Save the date
Saturday, April 17, 2021 (Class of 2020)
Saturday, May 15, 2021 (Class of 2021)


Announcing a new date for the Class of 2020’s Commencement ceremony
On September 4, recognizing that it would be highly unlikely that conditions for a large celebratory gathering (indoors or outdoors) would be permitted this fall, President Le Roy announced that the ceremony would be pushed back for the class of 2020 to April 17, 2021.

So, 2020 grads, please save the date, and expect more details to be communicated about this celebration in the months ahead.

In the meantime, visit calvin.edu/go/calvingrad2020 for videos and fun resources to keep celebrating this significant moment.

Class of 2021

We intend to celebrate your significant accomplishment on Saturday, May 15, 2021. More details related to this momentous occasion will be communicated to you by late fall semester.

Frequently asked questions for Class of 2020

  1. Will there still be an in-person commencement ceremony for the class of 2020?
    Yes. Calvin will host an in-person commencement ceremony to celebrate the class of 2020 on Saturday, April 17, 2021.

  2. Will there be lodging for graduates who come back to Grand Rapids in April?
    We cannot offer on-campus lodging for graduates or families at this time, as we expect the residence halls to be full of students. We will communicate more information as the time comes closer.

  3. What about ceremonies for commissioning/hooding/pinning?
    Details about whether any additional events will be held will be communicated by program administrators later this fall and will be included on the commencement website.

  4. What if I cannot join the ceremony in April?
    We are aware that it might be difficult for some graduates to attend this ceremony on campus in April. The commencement ceremony will be livestreamed on the Calvin website and posted to a highlights page afterward. Every name of every graduate will be read at the ceremony. Pictures of those students not in attendance will be projected on the big screen when their names are read.

  5. What about the caps and gowns? Do I need to order them before a certain date?
    A communication will be sent to all graduates in the coming months with the deadline for when they will need to confirm their attendance at the April commencement ceremony, request tickets for the ceremony, and order a cap and gown.

  6. How will I receive my diploma?
    If your mailing address has changed since you completed your Alumni Association grad survey in May, email successcenter@calvin.edu with the new address.

  7. How long will my Calvin student email address be active?
    Your Calvin accounts and access to Calvin services (Email, Office 365, Calvin Google Apps, Moodle, wireless access, printing access, network storage) will remain open until November 1, 2020. Future Commencement messages will be sent to your personal email address on your alumni record. Contact the alumni office (alumni@calvin.edu) if you need to verify or update your email address. We encourage you to review the steps you should take before November 1 to transition your accounts.