Pasadena City College News: Graduation and Summer Session

Pasadena City College (Photo – pasadena.edu)

On Saturday, June 12, Pasadena City College will hold commencement, but it will be a drive-through.

By Melissa Michelson

Graduating students will drive through campus and get their diploma covers and a graduation photo in an all-day affair, organized by division.

According to Dr. Rebecca Cobb, Dean of Student Life, “Students will traverse the campus in their vehicles through whimsical displays, experiencing performances, applause from their beloved faculty and staff, culminating in front of the C-Bldg. and Mirror Pools by receiving their diploma covers from [the president of the school], Dr. Endrijonas, and members of the Board of Trustees.”

Compared to the 2019 commencement of about 1200 participants, this year approximately 800 students have shown interest in participating. The drive-through graduation will follow COVID-19 health and safety protocols, and it will combine the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021.  Last year’s graduation ceremonies, usually held on the football field, were cancelled because of the pandemic. According to PCC’s Commencement information webpage, “only one vehicle per graduate is allowed” and “guests from the same household may join a graduate in their vehicle.”  Graduates will need to remain in their cars and wear face masks when interacting with those outside their vehicles.

Summer 2021 inter-session, which starts June 21, will continue to be offered remotely, but Fall 2021 classes will be transitioned back to in-person at half-capacity, depending on the size of the classrooms. Fall classes will start August 28. The schedule of classes is now open: ssb-prod.ec.pasadena.edu/PROD/pw_psearch_sched.p_search.