Commencement Timeline

Spring of junior year
Emails are sent to students directing them to apply for graduation if the cumulative hours indicate the possibility of earning hours to graduate the following year. Applications should be submitted by the end of spring term. Graduation Applications are located on the Students Tab on my.gordon.edu. 

September
Graduation evaluations are sent to students who submitted graduation applications the previous spring. Students who were off-campus spring term should apply now. Graduation evaluations should be discussed with the student's advisor, signed, and returned to our office by the date listed on the top of the form. 

January
Commencement Planning Guide is available at www.gordon.edu/commencement which contains information about Commencement weekend, timeline, reservations, etc.

Late January/early February
Diplomas are mailed to December grads who are academically and financially clear. Transcripts for off-campus work taken in the fall must be received in the Registrar's Office by January 31st to receive a December degree.

March 15
All paperwork for Commencement due. This includes signed graduation evaluations, petitions to participate in Commencement, and transcripts for off-campus work taken before the current term.

Early April
Cap and gown distribution day is the first Tuesday in April. Graduation candidates receive cap, gown, and tickets.

Middle of April
Commencement program finalized. Late applicants and changes after this point will not be reflected in the program.

Beginning of May
Seating assigned by department.

Friday of Commencement Weekend (subject to change)

• 11:45 a.m. Group photo on steps of A. J. Gordon Memorial Chapel with graduates in cap and gown
• 12 p.m. Mandatory rehearsal for Baccalaureate and Commencement in the Chapel
• 4:15 p.m. Robing and line-up for Baccalaureate, Chapel Dining Room
• 5 p.m. Baccalaureate service, A. J. Gordon Memorial Chapel

Saturday of Commencement Weekend

• 9:15 a.m. Robe and line-up for Commencement, Chapel Dining Room (in case of rain, A.J. Memorial Chapel)
• 10 a.m. Commencement, quad (in case of rain, Bennett Center)
• Light refreshments will be served immediately after Commencement (in case of rain, no refreshments will be served)

Middle of June
Diplomas mailed to May graduates who are academically and financially clear. Transcripts for off-campus work taken in the spring must be received in the Registrar's Office by June 15 in order to receive a May degree.

End of September
Diplomas are mailed to August graduates who are academically and financially clear. Transcripts for off-campus work taken in the summer must be received in the Registrar's Office by September 30 in order to receive an August degree.