Graduation FAQs

Is there a rehearsal for the graduation ceremony? 
There will not be a rehearsal at the 2023 ceremony. Doors to the Stewart Field will open at 5:30 p.m. Graduates should arrive at the stadium no later than 6:00 p.m. on June 23.  

More info about the 2023 Commencement Ceremony will be sent by email to students who have registered to attend and also be available on this web page as the date approaches. 

What time should I show up at Stewart Field? 
Doors to the venue will open at 5:30p. Graduates should arrive no later than 6:00pm to make sure they have plenty of time to check-in and get in line.

Is a cap and gown required to participate in the ceremony? 
Yes, a cap and gown are required to participate in the commencement ceremony.  Students who register to attend and participate in the ceremony will receive a complimentary cap and gown provided by Grays Harbor College. The ceremony registration form asks cap and gown sizing information.  

If you have questions about ordering a cap and gown, please contact the Office of the Vice President Services at 360-538-4066 or vpssoffice@ghc.edu.  

How do I pick up my cap and gown? 
More info about picking up a cap and gown will be emailed to students who have registered to attend and also be available on this web page as the date approaches.
 
Can I participate in the Commencement Ceremony if I finish my program/degree this summer or fall quarter? 
Students who will be completing their degree during the summer or fall quarters this year must submit a request by email to the Office of the Vice President of Student Services at vpssoffice@ghc.edu no later than Wednesday, June 14 which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  

To be eligible to participate in this spring’s ceremony must 1) clear any outstanding holds on their account, and 2) register for summer and/or fall quarter classes. Note, for students who participate in this spring’s ceremony and complete their program/degree this summer and/or fall quarter, your name will not appear in the official printed materials as your degree will not be confirmed until next academic year.  

If I am only completing a certificate, can I participate in the ceremony this spring? 
No. Only degree-seeking students are eligible to participate in the annual ceremony. 
 
How many guests can attend the ceremony? 
Since the ceremony is not a ticketed event, there is no limit to the number of guests that you can invite. Doors to the Stewart Field open at 5:30 p.m. 

Are tickets required for entrance to the ceremony? 
No. the ceremony is not a ticketed event, therefore no tickets are required. There is no limit to the number of guests that you can invite. Doors to the Stewart Field open at 5:30 p.m. 
 
What is the difference between the Degree/Certificate Application and ceremony registration?
The Degree/Certificate Application communicates to Grays Harbor College and our credentials evaluator that we need to go through your transcript and verify that you are eligible to complete your academic program. The annual Commencement Ceremony honors any eligible student completing a degree granted by GHC during the fall, winter, spring quarters of the current academic year.  

How do I register to receive accommodations for myself or family members attending the Commencement Ceremony? 
If you or your family members need any ADA accommodations to fully attend and/or participate in the commencement ceremony please contact Kelsey Stegner, Accessibility Support Services Coordinator at 360-538-4143 or kelsey.stegner@ghc.edu.

To ensure accommodations will be in place prior to your arrival, please contact us by Wednesday, June 14. We will do everything in our power to accommodate any requests that are submitted after the priority deadline.