Commencement is Only a Month Away! 

The countdown is ON. You are in your final weeks at CC! Commencement is set for Sunday, May 18, at 8:30 a.m., in Ed Robson Arena and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

As you head into your FINAL block, and the flurry of year-end activities that come with it, we’re sharing some need-to-know info to get ready for the big day. Please take note of the dates below and keep a close eye on your inbox and the Commencement 2025 webpage to ensure you have all the information you need to plan for this important occasion. 

You must submit your application to graduate by Friday, Apr. 18 in order to walk in the ceremony next month. If eligible, you will find the link to the application on your student menu in Banner SSB. It only takes a few minutes to opt in to the ceremony, provide height information for a gown, and confirm other important details. Please also record your name in Canvas/NameCoach to ensure proper pronunciation at the ceremony.

IMPORTANT: You will not be able to access guest tickets for Commencement or Baccalaureate events until you complete the application process.

Sunday, May 18, 8:30 a.m., Ed Robson Arena
Doors open at 7 a.m. for general admission seating.

Tuesday, May 6, 11 a.m., Shove Memorial Chapel
This is CC’s annual opportunity to honor outstanding students and faculty. The program includes departmental awards, all-college awards, faculty teaching and professorships, and awards from the CCSGA. All members of the campus community are welcome to attend and a livestream of the ceremony will be available online.

Saturday, May 17, 3 p.m., Shove Memorial Chapel
Baccalaureate is a centuries-old graduation tradition, providing an opportunity to reflect on this rite of passage, hear from this year’s Baccalaureate speaker Eric Popkin, Associate Professor of Sociology, and celebrate our talented students.

Seniors who have applied to graduate will receive an email as we get closer to the Baccalaureate ceremony with instructions for how to access tickets (up to two guests per student) through Ticketmaster. A livestream of the ceremony will also be available online.

Share your well wishes and words of celebration for fellow graduates as part of this special CC tradition. Messages submitted by Monday, May 12 will be displayed on the jumbotron in Ed Robson Arena during Commencement, as well as online. Read more for ideas and instructions for how to submit a message.

Academic departments typically hold receptions on the Saturday afternoon following Baccalaureate, at locations on and off campus. Specific time and location details can be found on the Commencement website. Invitations will be sent directly from your academic department.

Immediately following the Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 18, Interim President Manya Whitaker will host a reception for all to enjoy on Tava Quad until approximately 12:30 p.m.

Seniors who have applied to graduate will receive an email at the beginning of May with instructions for how to access complimentary guest tickets for the Commencement and Baccalaureate ceremonies through Ticketmaster. Once students access their tickets, they will need to transfer them directly to guests.

Please note: There will not be a waitlist for students and families needing more than the allotted number of guest tickets. Should you need additional tickets, you may request directly from fellow graduates who are permitted to transfer any unused tickets via Ticketmaster. 

Livestream Option: For family, friends, and members of the campus community who are not attending in person, a livestream will be available online for Commencement, Honors Convocation, and Baccalaureate events.

GradImages will be on campus during Commencement weekend to capture the special occasion. Graduates are encouraged to register in advance in order to view and purchase photos more quickly after graduation.

Graduates will be able to claim one free 5×7 photo, courtesy of Interim President Whitaker.

Parking – Commencement attendees may park anywhere on campus (no fees or permits apply), except the third floor of the Ed Robson Arena parking garage on East Dale Street. The third level of the Ed Robson Arena parking garage is reserved for guests with limited mobility who require parking close to the venue. Accessible parking is available on all levels of the Ed Robson Arena parking garage and in other parking lots on campus as well.

Accessibility – CC welcomes individuals with disabilities. Please see the Commencement webpage for information on accessible parking and accommodations available within Ed Robson Arena.

Clear Bag Policy – Ed Robson Arena has a clear bag policy, which will be enforced during Commencement weekend. Only clear bags and small clutch-sized purses will be allowed at entry. For more details on this policy, visit the website.. Clear bags can be purchased at the Bookstore just south of the main arena entrance. (Bookstore hours on Sunday, May 18: 6:30 a.m.–1 p.m.)

Additional information on parking, accessibility, venue policies, and FAQs can be found on the Commencement page of the website.

Final details and reminders will be shared via email one week prior to Commencement. In the meantime, the full weekend schedule and the most up-to-date information can be found on the Commencement website. 

Congratulations Class of 2025!

On behalf of the entire CC community, we are so proud to honor the many accomplishments of this class, as well as the MAT graduates.