Spring 2026 COMMENCEMENT

Graduation is when your credential is officially awarded; commencement is the ceremony where you celebrate it by walking the stage.

Any candidate who is receiving an academic credential, including a certificate, technical diploma, and/or an associate degree may participate in the ceremony.

All graduates must wear graduation regalia, which include cap, gown, and tassel. Graduates can purchase regalia in BPCC’s Bookstore for $50. Contact the Bookstore at 318-678-6009 or visit their website for information regarding the purchase of your regalia.

We recommend wearing business casual attire under your graduation gown. You’ll want to look polished for any photos you take before or after the ceremony. Keep in mind that you’ll be standing and walking for extended periods as we line up and prepare for the event, so we advise wearing comfortable shoes.

Only official stoles earned through academic achievement or official membership to honor societies are allowed during the commencement ceremony. Custom or handcrafted stoles are not permitted. Custom-unofficial stoles can be worn for photos with your family after the ceremony.

The College allows for modest decorating of the mortar boards. However, the decoration must be contained to the top of the cap, not hanging over the sides.

There is no rehearsal prior to the ceremony. However, graduates are required to arrive at the venue at least 90 minutes before the ceremony begins. Upon arrival, staff members will be available to direct graduates to the check-in and line-up areas.

You are not allowed to carry personal items such as cell phones, purses, clothes hangers, etc. with you once the ceremony begins. You are encouraged to leave those items with a friend, family member, or in a locked vehicle. The College is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

You may pick up your diploma in the academic division after you receive an email stating that credentials have arrived.

• Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences: Building G, Room 113
• Business and Information Technology: Building G, Room 142
• Nursing and Allied Health: Building H, Room 133
• Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics: Building B, Room 149
• Natchitoches Campus: Front Office
• Sabine Valley Campus: Front Office

If you live outside of the surrounding area and want your diploma mailed, you may contact the Director of Academic Planning at graduation@bpcc.edu.

According to College policy, you may earn more than one credential. Refer to the General Degree Requirements. 

If you are unable to attend graduation, you may pick up your diploma in the academic division (see below) beginning on the Monday after commencement.

• Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences: Building G, Room 113
• Business and Information Technology: Building G, Room 142
• Nursing and Allied Health: Building H, Room 133
• Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics: Building B, Room 149

If you live outside of the surrounding area and want your diploma mailed, you may contact the Director of Academic Planning at graduation@bpcc.edu.

Yes. Bring your ID to confirm your identity when picking up your credential.

No. Credentials must be picked up in person by the graduate.

If you live outside of the surrounding area and want your diploma mailed, you may contact the Director of Academic Planning at graduation@bpcc.edu.

The cost to reorder a diploma is $30. The cost to reorder a certificate or technical diploma is $10. Graduates can email graduation@bpcc.edu to make the request. Please include your first and last name, Student ID, credential earned, email address, and mailing address.

Graduates can request duplicate/replacement credentials online. Be prepared to include your first and last name, Student ID, credential earned, and mailing address. The cost to reorder a diploma is $30. The cost to reorder a certificate or technical diploma is $10. After the payment has been processed, the credential will be ordered. You will be notified by email when it arrives to arrange pickup.

Your credential will be ordered in the name that is associated with your Banner account. To make changes to your name login to LoLA to update your personal information.

1. Log in to LoLA – Go to the LoLA portal and sign in.
2. Find Personal Info – Click on Personal Information in the Self-Service Banner section.
3. Check & Update Your Details
4. Click the Personal Information Box
5. Review these sections:
   • Personal Details – Make sure your name appears exactly how you want it on your diploma.
   • Email & Phone – Update these so we can reach you.
   • Address – This is where your diploma will be sent. Make sure it's correct!
   • Emergency Contact – Double-check or update this if needed.
6. Save Any Changes – Make updates and click save.

If there is a mistake on your diploma/certificate, email graduation@bpcc.edu a copy of the diploma/certificate. Indicate the error and provide the correct information along with your name, phone number, email and mailing address.

You have two options for obtaining your transcript.

• Unofficial
  • Login to LoLA>Student Profile>Academic Transcript (Unofficial transcripts are free)
• Official
  • For an official transcript, the fee is $10. Request your official diploma and pay the fee.