Graduation at Southwestern

| Graduation Application Form |

Alcohol Policy

The legal age for drinking alcohol in Oregon is 21. State laws deal harshly with underage drinking. It is also against the law in Oregon to sell or give away alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. Southwestern is a dry campus except when a specific function has been authorized by Southwestern’s president.

Elderly and Physically Disabled

When ordering tickets, please inform us if you or your guests will require special accommodations. A sign language interpreter will be available throughout the commencement ceremony. Disabled parking is available behind the Hales Center. A small number of wheelchairs will be available if needed by guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the commencement ceremony going to be held?
Friday, June 13, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. to approximately 8:30 p.m.. Only those with commencement tickets will be admitted into the Hales Center for Performing Arts.

Should I reserve my commencement tickets if I’m not sure I’ll pass my courses?
Yes, reserve them. If you have received a commencement letter, you should follow the instructions to pick up your tickets listed on this website.

How many commencement tickets can I reserve and can I get more?
Eligible graduating students will receive a limited number of guest tickets. Unfortunately, due to limited space, we have limited seating. Given these factors, we will only guarantee tickets to students before the deadline dates. There will be a live closed circuit telecast of the commencement ceremony in the upstairs overflow room. The auditorium and overflow tickets will look different and guests will be directed to the appropriate venues.

Does my child need a ticket?
Children, with the exception of infants and toddlers who remain on an adult’s lap, must have a ticket.

Will there be childcare available?
A room is set aside for families to take care of their children and watch commencement on a large screen television. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

I need to take a couple of courses this summer and fall term before I will officially graduate. May I attend this spring’s commencement exercises?
Students who plan to meet their degree requirements in the following summer and/or fall term, may participate in commencement. To determine your eligibility for participation, you must file for graduation at the Student First Stop Center.

Last year I was scheduled to participate in the commencement exercises, but something came up and I did not go. May I reserve tickets to attend this year’s ceremony?
A graduate is allowed to participate in commencement for each degree or certificate earned. Students may only participate in the commencement year which they listed on the original Graduation Application. If you earn a second degree/certificate in future years, you may participate in commencement for the second degree/certificate.

Will my name be listed in the program if I don’t participate in commencement?
Yes, if you complete the Graduation Application on time and mark that you wish to be listed in the program and newspaper.

Will my name be read during the ceremony?
Yes, the recipients of each degree are asked to stand as a group and each name will be announced.

As a graduate, do I have to wear a cap and gown to participate in the ceremony?
Yes, the various processions and seating of graduates and faculty in their colorful attire are highlights of the commencement exercises. To participate in this memorable event, you must be robed. For information on how to obtain the cap and gown, please consult Southwestern’s website or call the College’s bookstore (541) 888-7264 or (800) 962-2838, ext. 7264.

When will I get my diploma?
Diplomas will be processed once all grades are confirmed and accounts are paid in full. You will receive your diploma in the mail 6-8 weeks after all grades are submitted.

Maps and Directions

Parking lots and location of the Hales Center are shown on the Map of Southwestern.

Directions to Southwestern:
Southwestern Oregon Community College is located in Coos Bay, Oregon, Highway 101 S, on the beautiful Oregon Coast.

Northern-Central Oregon To Coos Bay: If you live North of Coos Bay, take I-5 South, Coos Bay/Reedsport Exit 162 (Drain, Oregon). Highway 38 will connect with Highway 101 in Reedsport Oregon. Continue south on Highway 101 to North Bend/Coos Bay. (Coos Bay is approximately 115) miles from Eugene, Oregon.)

To the College: Continue traveling south over the McCullough Bridge into North Bend. Turn right on Virginia Street (Pony Village Mall/Airport exit sign). Drive past Pony Village Mall on Virginia Street. Turn left on Broadway. Take Broadway to Newmark Avenue (Sizzler is on the right), turn right and follow Newmark Avenue to the College. The college entrance is located across from Wal-Mart.

Southern Oregon to Coos Bay: If you live in Southern Oregon, take 1-5 North. Exit at Roseburg and take Highway 42 through Coquille, Oregon. Follow the signs, Highway 101 North to Coos Bay.

To the College: Continue on Highway 101 through Coos Bay's downtown area. You will pass the Coos Bay Boardwalk on the right. Continue northbound past the Timber Inn and Red Lion. Turn Left on Newmark Avenue (stop light, Lucky Star Restaurant is on the left). The college entrance is located across from Wal-Mart.

Lodging

See below for lodging accommodations. Please mention that you will be attending Southwestern’s commencement ceremony.

• The Mill Casino and Hotel
• The Red Lion
• Best Western
• Motel 6
• The Edgewater Inn
• Oregon's Bay Area Chamber of Commerce

Airport

Southwestern Oregon Regional Airport:
http://www.coosbaynorthbendairport.com/

Graduation Photos

Congratulations on your achievement! Bob Knight Photo is pleased to announce that we will be photographing your ceremony this year. We will take a picture of every graduate that crosses the stage, as well as ceremony and friends and family pictures. You can pre-register your graduate at our site below to receive a free proof of your assigned images as well as an email notification when your pictures go active on our site.  Click on the link below, click on "Preregistration" and search for our school. You will need to search for "southwestern" or "southwestern oregon community college" for the proper registration link to come up.

http://www.bobknightphoto.com

Top of page