Commencement frequently asked questions
Graduate questions
Q: What is the difference between graduation and commencement?
A: Graduation is the awarding of the degree/certificate to your academic record while commencement is the celebration of the earning of the degree/certificate. A graduation application is required to graduate; attendance at the commencement ceremony is optional but encouraged. Regardless of ceremony attendance, diplomas will be mailed after the final audit of the graduation application has been completed.
Q: Can I attend the commencement ceremony even if I have not completed my final courses and/or received my final grades?
A: Yes. Final grades may not be posted until after the ceremony. Please reach out to your Student Success Advisor or to commencement@delta.edu if you are unsure whether you should attend the Fall (December) or Winter (April) ceremony.
Q: Is there any sort of practice or a run-through?
A: There is not. Lineup is random, and students are led into the gym by ushers who will instruct graduates. If you would like to get a feel for the flow of the ceremony, you can find the May 1, 2026 ceremony on Delta's YouTube channel: youtube.com/DeltaCollege/MI
Q: What do I need to do the day of the ceremony?
A: Graduates will check-in in the E-wing lounge area before the ceremony. Check-in is from 4-5:30pm, and all students must be in line in their caps and gowns by 5:30pm. At the check-in table, each student is given a card listing their name and highest degree or certificate. Students with an honors designation on their name card will then visit the Honor Cords table to receive a set of honor cords.
There will also be an opportunity to complete a graduate survey to receive a special Delta College Alumni pin. This opportunity is only available the day of the ceremony so be on the lookout for posters containing a QR code for that survey or visit the survey table near where you check-in.
Q: What are the qualifications for honors?
A: Students graduating with an associate degree who have achieved a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA and are participating in the commencement ceremony will receive a set of honor cords at check-in. Transfer students must complete the last 24 credit hours of a program at Delta College to be eligible for graduation honors.
Q: What if my name card does not indicate honors but I think I qualify?
A: If you believe you will qualify for honors after your final grades have been submitted, please visit the Honor Cords table. We can calculate your estimated GPA after final grades and issue honor cords, if applicable. Please note that receiving honor cords is not a confirmation of graduating with honors. That determination will be made after the final audit of your graduation application and noted on your transcript, if applicable.
Q: Can I stand or sit next to my friend or with my class?
A: Lineup is random, and graduates may line up in whichever order they wish. Please note, though, that there will be two lines formed; and those two lines will be seated in separate sections. Students wishing to be seated together should be in the same line. Please also note that due to the chair setup, there is a chance that students may not be able to be seated right next to each other.
Q: If lineup is random, how will they know my name as I cross the stage?
A: Graduates will receive a name card at check-in containing their name and highest degree/certificate earned. This card will be handed to a name card collector who will give them to the name readers before the students cross the stage.
Q: How will they know how to pronounce my name?
A: If you have a name that is often mispronounced or has potential to be mispronounced, please write the phonetic spelling (how your name sounds) above your name on the name card. For instance, Maria could be either Muh-ree-uh or Mari-uh. Volunteers at the check-in and ticket help tables will be available to assist with phonetic spelling.
Q: How will I cross the stage and get my diploma?
A: Students will be led from their rows by ushers who will direct them to line up on the right side of the gym. The name cards that students received at the check-in table will be handed to name card collectors who will give them to the name readers.
Students will make their way across the ramp in front of the stage to receive a diploma cover from the President. The diploma cover contains a place holder; your certificate or diploma will be mailed to your address on file after your program completion has been verified by the Registrar’s Office. No diplomas are distributed at the ceremony.
There will be a photographer in front of the stage to take a picture of each graduate as they shake hands with the President. After receiving their diploma cover, students will proceed across the stage. As they exit, there will be another photo stop on their right. They will stop there and then make their way back to their seats crossing in front of the chairs next to the bleachers and back to the row in which they were originally seated.
Q: I need an accommodation for the ceremony. What do I do?
A: There is a space on the Commencement RSVP form to indicate which, if any, accommodations are needed for graduates. If you completed the form but did not indicate a necessary accommodation, please email commencement@delta.edu with details of what you will need.
Q: I haven't finished my classes yet so how do I know for sure that I will be graduating?
A: Graduation is separate from the Commencement ceremony. Unlike high school graduations where diplomas are likely to be distributed, final grades for classes required for program completion may not be available at the time of the ceremony. All students expecting to complete program requirements in the Spring or Fall semesters are invited to attend the Fall ceremony in December; and all students expecting to complete program requirements in the Winter semester are invited to attend the Winter ceremony in April. These are the assigned ceremonies for graduating students regardless of whether their classes have been completed as of the ceremony RSVP deadline.
Ticket and seating questions
Q: How many tickets can I get?
A: Graduates participating in the ceremony can typically request up to 5 tickets for in-gym seating, but additional seating options are available in the Lecture Theater and Founder's Hall without a ticket. Tickets are only issued to graduates who have RSVP'd and are attending the ceremony.
Q: When and how will I receive my tickets?
A: Tickets will be emailed from Eventbrite to the email that you specify on the Commencement RSVP form - typically within 5 business days of submitting your RSVP. That email will contain a link to download or forward your tickets to your guests. If you cannot find the email or access the tickets, please email commencement@delta.edu as soon as possible. Please note that while tickets can be forwarded or printed, each ticket can only be redeemed once. Additional attempts to use the same ticket for entry will be denied.
Q: How do I get additional tickets?
A: Additional tickets are not available. If space allows the evening of the ceremony, guests may check at the "Ticket Help" table to inquire about tickets for in-gym seating. Additional seating options are available in the Lecture Theater and Founder's Hall without a ticket.
Q: Can I send my guests screenshots of the tickets?
A: Screenshots are allowed, but please be sure to capture the entire ticket portion. The QR code will need to be present to be scanned, but the screenshot should also clearly show the ticket type. Please email commencement@delta.edu if you have any questions. Please note that while tickets can be forwarded or printed, each ticket can only be redeemed once. Additional attempts to use the same ticket for entry will be denied.
Q: I have a guest who needs wheelchair accessible, walker accessible or mobility friendly. What options do they have?
A: Accessible seating is available on a limited basis and is requested through the Commencement RSVP form. When tickets are issued, each seating type will be a separate ticket type and noted on the ticket. Please note that due to limited seats, guests holding these ticket types are encouraged to arrive as close to the time that the doors open as possible.
Q: One of my guests is a toddler. Will they need a ticket?
A: Typically, children age two and under who will be content to sit on someone's lap the entire ceremony will not require a ticket. All other children, however, will need a ticket to enter. There is also alternate seating available in Founder's Hall with more freedom to move around during the ceremony. Seating in this space does not require a ticket.
Q: I have a family member or friend marching in the ceremony. How can I get tickets to attend?
A: Tickets are issued to graduates, but there is seating available in the Lecture Theater and Founder's Hall without a ticket.
Q: My guest(s) forgot their ticket(s). What should they do?
A: Lost tickets will not be replaced, but please have them visit the "Ticket Help" table for assistance.
Q: Where should guests enter the building?
A: The closest entrances will be the N-wing entrance on the east side of the building
or the E/F entrance on the west side. The row closest to that entrance on both sides
of campus will have additional handicap accessible parking that evening. (See main campus map).
Please note that the Welcome Center (H-wing) will NOT be open after 4:30 the evening
of Commencement so please do not to try to enter there.
Q: Is there assistance available for my guests to get from the parking lot to the building?
A: Transportation will be available at each main entrance (F/S wing and N wing), and there will be bleachers at the end of the sidewalk to use while waiting.
Q: Will there be an ASLN interpreter?
A: Yes, there will be an interpreter on the left side of the stage. Guests needing this service should enter and sit on the west side of the gym (near the E-wing).
Q: Is the ceremony broadcast for family or friends who cannot attend?
A: Yes, the ceremony is broadcast live beginning at 6pm on Delta's YouTube channel (youtube.com/DeltaCollegeMI), and a recording can be viewed after the ceremony ends.
Q: My guests have small children. Can they bring a stroller?
A: Strollers are not allowed inside the gym, but there will be a place to store them during the ceremony. Guests entering with a stroller will be shown where to leave the stroller before they are seated.
Ceremony questions
Q: I have a ticket - where do I sit?
A: All guest seating is bleacher seating, and accessible seating is available in designated spots. All seating is first come, first served; and holding a ticket does not guarantee a specific seat. Please note that as the bleachers fill, saving seats may not be possible.
Q: What can I expect during the ceremony?
A: Graduates will check in and line up in the hallway before the ceremony. Guests can enter the gym between 4:30-5:45pm, and the ceremony will begin promptly at 6pm. The doors will close at 5:45 until after the graduates enter, and guests who have already been admitted into the gym will not be able to return until after the doors reopen. Guests arriving after the doors have been closed may be escorted to the balcony.
Faculty will march into the gym and be seated. The Board of Trustees and College Administration will march in promptly at 6pm followed by the graduates. The ceremony will begin with a welcome followed by the National Anthem and then various remarks including those delivered by a graduating student. Each graduate's name will be called as they cross the stage from the right side of the gym to receive a diploma cover. (Lineup is random so there is no set order in which students cross the stage.) As they exit the stage, students will stop at a photo spot and then return to their seats. After all students have crossed the stage, closing remarks are given; and all attendees are invited to the Lower Level Commons for a cake and punch reception.
Q: How long does the ceremony last?
A: While the length can vary from ceremony to ceremony, the typical length is around 1.5 hours.
Q: Can I decorate my cap or wear a special cord/stole?
A: Graduates are welcome to personalize their caps in a celebratory manner. Any words included should reflect their academic achievements. If you have specific questions about whether certain decorations or regalia are permitted, please email commencement@delta.edu.
Q: Do I have to wear a cap and gown?
A: Yes. Students marching in the ceremony are required to wear a cap and gown.
Q: How do I get a cap and gown?
A: Caps and gowns are available for purchase from the Bookstore beginning about a month before the ceremony.
Q: Is there a dress code for the ceremony?
A: Other than the requirement that a cap, gown and tassel be worn, there is no specific dress code for the ceremony. Most graduates, however, choose to dress in business casual attire (slacks/skirt, blouse, dress). The gown must be zipped so only the bottom part of the graduate’s legs and their feet will be seen. Graduates will walk up and down a ramp when they cross the stage so only the student speaker will have to navigate steps. However, they may wish to choose their footwear carefully as they may be standing and/or walking for a long period of time.
Q: Is there anything not allowed in the building or in the Gym?
A: Balloons, confetti cannons, air horns or any other items that may cause disruption to the ceremony are not allowed. Delta College is a latex-free campus, and anyone with balloons will be asked to return them to their car so as not to interfere with guests’ ability to view the ceremony.
Photography questions
Q: Are professional pictures available?
A: Each student will have the opportunity to register for the professional photos taken by GraduationFoto. Each student who registers will receive an email containing information on how to view their proofs. There is no obligation to purchase photos, but please register so that the company can match your name with your photo. Sometimes family or friends want to purchase, and registering will help them to do so. If you do not receive the photo link within a week after the ceremony, please email commencement@delta.edu.
Q: How do I sign up for pictures?
A: The back of your name card that you receive at check-in will contain a QR code that directs you to a link to register for photos. Please note that you will turn this card in and will not receive it back so please take a picture of the card if you record your access code for future reference.
Q: I forgot to sign up for pictures - can I still get my proofs?
A: Yes. Please email commencement@delta.edu.
Q: Can I come to campus early to take pictures?
A: Campus will be open the day of the ceremony. Feel free to take pictures across campus; the courtyard is a beautiful setting that people often take advantage of. There may also be some photo stations in the main hall near the check-in table.
Other questions
Q: Is there a place on campus I can buy a gift for my graduate?
A: The Bookstore will have a pop-up shop where you can purchase flowers, gifts and Delta alumni swag before the ceremony. The main store in the lower level will also be open until after the ceremony.
Q: I have a question not answered here. Who can I contact?
A: Please email commencement@delta.edu or call (989) 686-9681
