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UPDATED: July 17, 2020
Drive-through Commencement Ceremonies will be held on Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, 2020, on the Roane County (Harriman) campus for those who wish to participate. Graduates may drop in any time between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. (ET) either day. Reservations are not required.
Note that the conditions of participation for graduates still include completing a wellness screening on the same day of the event, wearing a face covering, physical distancing and any other applicable restrictions in place at the time as per the CDC and state governing agencies.
Roane State is unable to host the multiple live commencement ceremonies originally planned to take place inside the gymnasium on these dates due to COVID-19 safety concerns and updated guidance from the Tennessee Department of Health.
With the new drive-through commencement plan, guests are still welcome to attend with the graduate as long as all guests remain inside their vehicle. Any additional vehicles must arrive with the graduate and follow the graduate’s vehicle through the line.
Face coverings: All graduates will be required to wear a face covering at all times. Graduates will be provided a commemorative face mask from the Roane State Foundation as part of commencement, but are free to wear their own face coverings instead.
Wellness Screening: All graduates will be required to complete a wellness screening to confirm that they are not at risk of spreading COVID-19. The screening must be completed the same day you plan to come to campus. Guests will no longer be required to complete the screening since they will remain inside their vehicle.
Physical Distancing: Any graduate who chooses to exit their vehicle in the designated area is asked to maintain safe physical distance (6 feet) from others.
The wellness screening is a questionnaire designed to determine if a person is at risk of spreading COVID-19. It can be completed online prior to arrival on campus or on paper prior to the drive-through ceremony. Paper copies will be available at the check-in station. The screening questions cover things like possible symptoms and exposures to COVID-19. In-person temperature checks will not be part of the screening process. If a graduate fails the initial screening for any reason, they will go through a secondary screening process to determine if they can be granted access.
There will not be a reception following the drive-through commencement. Vehicles will be directed toward the exit immediately after the graduate receives their diploma cover and additional items. There will be a brief opportunity for photos of the graduate in the designated area, but guests are not permitted to exit the vehicle to take photos.
For 2020, caps and gowns can be ordered online through the RSCC Bookstore website beginning April 30, 2020. There is no additional charge for the cap and gown and they are yours to keep. Your height and weight is all you need to know to order your cap and gown.
For those of who have achieved academic honors (3.5 GPA or higher) you may purchase a gold honors tassel for an additional fee. The bookstore has a listing of students eligible for the gold honors tassel. Gold honors tassels may only be purchased online at this time.
Please see the main Graduation page for more about picking up your diploma.
Participation in the commencement ceremony does not mean you have graduated from Roane State! Final grades and final evaluations need to be completed prior to the granting of the degree/certificate. All course substitutions, final grades, exit exam (if applicable) and other college obligations must be completed by the end of your graduating term or the posting of your degree will be extended to future terms.
Amy Keeling • (865) 354-3000 ext. 4257 • Click name for email address
Roane State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulation and by Tennessee board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities. View full non-discrimination policy.
