Commencement is a special time of celebration for students, their families and SCC faculty and staff. It signifies the end of one chapter in a student’s life and the beginning of another.

2021 Spring Commencement

6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Pinnacle Bank Arena
Lincoln, NE
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., Commencement begins at 6:30 p.m.

The ceremony will take place in person based upon Directed Health Measures in Lincoln/Lancaster County at that time.  If a local DHM or other directive would prevent an in-person ceremony from being held, SCC will communicate an alternative plan.

All SCC students from the Beatrice, Lincoln and Milford campuses who are scheduled to graduate in May will be invited to participate in the celebration.  Also, SCC students who graduated in Fall 2020, Summer 2020 and Spring 2020 will be invited to participate.

Caps and Gowns

All graduates are required to wear academic caps and gowns during the ceremony. Tassels should remain on the right side of the caps until all degrees have been conferred and you are directed to move your tassel.

Caps and gowns will be available for pick up in the Campus Store on your home campus beginning Friday, April 30th. The cap, gown and tassel are yours to keep. If you are a veteran/active military or graduating with honors, you will receive honor cords when you check in at the ceremony.

Masks may be required to align with Directed Health Measures (DHM) in place on graduation day. This will apply to all graduates and guests.

Commencement Ceremony

The ceremony will take place in person based upon Directed Health Measures in Lincoln/Lancaster County at that time. If a local DHM or another directive would prevent an in-person ceremony from being held, SCC will communicate an alternative plan.

Commencement is scheduled for Wednesday, May 5th at 6:30 p.m. at the Pinnacle Bank Arena. Report to the graduate check in area on the ground level beginning at 5:30 p.m. and no later than 6:00 p.m. Please allow adequate time for parking to ensure timely arrival.

Pinnacle Bank Arena is a CLEAR BAG venue. ONLY CLEAR BAGS and small clutch-sized purses are allowed at entry. View the clear bag policy.

Graduates will not be allowed to carry items into the ceremony. There is no secure room for purses, coats, etc. Please leave your personal items with friends or family.

Graduates are required to remain at the entire ceremony, which will conclude at approximately 8:00 p.m.

The SCC graduation ceremony will be live streamed. (Check back for link.)

Family and Guests

Family, friends, and other guests are invited and may sit in any non-reserved area, other than the main floor, which is set aside for the graduates. At this time tickets are not required to attend the graduation.

Handicap seating for guests is available on the main concourse level of the Pinnacle Bank Arena. The arena drop off area is located on the south side of Pinnacle Bank Arena (R Street).

Free parking is available in the Festival Parking Lot and in the Pinnacle Bank Arena Garage. See map and directions. Paid parking is also available in the City of Lincoln Public Parking Garages. Find information regarding lodging, dining and other attractions in the Lincoln area.

Diplomas

Each graduate will receive their diploma by mail within one month after the end of the term assuming the following expectations have been met:

1. All grades are submitted
   • Contact your Instructor regarding missing or incomplete grades
2. You have no financial obligation to the college
   • Please contact Student Accounts at 402-437-2669 or studentaccounts@southeast.edu for questions concerning your account

Diplomas will be mailed to the address you provided on your graduation application. If you have an address change please email the Associate Director of Registration for your campus by May 5th:

Beatrice/Milford: Rose Ohlsen at rohlsen@southeast.edu

Lincoln: Lori Vancura at lvancura@southeast.edu

Honors

Phi Theta Kappa members are eligible to wear stoles. Contact the PTK Advisor on your home campus by April 15th:

Beatrice: Carrie Puhalla at cpuhalla@southeast.edu 402-228-8152

Lincoln: Rachel Mason at rmason@southeast.edu 402 437-2630

Milford: Stacey Harrifeld at sharrifeld@southeast.edu 402-761-8227

Stoles for PTK members will not be available the day of graduation.

Students graduating with distinction or high distinction will be provided an honor cord when they check in for the ceremony.

Veterans and Active Military

Graduates who are veterans or active military will receive a red, white & blue honor cord to be worn during the commencement ceremony. These cords can be picked up at graduation check in before the ceremony.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Graduates requesting accommodations, please contact the Associate Director for Registration for your home campus by April 15th or before, to allow time to establish reasonable accommodations with the venue.

Beatrice/Milford: Rose Ohlsen at rohlsen@southeast.edu 402-228-8213

Lincoln: Lori Vancura at lvancura@southeast.edu 402-437-2604

Change of Plans

Please contact the Associate Director of Registration for your campus if you determine you are unable to complete your academic requirements for graduation or have changed plans to attend the commencement.

Beatrice/Milford: Rose Ohlsen at rohlsen@southeast.edu 402-228-8213

Lincoln: Lori Vancura at lvancura@southeast.edu 402-437-2604