Commencement Ceremony

The Commencement Expo is where you will pick up your pre-ordered cap, gown, and tassel. The Expo will be held on Tuesday, May 13.

Stop by Student Center Room 106, Sugar Grove Campus, any time between 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. to pick up your cap, gown, and tassel; receive assistance with printing your guest tickets; and meet with representatives from Alumni Services, Financial Aid, and more!

We will have a cap decorating station set up in the lobby that you can visit once you pick up your items. The bookstore will also have a kiosk to sell graduation and alumni items.

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 14 through May 16 during their open hours. Please contact the bookstore directly with any questions.

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.

Every graduate will only receive five (5) guest tickets. Additional tickets are not available as we want to be fair to all graduates and families regarding tickets. We do not keep a waitlist.  Graduates do NOT need a ticket. The ceremony will be live-streamed on YouTube for those unable to attend.

On Thursday, May 1 (around 9 a.m.), you will receive an email with a link to an outside website. Log in with your student email to reserve your five (5) guest tickets. You have from May 1 through May 16 to log in and reserve your guest tickets. You are guaranteed five (5) guest tickets through May 16.

There is additional overflow seating 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 be fair to all graduates and families regarding tickets. We do not keep a waitlist.  Graduates do NOT need a ticket. The ceremony will be livestreamed on YouTube for those unable to attend.

There is additional overflow seating in the Academic and Professional Center (APC). Tickets are not required to watch the ceremony in the APC.

Every graduate will only receive five (5) guest tickets. Additional tickets are not available as we want to be fair to all graduates and families regarding tickets. We do not keep a waitlist.  Graduates do NOT need a ticket. The ceremony will be live-streamed on YouTube for those unable to attend.

On Thursday, May 1 (around 9 a.m.), you will receive an email with a link to an outside website. Log in with your student email to reserve your five (5) guest tickets. You have from May 1 through May 16 to log in and reserve your guest tickets. You are guaranteed five (5) guest tickets through May 16.

There is additional overflow seating 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.

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.