Friday, December 19, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel, which is located at 700 West Convention Way, Anaheim, CA  92802.  The ceremony will be held in the Platinum Ballroom and is accessible via the ground level of the self parking structure.  Discounted self parking is available at $7.00 per car and valet parking is available at $27.00 per car.  A free shuttle service from The Art Institute of California – Orange County to the Anaheim Marriott Hotel will be provided for graduates only prior to rehearsal and after the commencement ceremony.  The shuttle service will begin at 10:00 a.m. and run up to 1:00 p.m., then will resume after the ceremony from 2:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.  All graduates must attend a rehearsal at 11:00 a.m. on the day of graduation to ensure a smooth program. 

Seating for the commencement ceremony will be limited.  Each graduate will be issued five graduation tickets for the upcoming ceremony.  These tickets may be picked up in the Student Affairs office starting on Monday, November 10, 2008.  All graduates are asked to notify Student Affairs if they will be participating in the commencement ceremony.  Please RSVP with Steve Rickard, Dean of Student Affairs, at 714.830.0270 or srickard@aii.edu, to let us know the number of guests that will be joining you.

All students who participate in the graduation ceremony will be required to wear a school issued cap, gown, and tassel.  You may purchase your cap, gown, and tassel at any time by contacting Jostens at 1-800-854-7464 or online at: www.shop.jostens.com.  The cost for the cap, gown and tassel is $18.25 plus an additional shipping & handling charge (around $9.95) and your local sales tax.  You may also purchase personalized graduation announcements through Jostens.

If you are interested in representing your graduating class at the commencement ceremony, you may apply for two special honors:  1) giving the student commencement address, and 2) singing the national anthem.  If you are interested in applying for either of these honors, applications are available and must be returned to the Student Affairs office.  The deadline to apply for both honors is Monday, November 24, 2008 by 5 p.m. 

Please remember that you won’t receive your diploma unless you complete the attached graduate application and clearance forms and get cleared by the following departments:  Library, Equipment Cage, Student Affairs, Career Services, Student Financial Services, Accounting, Academic Affairs, and the Registrar.  Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take care of all this at the Summer Grad Bash event to be held on Tuesday, September 16 from 4:30 – 6 p.m. outside Building A on the patio outside 50 Forks.  A guest speaker will be there to discuss how to break into and be successful in your career.  Dinner will be provided during the event. 
 
If you have any questions about graduation or the commencement ceremony, please feel free to contact Steve Rickard, Dean of Student Affairs, at 714.830.0270 or srickard@aii.edu.  I look forward to your participation at the upcoming commencement ceremony.

Application to Graduate
Graduate Clearance Form
Jostens Flyer
Jostens Online Ordering Instructions