Commencement Ceremony

Commencement is held once a year in May. We host the ceremonies at the Field House, located on our Sugar Grove Campus.

2025: Saturday, May 17, 2025, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. ceremonies

All students who earned an associate degree in August or December 2024 or who are candidates for May and August 2025 are invited to participate. May and August candidates must submit an Intent to Graduate form by February 15.  Students who apply after February 15 may still be able to participate, but preference will be given to those who applied before the deadline.

Students who applied by the February 15th deadline will receive an invitation to their Waubonsee student email on February 20. The email will include a link to the website to purchase a cap and gown, as well as choose a ceremony time. 

The Cap and Gown with Tassel package cost is $33, plus tax.

Graduates and candidates must purchase a cap, gown, and tassel to participate in the ceremony. There is no other cost. The cap, gown, and tassel will be yours to keep. You will receive one diploma cover at the ceremony. Additional diploma covers can be purchased through the bookstore’s website if you have earned more than one degree. Financial Aid cannot be used to purchase these items.

After your order is placed, the items will not be available for pick-up until the Commencement Expo in May on the Sugar Grove Campus.

Beginning April 18 (and through May 9 OR until full), candidates must fill out a Late Participation Application at the Academic, Career and Transfer Advising office, Student Center, Second Floor IN PERSON. Online orders are no longer available. The form will then need to be taken to the Bookstore so the payment can be processed. Cap, gown, and tassel quantities will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students will NOT have their choice of ceremony at this time. We may run out of room before May 9, so students should not delay in signing up.

You must attend the Commencement Expo to pick up your cap and gown. We are unable to ship your items.

The Commencement Expo will be held on Tuesday, May 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in STC 106 at the Sugar Grove campus. If you are unable to attend, you can stop by the Sugar Grove bookstore Wednesday, May 14 – Friday, May 16 during open hours.

Attendance at each ceremony will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis. The first 125 students to register will be given their preference of time.  After that, we will try to honor your request. You will be sent a confirmation email with the designated ceremony time and ticket download information on April 18.

Yes, for guests to enter the Field House, they must have a ticket.  All adults and children, ages 3 and up, must have a ticket to enter the building.  Children 2 and under do not need a ticket if they are able to sit on an adult’s lap. Strollers, infant carriers, and balloons will not be allowed in the Field House. 

Seating is first-come, first-serve. It is recommended that ticketed guests arrive at the same time to be seated together. You will not be able to save seats 10 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony to allow for minimum distractions once the ceremony has begun.  

Guests who arrive less than 10 minutes before the ceremony begins may not be seated together. 

Doors will close 5 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony, and late guests will not be seated until after the graduates have processed in and are seated.

The number of guest tickets for each ceremony has not been determined yet. We give each graduate/candidate a designated amount of guest tickets by taking the maximum occupancy of the space, subtracting the number of expected candidates, and dividing the remaining seats by the number of expected candidates at each ceremony to determine how many guest tickets each candidate receives. There are no extra tickets or waitlists.

Ticket information will be shared on April 18.

The number of guest tickets for each ceremony has not been determined yet. We give each graduate/candidate a designated amount of guest tickets by taking the maximum occupancy of the space, subtracting the number of expected candidates, and dividing the remaining seats by the number of expected candidates at each ceremony to determine how many guest tickets each candidate receives. There are no extra tickets or waitlists.

Ticket information will be shared on April 18.

There are no additional tickets. We do not keep a waitlist.  Graduates do NOT need a ticket. The ceremony will be livestreamed on YouTube for those unable to attend.

The number of guest tickets for each ceremony has not been determined yet. We give each graduate/candidate a designated amount of guest tickets by taking the maximum occupancy of the space, subtracting the number of expected candidates, and dividing the remaining seats by the number of expected candidates at each ceremony to determine how many guest tickets each candidate receives. There are no extra tickets or waitlists.

Ticket information will be shared on April 18.

If you need a sign language interpreter or an accommodation for this event, please contact Sarah Kocunik, at 630-466-2933 or graduation@waubonsee.edu. Five business days’ notice is requested.

Yes, we partner with Grad Images, who will take multiple photos of each candidate as they process across the stage. GradImages will email you a few days after commencement when your proofs are ready. Families are encouraged to remain in their seats, enjoy the ceremony, and limit picture taking to before or after the ceremony. Visit gradimages.com for more information.

Pre-Register for your Graduation Ceremony photos! Receive a coupon for 20% off your entire order when you pre-register before graduation day at https://www.gradimages.com/Preregistration.

Yes, the ceremony will be livestreamed. Your guests can visit this page on the day of the ceremony for the link.

We anticipate each ceremony lasting about 90 minutes. 

No, we do not host a rehearsal. Please refer to the information sheet you receive when you pick up your cap and gown at the Commencement Expo for more information. 

Graduates/candidates are not required to participate in the Commencement Ceremony. All graduates will be mailed their diploma six (6) weeks after the end of the semester they complete their last course. You may choose to order a souvenir tassel through the Bookstore’s website.