Getting Ready
Graduating this year? Here’s everything you need to know about participating in Commencement.
September 2024
Apply to Graduate
An email invitation will be sent to students with at least 72 earned credits. Follow the instructions for submitting your graduation application online via and indicate May Commencement ceremony participation. Applying by the deadline will allow you to participate in all planned events. Late applicants may miss out on votes, events, tickets and honors considerations.
October 2024
Deadline to apply for December 2024 Graduation
- October 15, 2024
If you’re planning to graduate after the fall 2024 semester, submit your graduation application by October 15.
January 2025
DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR May, July or DECEMBER 2025 GRADUATION
- January 15, 2025
If you’re planning to graduate after the spring 2025 semester (May grad), after taking one or more summer 2025 courses (July grad) or after the fall 2025 semester (December grad) and plan to participate in the May 2025 Commencement ceremony, submit your graduation application by January 15.
Vote for Commencement Speaker
Candidate information and an online ballot are sent via email to students who applied to participate in the Commencement ceremony.
FEBRUARY 2025
Graduation Application Confirmation
Emails will be sent asking students to check and either confirm or correct graduation application information.
MARCH 2025
deadline for Commencement Ceremony Participation
- March 1
Deadline for students to notify the Registrar’s Office of any changes to their participation in the May 2025 Commencement ceremony.
H.O.P.E. Award Voting
Two ballots will be emailed to ceremony participants to vote for the Hope Outstanding Professor-Educator (H.O.P.E.) Professor. The first vote narrows the field; the final vote determines the winner.
APRIL 2025
Tickets
- Early April
Commencement participants will receive an email order form to request their tickets for brunch, Baccalaureate and rain-location Commencement. Pick up ordered tickets at Senior Days in mid-April.
Senior Days
- April 8–9, 2025
Pick up commencement regalia, order a diploma frame and class ring, make your senior class gift, and learn about alumni services. Senior Days will be held 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. in the Bultman Student Center Living Room on the lower level.
December 2024 graduates and students in spring 2025 off-campus programs who want to participate in the May 2025 ceremony will be contacted with specific directions for how they may complete the Senior Days orders and purchases.
MAY 2025
Commencement Weekend!
See the schedule for Commencement weekend
workP. 616.395.7760
registrar@hope.edu