Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026

Time: 4:00 p.m.

Location: Martin Campus Gymnasium

Graduation Cost

No fee will be charged for participating in the graduation ceremony and you will receive a certificate and five graduation announcements. Guests will not need an announcement in order to attend the ceremony.

Cap and Gown Information

You will receive your cap, gown, and tassel at the graduation ceremony rehearsal on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

Graduation Registration

You will need to register to participate in the ceremony by visiting the Adult Education office in Building 200 on the C.A. Fredd campus, 3401 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, before April 24, 2026.

GRADUATION INFORMATION

Rehearsal
Graduation rehearsal will be held an hour before the ceremony in the Martin Campus Recital Hall, located on the east side of campus. Graduates should park and check in at the Bean-Brown Theatre entrance. The rehearsal (practice processional) will begin promptly at 3:00 p.m. During the graduation rehearsal, we will go over the instructions for graduation, rehearse your entry, your walk across the stage, and your exit. We will also assign your seat for the ceremony, and the honor graduates will be announced. Lastly, we will line up for the ceremony and proceed to the gymnasium.

NOTE: Family members and guests are not permitted to attend the rehearsal and should report directly to the gymnasium (located on the west side of campus) for seating.

Parking
Graduates should park and check in at the Bean-Brown Theatre entrance located on the east side of campus. Guests are not allowed in the graduate check-in and lineup area. Family and friends should proceed directly to the gymnasium upon arrival.

Guest parking is available at the gymnasium, located on the west side of campus. Handicap-accessible parking is also available in that lot. Be sure to follow all campus signage on the day of the ceremony for the most up-to-date directions and guidance.

Please remind your guests that the gymnasium will not be open to the general public until 3:00 p.m. Guests should be seated before 3:45 p.m., as the ceremony will begin promptly at 4:00 p.m.

Arrival

• Graduates are required to be dressed in their cap and gown and lined up in the theatre lobby one hour prior to the ceremony. Signs will be posted, and adult education faculty/staff will be at the theatre entrance to guide you to the rehearsal and line-up area.
• Stop by the check-in table to receive and verify your name card. This is what you will hand to the announcer as you are about to go on stage.
• Graduates will line up alphabetically.

Appropriate Attire
The graduation gowns are black. On graduation day, please plan to wear the following:

• Women: Please wear a dress (preferably without a collar) that does not show below the robe. Hosiery and dark, comfortable shoes are recommended. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum.
• Men: Please wear dress slacks, a dress shirt, a tie, and dress shoes.
• Caps and gowns may not be embellished.  This includes cap decorations of any kind.

Event Etiquette

• The commencement ceremony is a time of great honor and dignity and a special occasion for our graduates and their family members. We ask that you refrain from talking, cheering, excessive movement, and using electronic devices during the ceremony.
• Balloons and gift items for graduates are not allowed in the ceremony venue.

Photography and Video
Photography and video photography are allowed during the ceremony.

Shelton State offers an online Photo Store where you may purchase photographs and other merchandise. Please allow up to 3 weeks after the date of the event for photos to become available.

Conclusion of the Ceremony
During the ceremony, you will receive a certificate cover, but not your actual certificate. At the conclusion of the ceremony, please return to the area where you checked in to receive your certificate.