commencement ceremony

Commencement

Congratulations Graduates!

Commencement is when we celebrate your hard work and dedication. We are honored to celebrate your accomplishments with you and your families. Summer and Winter graduates are invited to attend the Winter Commencement on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Gym.

Watch the live stream of the May 17 Commencement Ceremony »

🎓 Download the 2025 Spring Commencement Program

🎓 Note: To participate in the Winter Commencement ceremony, complete the Graduation Application in myMCC > Self-Service by November 1.

Important Update regarding Guest Tickets: Due to the high number of graduates who RSVP’d to attend the commencement ceremony this year and the limited space in MCC’s Gym, each graduate who submitted the graduation application by the April 1 deadline will receive two guest tickets for seating in the Gym.

For additional guests without tickets for the Gym, live-streamed viewing will be available in multiple locations on campus, including the Luecht Auditorium (Building B). Live-streamed viewers will enjoy the ultimate comfort of an air-conditioned space with plush seating and unobstructed views, perfect for every special moment.

Getting Ready for the Big Day

  • Cap, Gown, and Tickets

    Pick up your pre-ordered cap and gown, as well as guest tickets for seating in the Gym, in the Graduation Hub (Co/Lab B166). The hub will be open from December 8 to 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and on December 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    • The last day for cap, gown, and ticket pickup is December 12 by 4 p.m.
    • Photo identification is required.

    Graduation Regalia: Caps and gowns are required for the ceremony. 

  • Commencement Rehearsal

    An optional rehearsal will be held on Friday, December 12, at noon in the Gym, A107, where we will walk through the commencement ceremony and be available for questions. (You do not need to wear your cap and gown.)

    Stay for pizza!

  • The Day of the Ceremony
    • Graduates check in at 9 a.m. in the Building B Co-Lab across from the MCC Café. Pick up your name card, along with Honor, Veteran, and Volunteer cords (if applicable).
    • Guest Seating: Tickets are required for guest seating in the Gym during the ceremony. The number of tickets is subject to change based on the number of graduates attending. Additional seating will be available in the Luecht Auditorium (no ticket required), where the ceremony will be live-streamed.
    • The ceremony will begin promptly at 10 a.m. and last approximately one and a half hours. Graduates and guests are expected to remain through the conclusion as a courtesy to other graduates and guests.
    • Gym doors open at 9 a.m. and close promptly at 10 a.m. Late guest arrivals will be directed to the Luecht Auditorium.

    Special Needs: If you or a guest requires special assistance (e.g., wheelchair access), contact us. MCC cannot provide wheelchairs, but we do offer seating accommodations.

    Professional Photography and Videography: Professional photos will be taken of each graduate before and during the ceremony. Empire Photography will email color proofs to your MCC-issued email address within two weeks after graduation for purchase.

       Complete your contact information for the photographer »

    Your Diploma: Your official degree or certificate will be mailed to you six to eight weeks from the end of the semester if all graduation requirements have been met.

    If you have any questions or need further information, email the Office of Student Affairs, or call us at (815) 479-7547.

Our graduation partner, Jostens, will mail your official degree or certificate to you six to eight weeks from the end of the semester if all graduation requirements have been met.