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Checklist for University Transfer Degree Programs Graduates

Congratulations to the Class of 2025. The faculty, staff, and administrators of Elgin Community College are excited to celebrate your achievement at the May commencement. You will be joined by your family, friends, and the ECC community in this special event.

Spring Ceremonies Schedule

Saturday, May 17, 2025

There will be two ceremonies:

  • 10 am - Career and Technical Programs
    Associate of Applied Science degrees, Vocational Specialist Certificates, Basic Vocational Specialist Certificates
  • 2 pm - University Transfer Degrees
    Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Fine Arts- Visual Art Emphasis, Associate in Fine Arts- Music Performance
    Emphasis, Associate in Engineering Science, Associate in Liberal Studies

As a candidate for a transfer degree, you will participate in the program at 2 pm. We expect the ceremony to last approximately 90 minutes.

Graduation Information

Graduate Checklist

Prior to ceremony: Monday & Tuesday, May 5 & 6

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 5 or 6 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 graduate will receive 5 tickets for guests at cap & gown pick up, May 5 & 6. Treat them like cash- lost tickets will not be replaced. 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 device, 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 17

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. You will transfer tassels to your left at the end of the ceremony.
Do not bring valuables. Leave your valuables with a guest. The college will not be responsible for lost items.
Empire Photography will be available for graduate portraits prior to the ceremony. They will also photograph you 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 proofs.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, move quickly to the reception in the Visual and Performing Arts Center. You can meet your guests there.
Photo opportunities are available in the 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

Each guest 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 dining room in the University  Business Center, Building E, or anywhere you can access ECC's YouTube channel.
Guests with tickets park in the lot adjacent to the Events Center (J Building). Designated handicapped parking is available. Visit elgin.edu/campusmap for details. Enter the main entrance of the Events Center (J Building). 
Guests without tickets park in the lot adjacent to the University Business Center (E Building). Designated handicapped parking is available. Visit elgin.edu/campusmap for details. Enter the main entrance of the University Business Center (E Building). 
Events Center doors open 60 minutes prior to the ceremony for guests.
Doors close at 2 pm 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. You can meet your graduate there.
Photo opportunities are available in the 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.

Commencement flowers will be available for sale on-site in the Building J Rotunda before both graduation ceremonies or by pre-ordering at thecommencementgroup.com/elgin.

Pre-ordered arrangements will be conveniently available for pick up on-site on the commencement day. Prices vary between $20 to $50 and range between roses, bouquets, and plush toys. Only credit card payments will be accepted. These flowers are brought to you by Grad Flowers. They are sponsored by the Gamma of Illinois Alumni Association, an alumni organization of the Rho Kappa Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.

Contact

Graduation Information

Elgin Community College
Building J
847-214-7386
records@elgin.edu

Contact

Records

Building B, Room B105
847-214-7386
Fax: 847-214-7356
records@elgin.edu

Hours
Monday through Thursday: 8 am to 7 pm
Friday: 8 am to 4 pm