Graduate's Guide

• Take your cap, gown and stole out of the package in advance. Hang it in the bathroom while you are showering to remove any wrinkles. Do NOT iron!
• Military service members (past and present) will be recognized for their service with red, white, and blue cords. These will be distributed at GRADfest. Following GRADfest, they will be available in the Student Life Office.

Bring the following items with you:

• Cap, gown, tassel and stole. Also, please adhere to the College’s face covering requirement.
• The honors and veterans cords, Delta Pi Alpha, Phi Theta Kappa, culinary medallions, and nursing pins are approved to be worn with the graduation gown.
• The tip of your mortar board should point to the front. Your tassel will start on the right side of your cap and will be moved to the left side during the ceremony when the president instructs you to stand and move it.

• Parking is available near the arena. Please view parking information from Van Andel's website for parking and accessibility options.
• GRCC Bostwick Ramp gates will be raised for graduate and guest parking. If you park there - please arrive early enough to walk to Van Andel Arena. Graduates should arrive at 6 p.m. and no later than 6:30 p.m.

• Arrive 60 minutes prior to your ceremony’s scheduled time for check in at the southeast entrance of Van Andel arena (behind HopCat). 
• Follow the directions from greeters.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be standing for an extended period of time. If you require any special accommodations, please contact the Student Life Office at (616) 234-4160.

• You will be directed to sit in a specific row by an usher. Please move all the way to the end of the row and fill every seat. This is critical, as the ushers are counting/tracking how many students are in each row.
• When you are at your seat, stay standing.
• President Dr. Lepper will signal and ask you to be seated.
• When it is time to cross the stage:
  • Ushers will signal your row to stand. The entire row will rise together.
  • A staff member will be placed at the ramp to verify your name before crossing the stage.
  • When signaled by the staff member, you will walk across the stage. Pause and smile for the photographer as you pick up your diploma cover.
  • You will then exit off the stage for an additional photo.
  • After your photo, return to your seat.
• When it is time, you will be directed by the president to stand and move your tassel.
• This is a formal academic ceremony and there is an expectation of respect and professionalism. We do not throw caps at the end of the ceremony.
• All graduates are required to stay until the conclusion of the ceremony out of respect to your fellow grads.

• Staff will lead you out of the building. 
• Consider donating your gown! There will be boxes to drop gowns in on the plaza if you are willing to donate them for future graduates.