MyGRCC

Graduate and Guest Guide

You’ve worked hard for this. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

GRCC graduate at commencement

Commencement is Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m.

Van Andel Arena(link is external)
130 Fulton St W
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Arrival

  • Graduates and guests: arrive 5:30-6 p.m. at Van Andel Arena’s Main Entrance off Fulton St.
    • Graduates will be guided to a set of doors at the main entrance marked for graduates to check in and will then be directed to their line-up location.
    • Guests will enter any of the other doors to be guided upstairs to find seating.
  • Faculty and staff: 6-6:30 pm. at the southeast entrance of the arena.
  • Accessibility: ADA Entrance to Van Andel Arena is in the SW Entrance, and can be accessed via Ottawa St. ADA seating is available in section 109 at the arena. Arena ushers will be available to guide guests there.
  • Parking: Free parking is available at GRCC Ramps A, B and C. Paid parking is available at ramps around the arena. Rates at non-GRCC ramps may vary. 
GRCC parking ramps. Ramp A: Student entrances and exits on Fountain St. and Ransom Ave. Ramp B: Student entrance and exit only on Bostwick Ave. Ramp C: Student entrance and exit on Fountain St. and Fulton St.
  • Where to go: Guests and graduates should use the Main Entrance (M). Faculty should use the East Entrance (E). Speakers should use the west entrance (W)
A map of entrances to Van Andel Arena. W entrance is near the corner of Weston St. SW and Ottawa Ave. M is near Fulton St. E is on the east side of the arena on Weston St. SW

Assorted details

GRCC graduate at commencement
  • Bags: Van Andel Arena has a no bag policy which is in effect for all Graduates and attendees.
  • Rehearsal: There is no rehearsal prior to Commencement.
  • Tickets: There are no tickets for commencement. We anticipate graduates will invite between two and six guests to support them.
  • Photographs: Two photographs will be taken of each graduate: One with the college president and one photo just off the exit ramp. You will receive an email after the ceremony to purchase photos. There is no obligation to purchase. Questions? Please contact Call Photography at (800) 997-4980.
  • Diplomas/certificates: Participation in the ceremony does not guarantee graduation. Your record will be reviewed after all grades are submitted and your diploma will be mailed upon degree verification.
  • No longer participating: If your plans change and you will no longer be participating in the ceremony, please visit or contact the Center for Student Life and Leadership 

Before commencement

  • Apply to graduate by April 1. Please submit only once..
  • Attend Gradfest on March 25 to procure your Cap and Gown and get everything you need prior to the commencement ceremony.
  • 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!

Preparing and robing

  • Bring your cap, gown, tassel and stole with you.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 Veteran Services Office.

During the ceremony

  1. 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.
  2. When you are at your seat, stay standing.
  3. President Lepper will signal and ask you to be seated.
  4. When it is time to cross the stage:
    1. Ushers will signal your row to stand together.
    2. A staff member at the ramp will verify your name before you cross the stage.
    3. When signaled by the staff member, you will walk across the stage.
    4. You will then exit off the stage for an additional photo before returning to your seat.
  5. You will be directed by the president to stand and move your tassel from the right side of your cap to the left.
  6. We do not throw caps at the end of the ceremony since this is a formal academic ceremony.
  7. All graduates are required to stay until the conclusion of the ceremony out of respect to your fellow grads.

After the ceremony

  • Staff will lead you out of the building. Please remember to take all belongings with you. You will not be readmitted to the arena.
  • 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.

Learn more about commencement
 

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