Graduates

Graduation 2025

GRADUATION INFOrmation (for graduates)

GRADUATION ATTIRE

COLORS: Black, and/or White - Pants/slacks, tops, skirts, and/or dresses

SHOES: Color of your choice

FORMAL WEAR: Ties and bowties are allowed (but not mandatory)

DO NOT wear flip-flops, slippers, slides, colorful hosiery (tights), leggings, biker shorts, jean (or other material) shorts, tights, t-shirts, or sweatpants/jogging pants.

GRADUATION REHEARSAL

It is imperative that seniors attend any and all rehearsals. Please do not ask for special consideration due to personal obligations. Avoid scheduling work, job interviews, medical or dental appointments, and makeup or hair appointments, during the scheduled graduation rehearsals. Make arrangements now and plan to be present so that you know exactly what to do on your special day!

Rehearsal: Tuesday, May 13th at Mahalia Jackson, 1:00p - MANDATORY - *Cap & Gown Pickup Day!*

DECORATING GRADUATION CAPS

Failure to follow these rules will result in the removal of the cap at the ceremony. Graduates WILL NOT be allowed to participate in the ceremony without a cap. Only the top, flat area of the mortarboard/cap can be decorated. DO NOT DECORATE THE FRONT OR SIDES!

Caps CAN NOT contain any advertisement, symbols, abbreviations, initials, words, slogans, patches, or pictures that:
1. - - Refer to drugs or controlled substances, tobacco, alcohol, or weapons or be of a sexual nature. Denote an affiliation with gangs or that advocate drug use, violence, illegal activity, or disruptive behavior which is detrimental to the safety and welfare of other scholars.
    - Be obscene, profane, vulgar, or lewd.
    - Include numbers other than the graduation year.
    - Threaten the safety and welfare of any person.

Graduation caps will be reviewed and approved upon arrival.

Things that are appropriate:

It is appropriate to put the following on your cap. Thank a parent, grandparent, teacher, or friend, recognize the university you will be attending, your graduation year, the branch of the military you will be joining, in memoriam to a lost friend/family member, or your home country’s flag.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

Seniors will NOT receive ANY graduation items until ALL financial obligations have been satisfied. This includes but is not limited to:

Senior budget paid
GWC Issued Chromebook + Charger returned or loss/damage fine paid
- - - Broken/Cracked Screen - $50
    - Missing Chromebook - $100
    - Missing or damaged charger - $15
Outstanding athletic equipment (football, baseball, softball, basketball) returned or paid
Outstanding athletic/co-curricular budget balance paid
Library Books returned or paid for ($10 per book)

Pay Library Fines

Pay Chromebook Fees

GRADUATION FAQs

How can I request more tickets?

The Commencement Office is not able to replace lost tickets or provide additional tickets in advance or on Commencement Day.

Are tickets required for children?

All guests over the age of three (3) must have a ticket

What items are prohibited (not allowed) inside the venue?

Balloons, sky lanterns, and other celebratory embellishments such as large placards, signs, or flags are not permitted at Commencement events. Additional prohibited items include: outside food or drinks; glass bottles; pets or animals; clothing deemed obscene or offensive; weapons of any kind, firearms, and knives; laser pointers; pepper spray/mace; lighters or matches; balloons, signs, posters, banners, flyers, or any items that could obstruct the view of guests and graduates; flags or flag posts; amplified sound items and noisemaking devices including cowbells and airhorns; and any item that may interfere with and/or distract graduation speakers, graduates, or guests.

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