You Earned It. Let’s Celebrate Your Success.

Portrait of a group of students taking selfies on graduation day.

Everything you need to know about Commencement at College of the Mainland


Years of hard work, late-night studying, and dedication have led to this moment. Graduation is your time to step into the spotlight and celebrate your achievements with family, friends, and the entire COM community.


Whether you plan to walk across the stage or simply need to finalize your degree completion, this guide contains all the vital deadlines, schedules, and requirements to ensure a seamless graduation experience.

student at computer applying for graduation.

Step 1: Apply for Graduation

Even if you do not plan to participate in the formal commencement ceremony, you must formally apply for graduation to receive your degree or certificate.
  • How to Apply: Submit your application online through Student Selfserve.
  • Timeline: Applications must only be submitted during your final semester of completion.
  • Spring Application Deadline: Thursday, March 31
Students hugging each other as they graduate.

Step 2: Ceremony Schedule & Location

Commencement ceremonies take place at:

Abundant Life Christian Center
601 Delaney Road
La Marque, TX 77568.

No tickets are required for entry. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and carpooling is highly encouraged. For loved ones who cannot attend in person, live video streams are available on the official COM Facebook and YouTube channels.

Morning Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

  • Doors Open: 9:00 a.m. (Graduates must report by 9:15 a.m.)
  • Eligible Degrees: Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts in Teaching, and Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency.
Afternoon Ceremony: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Doors Open: 1:00 p.m. (Graduates must report by 1:15 p.m.)
  • Eligible Degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Associate of Applied Science, and Workforce Education Certificates.
graduation cap being lifted into the air.

Step 3: Prep Events & Regalia (Cap and Gown)

  • Graduation Expo: Visit the Student Center Lobby to speak with Admissions, Financial Aid, Advising, and Career Services. This is also where you will pick up your regalia, stoles, and honor cords. Check the campus calendar for specific March expo dates.
  • Cap and Gown Fittings: Regalia is free of charge and can be picked up at the COM Bookstore inside the Student Center up until the day before the ceremony. Your graduation application must be approved before you can collect your items.
  • Graduation Rehearsal: Held on the Friday before the ceremony from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Abundant Life Christian Center. Attendance helps ensure you know exactly where to walk on graduation day.
Dress Code & Customizations
  • Attire Rules: Dress shoes, dresses, skirts, dress pants, or slacks are required. Jeans, shorts, tennis shoes, and cowboy hats are not permitted. Choose footwear that allows you to walk smoothly and safely across the stage.
  • Decorating Your Cap: You are welcome to decorate the flat top of your mortarboard. However, nothing may dangle from the sides (such as bows or fringe) except your official tassel. No alterations are allowed on the gown itself.

Special Recognitions & Resources

Graduates with an Honorable Discharge rating are eligible for a Military Honor Cord. Contact the Veterans Center at 409-933-8455 or comvets@com.edu.
Collegiate High School, Dual Credit, and Upward Bound graduates are eligible to wear white cords. Please coordinate with your academic advisor.
PTK members can purchase specialized regalia at the Graduation Expo or via the online PTK store. Membership dues must be current to receive recognition.
Complimentary daycare is available during the ceremony for children aged six and under. Pre-registration is mandatory via graduation@com.edu.
Professional photos will be captured by The Grad Team. Proofs will be available for purchase online within two to four weeks following the ceremony.

Honors recognition is awarded to associate and bachelor degree graduates who have completed at least 40 semester hours at COM and earned the following cumulative GPAs. Honors designations are printed directly on your official transcript.

  • Cum Laude (With Honors): 3.50 to 3.69 GPA
  • Magna Cum Laude (With High Honors): 3.70 to 3.89 GPA
  • Summa Cum Laude (With Highest Honors): 3.90 to 4.00 GPA

Note on GPA Calculation: Cumulative GPA is determined by dividing your total grade points by your total attempted semester hours. Developmental courses are excluded from honors eligibility calculations.

Course Semester Hours Grade (Grade Points) Total Grade Points
ENGL 1301 3 A (4) 12
MATH 1314 3 B (3) 9
PHED 1101 1 B (3) 3
WELD 1410 4 B (3) 12
HIST 1302 3 C (2) 6
Totals 14 -- 42

Contact the Graduation Team

Apply for Graduation
409-933-8264
Student outside carrying books and making a call on their cell phone.