Any student who has completed the required course work and applied for graduation is eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony. Graduation application packets are available in the Student Services office in 107 Backes Center. It consists of a checklist, graduation application, graduate survey, and general education student survey. All items must be completed and submitted to the Student Services office by the deadlines listed above.

Graduating with Honors

Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits in order to be eligible for honors status. Cumulative grade point averages at the end of fall semester are used to determine honor status for students completing degrees at the end of spring semester or summer session. Cumulative grade point averages are used to determine honor status for students completing degrees at the end of fall semester.
Students graduating with honors will be given an honors medallion to be worn at the commencement ceremony when they pick up their cap, gown, and tassel.

Cap and Gowns

The attire for graduation will be the traditional royal blue cap and gown and blue and white tassel. Graduates planning on attending the ceremony must pick up their cap, gown and tassel beginning May 3 in the ICC Bookstore. Cost is approximately $15 for cap, gown and tassel. You should pick up your cap and gown no later than Tuesday, May 11.

Invitations and RSVP's

Students who have completed an application packet for graduation will be sent a letter the first part of April inviting them to graduation. It is important for students to respond in a timely manner to the RSVP request. The number of chairs set up for the graduates and the number of diploma packets prepared are based on this RSVP. If you do not submit an RSVP, there will not be a chair set up or diploma packet ready for you.

Commencement Rehearsal

There will NOT be a rehearsal for the commencement ceremony. Therefore, it is important for students planning on participating in the ceremony to read the following detailed instructions very carefully and to also look over the diagrams for the entrance and exit to the ceremony.

Graduates will be asked to check-in 45 minutes before the ceremony to pick up their name cards. Please meet in the walkway between the Backes Student Center and Mullins Hall at 4:15 p.m. sharp.  At this time you will be able to provide the correct pronunciation of your name to the roll call reader. We will also answer any last minute questions regarding the entrance, exit, etc.

Commencement Programs

The program distributed at the ceremony will list the names of all candidates for graduation (fall, spring, summer) who have applied for graduation regardless of whether they participate in commencement exercises.

Tuesday, May 4, is the last day adjustments will be made to the program.

Commencement Ceremony

The ceremony lasts approximately one hour starting promptly at 5 p.m. Students will be asked to complete an RSVP before the end of April regarding their attendance at the ceremony and the number of guests they are planning.  It is essential we have this RSVP for planning purposes. Tickets are not required for guests.

Children are welcome to attend the ceremony, but we occasionally receive comments about children who have become noisy or disruptive during the ceremonies. In consideration of others, we are asking for your cooperation but asking that you taken them to the lobby if they become restless.

Reception

Immediately following the ceremony there is a reception for graduates and their guests with light refreshments being served. Weather permitting, this reception will take place outside in front of the Backes Student Center.  Should the weather be inclement, the reception will take place in the Backes Student Center cafeteria.

Graduation Photos

Wicklund Photography and Design, LLC will be available to take family and individual portraits before and after the graduation ceremony.  Be sure to check this web page for an updated announcement regarding the times available, location, and ordering details. You can view the photographers work at www.phozaic.com. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Sandra at 218-256-6676.

Diplomas

It is not possible to process final grades and prepare degree lists in time to present diplomas on commencement day. You will receive a diploma cover with informational inserts at the ceremony.  Diplomas will be mailed to students after August 1 providing they have met all their degree requirements.

For Those Graduates Not Attending the Ceremony

For those students who are unable to or choose not to attend the ceremony, a packet of information will be mailed to you within a couple of days of the ceremony. This packet will be sent to the permanent address you listed on your graduation application.  It will include all the information that was handed out to graduates at the ceremony, along with a copy of the graduation program and information about your diploma.

Questions?

Any questions concerning eligibility or the graduation application process may be directed to Records in the Student Services Office in 107 Backes Center (218-322-2329).  Questions regarding the ceremony may be directed to the Student Services Assistant in 105 Backes Center (218-322-2302).