OCCC’s 2012 commencement ceremony will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 11, in the Cox Convention Center, located near Reno and Robinson in downtown in Oklahoma City.

According to a letter sent by the Records and Graduation office, graduates should arrive no later than 6:30 p.m. in the west hallway, Exhibit Room E, of the arena area to form the commencement processional.

Convention Center parking and surrounding area parking is available at a cost of approximately $6 and up.

Caps and gowns are required at commencement and are available in the student bookstore for $33 plus tax through 5 p.m. May 13, said Bookstore Director Brenda Reinke.

“That is if we still have some in supply, and they come in all different sizes.” Reinke said the bookstore also is selling tassels and frames for diplomas.

The letter, sent to all graduates, gives instructions for appropriate dress that suggests men wear dark slacks, a dress shirt and dress shoes while women are asked to wear a dress with dark shoes.

Graduation Services Director Barbara Gowdy said students have up until the day of graduation to apply for graduation but she would prefer they apply sooner.

She said name cards will be on tables outside the robing room. Name cards are vital as it is the card students will hand to the reader before they walk across the stage to receive their diploma.

Candid Color Photography will be the official photographer for the 2011 Commencement Ceremony, she said.

Those wanting to view and order graduation photos can go online to www.okcpartypics.com. There is no obligation to purchase a photograph.

Students who have graduation-related questions or who need accommodations due to a disability, including sign language interpretation, can contact Silvia Youngblood at 682-1611, ext. 7470, in the Graduation Services office.

Cox Convention Center is located at 1 Myriad Gardens in downtown Oklahoma City, near Reno and Robinson.

For more information, contact Gowdy at 405-682-7528, or bgowdy@occc.edu or visit the college’s website at www.occc.edu.

To contact Sarah Hussain, email seniorwriter@occc.edu.