Checklist for University Transfer Degree Programs Graduates

Graduate Checklist

Prior to ceremony: Monday, May 4 & Tuesday, May 5

• 8 am until 7 pm – Cap & Gown Pick Up, Building B Jobe Lounge: You must pick up your cap & gown at the Building B Jobe Lounge on May 4 or 5 or make other arrangements with the Records office. Your cap and gown package will contain your regalia for the ceremony. If you are involved in ICAPS or TRiO, you must obtain your accessories prior to the ceremony by contacting their offices.
• Each graduation will receive 5 tickets for guests at cap & gown pick up, May 4 and 5. Lost tickets will not be replaced. For anyone over the age of 2, a ticket is required for entry into the Events Center for the live ceremony. 
• If you or any guest needs an accommodation to fully participate in this graduation ceremony, please complete this graduation accommodation form. We need advance notice to arrange accommodations such as sign language interpreters, captionists, text in an alternate format (e.g., large print, Braille), hearing assistive devices, accessible/wheelchair seating, etc. It may take 4–6 weeks to produce materials in Braille or arrange certain accommodations. If you have any questions, please contact sds@elgin.edu.
• If you learn you are unable to attend the ceremony, please contact the Records Office at records@elgin.edu or 847-214-7386 to let us know.

Day of ceremony: Saturday, May 16

• Enter the Visual and Performing Arts Center (H Building).
• Graduates should check in between 60 and 90 minutes prior to your ceremony (8:30 am for the 10 am ceremony; 12:30 pm for the 2 pm ceremony).
• Bring your cap & gown and all accessories. They are yours to keep. Tassels are worn on your right and transferred to your left at the end of the ceremony.
• Do not bring valuables. Leave them with a guest. The college is not responsible for lost items.
• Empire Photography will be available for graduate portraits prior to the ceremony and as you cross the stage. Proofs will be emailed after the ceremony and you can decide if you want to purchase them. A QR code will be available for you to scan for easy registration to receive your proofs.
• At the conclusion of the ceremony, move quickly to the reception in the Visual and Performing Arts Center to meet your guests.
• Photo opportunities are available in the Visual and Performing Arts Center after the ceremony at the reception.

After the ceremony

• Diplomas are mailed six to eight weeks after the semester ends. You will receive a diploma cover as you cross the stage.

Guest Checklist

• Tickets: Each guest over the age of 2 will require a ticket for entry into the Events Center. Seating is first-come, first-served. Loved ones without tickets may watch a live stream of the ceremony from the Blizzard Theater (H Building) or anywhere you can access ECC's YouTube channel. Please share this information with those you intend to invite to celebrate, especially those who may be reluctant to join large crowds.
• Park in the lot adjacent to the Events Center (J Building). Designated handicapped parking is available. Visit Campus Map | Elgin Community College (ECC) for details. Enter the main entrance of the Events Center (J Building).
• Guests enter at the main entrance of the Events Center (J Building). Only guests without tickets may enter the Visual and Performing Arts Center (H Building) to access the Blizzard Theater.
• Events Center doors open for guests 60 minutes prior to the ceremony.
• Doors close at 10:00 am sharp to allow graduates to enter. Guests with tickets who arrive late must wait until the processional is complete before being permitted to enter.
• The use of noisemakers during the ceremony is prohibited.
• To avoid interfering with the view of other guests, large objects (balloons, signs, etc.) should be placed below the bleachers.
• At the conclusion of the ceremony, guests are asked to remain seated until the graduates exit.
• Move quickly to the Visual and Performing Arts Center to the reception following the ceremony to meet your graduate.
• Photo opportunities are available in the Visual and Performing Arts Center after the ceremony at the reception.
• Elgin Community College is a smoke-free campus. Smoking is prohibited anywhere on campus. Smoking is only allowed in Parking Lots A, H, and J, but only inside a vehicle. The vehicle’s windows and doors must be closed when smoking occurs in these lots. Violators will be subject to penalties.