Apply to Graduate
We send Commencement communications to undergraduate and graduate-level students who have applied to graduate.
If you are close to completing your final program requirements, you will receive an email invitation to apply for program completion in Workday. Get all of the details about eligibility and how to apply for your for your degree on the Registrar's Office site.
December 2025 graduates: If you are not receiving Commencement messages, make sure to check your Calvin University email address. If you still do not see any communication, email registrar@calvin.edu.
Cap and Gown
You will use the Commencement Checklist to order your cap and gown. There is no charge for these items. The deadline for cap and gown orders is TBD.
Undergraduate student cap and gown pick-up
Pick up your cap, gown, and tickets on a date TBD in May at a place TBD.
You must complete your grad survey (sent via email from alumni@calvin.edu on a date TBD) in order to pick up your gown.
Pick-up requirements:
- A student ID or another photo ID (e.g. driver's license) is required to pick up your tickets
- You must complete your grad survey in order to pick up your gown.
- Last minute undergraduate pickups will take place on a date TBD.
Graduate student cap and gown pick-up
Pick up your cap, gown, hood, commencement tickets, and name cards (you will receive a white name card for hooding and a color-coded name card for commencement) at the following times:
- Dates, times, locations TBD
- Master Students Only- Date, time, location TBD (only as an exception, please!)
- Last minute Graduate pickups will take place on date, time, location TBD.
You are encouraged to pick up your gown on Thursday or Friday of Commencement week so that you have time to steam out any wrinkles.
Please complete your grad survey in advance (look for an email from alumni@calvin.edu on date TBD) to ensure quick check-in on arrival.
Pick-up requirements:
- A student ID or another photo ID (e.g. driver's license) is required to pick up your tickets
- Please complete your grad survey in advance to ensure quick check-in on arrival.
Rehearsal and Ceremony
Required rehearsal
The Commencement rehearsal is required for all undergraduate student grads. Graduate student grads are welcome, too. The rehearsal is approximately 45 minutes, held on date TBD in the Van Noord Arena.
We'll explain all the details to make the event successful, including:
- When and where to gather prior to the ceremony
- How the procession works
- Diploma distribution
If you are unable to attend the rehearsal, please email commencement@calvin.edu and designate a friend or classmate to collect the information for your assigned gathering and seating location.
Ceremony arrival
Plan to arrive by 1:25 p.m. and gather in the Hoogenboom Health and Recreation Center to form the processional lines. Please enter from the West entry doors and check-in at the table in the Hoogenboom lobby (on the stairway landing).
We'll review these details at the required Commencement rehearsal.
Technology Expiration
Within a week or two of completing all the coursework for your degree you will receive an email notifying you of your account expiration date and details about transferring your files. This date is typically two months after the end of your classes. If you would like to get a head start, please follow these instructions from CIT.
Living On Campus?
If you are living on campus, you have the option of staying in your residence through Commencement weekend, at no additional charge for housing. Graduates staying on campus through Commencement must check-out of your room or apartment by Monday morning following the ceremony. Details coming soon.