commencement ceremony

Commencement

Congratulations Graduates!

Commencement is when we celebrate your hard work and dedication. We're proud to recognize your achievements with you and your families. Summer and Fall graduates are invited to attend the Winter Commencement on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 10 a.m. in the Gym.

Note: To participate in the Spring Commencement ceremony, you must complete the Graduation Application in myMCC > Self-Service by April 1.

Getting Ready for the Big Day

  • Cap, Gown, and Tickets

    Your pre-ordered cap and gown will be delivered to MCC and ready for pick-up in the Graduation Hub (Co/Lab B166), December 9-13 until 5:30 p.m.

    • The last day for cap, gown, and ticket pickup is December 13 by 4 p.m.
    • Photo identification is required

    Graduation Regalia: Caps and gowns are mandatory for the ceremony. If you did not pre-order your cap, gown, and tassel, you may purchase them in the MCC Store. Hang your gown before the ceremony to reduce wrinkles. 

    Guest Tickets: Summer graduation applications completed by August 1 deadline, and Fall graduation applications completed by November 1 deadline, may pick up three guest tickets for seating in the Gym. Due to limited capacity in MCC’s Gym, guests of graduates who applied after the August 1 deadline and November 1 deadline, will be directed to the comforts of the Luecht Auditorium, where the ceremony will be live streamed.

  • Commencement Rehearsal

    An optional rehearsal will be held on Friday, December 13 in the Gym, A107, where we walk through the commencement ceremony and are available for questions. (You do not need to wear your cap and gown).

    Stay for pizza!

  • The Day of the Ceremony
    • Graduates check in at 9 a.m. in the Building B Co-Lab across from the MCC Café. Pick up your name card, along with Honor, Veteran, and Volunteer cords (if applicable).
    • Guest Seating: Tickets are required for guest seating in the Gym during the ceremony. Each graduate will receive three tickets for guest seating in the gym. Additional seating will be available in the Luecht Auditorium (no ticket required), where the ceremony will be live-streamed.
    • The ceremony will begin promptly at 10 a.m. The ceremony will last approximately one and a half hours. Graduates and guests are expected to remain through the conclusion as a courtesy to other graduates and guests.
    • Gym doors open at 9 a.m. and close promptly at 10 a.m. Late guest arrivals will be directed to the Luecht Auditorium

    Special Needs: If you or a guest, require special assistance (i.e. wheelchair access), contact us. MCC cannot provide wheelchairs but we do offer seating accommodations.

    Professional Photography and Videography: Professional photos will be taken of each graduate before and during the ceremony. Empire Photography will email color proofs to your MCC-issued email address, for purchase, within two weeks after graduation.

    Complete your contact information for the photographer »

    Your Diploma: Your official degree or certificate will be mailed to you six to eight weeks from the end of the semester if all graduation requirements have been met.

    If you have any questions or need further information, email the Office of Student Affairs, or call us at (815) 479-7547.

Our graduation partner, Jostens, will mail your official degree or certificate to you six to eight weeks from the end of the semester if all graduation requirements have been met.