Commencement

One of the most memorable moments in your life will be receiving your associate’s degree or certificate from Delta College. We celebrate our graduates with a special commencement ceremony once each year at the end of the winter semester. Graduates of the previous summer and fall semesters and those who plan to graduate in the winter semester are encouraged to participate. Students graduating in the current spring/summer semester are also welcome to attend.

Watch the ceremony live

For those not able to attend, the ceremony will be broadcast live on Delta's Facebook page. The link to the broadcast will be updated on Friday, April 25.

Apply for graduation

Before you can graduate, you must make sure all graduation requirements are met and complete/submit a Graduation Application.

• • You must submit your graduation application no later than March 14 for your name to appear in the commencement program.

  • Any questions pertaining to the completion of the Graduation Application may be directed to a student success advisor.

  • Complete the application filling out the Graduation Application and submitting it electronically (all information must be completed). Incomplete/inaccurate applications will be returned to you, resulting in possible delays in processing/awarding your degree.

Caps and gowns

The Delta College Bookstore serves as the distribution agent for commencement apparel and announcements. Delta College graduates will wear environmentally friendly caps and gowns produced of dark green Renew Fabric, which is made from post-consumer plastic bottles. Approximately 27 recycled plastic bottles are used to create one standard size gown.

Commencement apparel and announcements will be available for purchase in the Bookstore in April 2025.

If you are a member of Phi Theta Kappa and interested in a Phi Theta Kappa stole, cords and/or tassel for commencement, you may order graduation accessories from ptk.org. Most orders take two weeks to arrive so please plan accordingly.

Commencement ceremony

Delta College has one commencement ceremony which is held at the end of the winter semester. The 2025 ceremony will be held on Friday, April 25 at 6pm in the Pioneer Gym on main campus.

Graduates planning to attend the ceremony must RSVP by April 16 to reserve their seat. 

RSVP for commencement ceremony

Exercises will begin promptly at 6pm, and guests will be admitted to enter the gym at 5pm. Graduates, please ask your guests who have tickets to arrive before 5:45pm as doors will close at that time.

The ceremony is expected to last approximately two hours. 

Questions about the commencement ceremony should be directed to commencement@delta.edu. 

Tickets

Each graduate who participates in commencement will receive four guest tickets for entry into the Pioneer Gym, which is primarily bleacher seating. Tickets will be issued to graduates when they RSVP for the ceremony.

Unfortunately, additional tickets are not available. Non-ticketed theater style guest seating will be available in the Delta College Lecture Theater (G160) on a walk-in basis (no ticket required), and additional viewing areas will be available across campus. The ceremony will be broadcast live in these areas as well as online.

Commencement Procedures

Graduates planning to attend the commencement ceremony must RSVP using the link above, and additional instructions will be sent after the RSVP is received.

• Graduates must check-in at the West Main Hallway (by the E-wing) between 4:15pm and 5:15pm for final instructions.
  
• At check-in, you will be given a card with your name and highest degree/certificate to be read when you walk to the stage.
  
• If you are eligible, Honor Cords will be issued upon check-in (with a minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA and earning an associate's degree).
  
• Programs will be placed on graduates’ seats in the gymnasium.
  
• Graduates attending the ceremony must participate in the Commencement Recessional and cannot leave early.
  
• Guests must remain seated until the academic procession has left the gymnasium.

Academic procedures

• Caps are worn with the tops in a horizontal position, not tilted. Tassels are worn on the right side.
  
• Men wear caps throughout the program except during the Invocation. When in doubt, follow the example of the Academic Community on the platform.
  
• Women do not remove caps during the ceremony.
  
• Valuables should be left with relatives or friends.
  
• All graduates must wear caps and gowns.

Commencement Reception

A cake and punch reception will immediately follow the commencement ceremony in the Commons (lower level) and is an opportunity for graduates to relax with friends and family. It is also an opportunity for the College Community to express their congratulations to the graduates.

Diplomas and transcripts

Diplomas for graduates usually arrive within four weeks after degree completion and are mailed to the address on file. Only students who have submitted an application for graduation with the Registrar’s Office can expect a diploma or certificate. A complimentary graduate copy transcript will be included with your diploma/certificate. Additional or official transcripts can be ordered through the National Student Clearinghouse.