Commencement Ceremonies

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

2026: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. ceremonies

December 2025 graduates and pending May and August graduates are invited to participate.

Online registration through the Bookstore website will end on April 20. 

From April 21 through May 8, 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 8, so students should not delay in signing up.

Online registration through the Bookstore website will end on April 20. 

From April 21 through May 8, 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 8, so students should not delay in signing up.

The Cap and Gown with Tassel package cost is $35, 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 on May 12 on the Sugar Grove Campus. Additional details will be shared via email.

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 yet been determined. Each graduate or candidate will receive a designated number of guest tickets based on the following process: we calculate the maximum occupancy of the venue, subtract the number of expected candidates, and divide the remaining seats by the number of candidates for each ceremony. This determines how many guest tickets each candidate receives. There are no extra tickets and no waitlists.

Graduates will receive 5 tickets each. Graduates do NOT need a ticket.

The ceremony will be livestreamed on YouTube for those unable to attend in person.

Overflow seating will be available in the Academic and Professional Center (APC). Tickets are not required to watch the ceremony in the APC.

Additional tickets are not available, as we want to ensure fairness for all graduates and their families. We do not maintain a waitlist. Graduates do NOT need a ticket.

The ceremony will be livestreamed on YouTube for those unable to attend in person.

Overflow seating will be available in the Academic and Professional Center (APC). Tickets are not required to watch the ceremony in the APC.

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. A minimum of 2 weeks’ 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.

The Commencement Expo is where you will pick up your pre-ordered cap, gown, and tassel. The Expo will be held on Tuesday, May 12 at the Sugar Grove campus. Additional details will be shared in April. Cap and gown pre-orders cannot be shipped or picked up prior to this date.

If you cannot attend, a family member or friend can be sent in your place. Late pick-up will be at the Sugar Grove bookstore from May 13 through May 15 during their open hours. Please contact the bookstore directly with any questions.

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.