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 Fall Commencement
6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021
Pinnacle Bank Arena
Lincoln, NE
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., Commencement begins at 6:30 p.m.
Graduate check-in for the ceremony at Pinnacle Bank Arena begins at 5:30 p.m.
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.
Order your graduation gown by Oct. 31st online.
Caps and gowns will be available for pick up in the Campus Store on your home campus beginning Monday, Dec. 6th. 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.
Graduation Announcements
Announcements are available in the Campus Bookstore for purchase.
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 Thursday, Dec. 16th 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. If a local DHM is implemented for the city of Lincoln and Pinnacle Bank Arena, SCC will email graduates with additional information.
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:
- All grades are submitted
- Contact your Instructor regarding missing or incomplete grades
- You have no financial obligation to the college
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 Dec. 16th:
Send address changes to Graduation@southeast.edu.
Honors
Phi Theta Kappa members are eligible to wear stoles. Contact the PTK Advisor on your home campus by Nov. 30th:
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 Nov. 22nd or before, to allow time to establish reasonable accommodations with the venue.
Please send an email to Graduation@southeast.edu if you are requesting accommodations.
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.
Please email Graduation@southeast.edu with a change in plans.