Commencement at ºìÌÒÊÓÆµ College
2026 Graduate's To-Do List with dates & deadlines
Please note: we are transitioning these pages from 2025 to 2026 graduation information as quickly as possible. As details are finalized, this page will be updated.
â–¡ March 16, 2026: Order Commencement Regalia
Order your cap, gown, hood, and tassel from by March 16, 2026, for shipping to campus for pickup at GradFest. You must wear a cap, gown, hood, and tassel to walk at Commencement. After March 16, order through the AQ Bookstore. More details here.
â–¡ April 1, 2026: Complete the Graduation Legacy Survey
All graduates are encouraged to fill out the . It helps us identify students with a familial relationship to ºìÌÒÊÓÆµ. We would like to honor students whose parents, grandparents, and/or great-grandparents have graduated from ºìÌÒÊÓÆµ College. The college will supply Legacy cords to those students and distribute them at GradFest.
â–¡ April 4, 2026: RSVP to attend and/or volunteer for Liturgical Service
You are invited to attend the Baccalaureate Mass and volunteer for a liturgical role,
such as lector or gift bearer. if you plan to attend Mass or volunteer for liturgical service. An RSVP for Mass
is requested for all graduates.
â–¡ April 12, 2026: Get your Advantage Center Honor Cord
If you participated in an approved experiential learning activity (internships, practicums, student teaching, study away sessions, and various research experiences) at ºìÌÒÊÓÆµ. In that case, you qualify for an Advantage Center Honor Cord to wear at the Commencement Ceremony.
â–¡ April 13, 2026: Attend GradFest
Cap and gown orders shipped to campus will be available for pickup at GradFest on April 13, 2026, from 12 to 2 p.m. or 5 to 7 p.m. in the Wege Ballroom. Ticket pickup is also available at this event.
â–¡ April 29, 2026: Submit Thank-You Messages
to family, friends, mentors, faculty, coaches, or others. Messages and photos will be displayed on the video screen before the Commencement ceremony. Please complete this by April 29, 2026.
â–¡ April 29, 2026: Submit Name Pronunciation Form
Please tell us at commencement.
â–¡ May 1, 2026: Submit Special Accommodation Form
If you have a guest who needs special accommodations for the commencement ceremony, please fill out the for your guests.
â–¡ May 7, 2026: Update Permanent/Diploma Shipping Address
Provide the Registrar’s Office with your updated address before leaving AQ. Address updates can be made through the Self Service Graduation Application or by contacting the Registrar's Office.
â–¡ May 7, 2026: Complete Exit Loan Counseling
If you borrowed a Federal Loan while attending ºìÌÒÊÓÆµ, you must complete an exit counseling session. If you are graduating in May but student teaching in the fall, you must complete exit counseling by the end of the fall semester. Visit to complete exit counseling and learn about your loan servicer and repayment information.
â–¡ May 7, 2026: Attend Toast to the Tassel
The ºìÌÒÊÓÆµ Alumni Association celebrates your accomplishments with Toast to the Tassel -- a fun event just for graduates. Plan to attend on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in Holmdene from 6-8 p.m.
â–¡ May 8, 2026: Senior Award Ceremony
Students who are being honored with a Senior Award should plan to attend on May 8, 2026, 7-9 p.m. in Wege Ballroom.
â–¡ May 9, 2026: Pre-register with GradImages for Graduation Photos
Before graduation day, with GradImages and get a coupon for 20% off your purchase of $50 or more. More details here.
â–¡ May 9, 2026: Baccalaureate Mass
Baccalaureate Mass is held at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, 301 Sheldon Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, starting at 10 a.m.
â–¡ May 9, 2026: Class of 2026 Commencement Ceremony
The ceremony will be at Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center, 1700 Fulton St. E, Grand Rapids, MI, starting at 2 p.m.
â–¡ May 9, 2026: Academic Department Gatherings
After the commencement ceremony, we invite all our graduates, along with their friends and family, to attend academic department gatherings across campus.