Commencement Ceremony Information

If you have a chosen name that you would prefer to use throughout the ceremony, email commencement@cod.edu with your information and the name you would like to have read. You will receive a follow-up via email regarding your request.

Caps and gowns can be purchased through the COD Bookstore during regular hours. The Bookstore has samples you can try on to ensure a proper fit. There are limits of each size available in-person so they will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Remember to bring your confirmation email from Marching Order, as this is required to purchase a cap and gown.

Graduation Package (Cap, gown, tassel): $40.00 + tax

Cap Only: $7.00 + tax

Tassel Only: $5.50 + tax

All graduates who choose to participate in the Commencement ceremony, must wear the appropriate hunter green cap and gown, which can be purchased at the COD Bookstore. If you forget your cap and gown, there will no extras available for loan.

Honor Society membership recognition is through the individual purchase of a stole or cord. Please contact your honor society advisor for information.

You may wear medals that you have been awarded while a student at COD.

Begin the ceremony with your tassel on the right side of your cap.

Yes, there will be a required rehearsal at 5:30 p.m. the day of the ceremony. 

Please bring your cap and gown to rehearsal and make sure that your guests have all the information they need regarding their tickets. You will not be able to meet up with your guests between rehearsal and the beginning of the ceremony.

Yes, the ceremony will be streamed on YouTube.

During the ceremony, a professional photographer from Grad Images will take a photograph of you at your special moment of recognition receiving your diploma cover.

Approximately one week after the ceremony you will receive an email with ordering information. You may also visit gradimages.com. There is no obligation to purchase a photo.

In order to ensure an orderly ceremony, we do not allow personal photographs and videos to be taken from the aisles. Personal photographs can be taken after the ceremony at the reception in the Arts Center lobby.

All graduates will receive their diploma in the mail six weeks after their final semester.

All students who earned a degree or certificate in December 2022 or who are candidates for May and August 2023 are invited to participate in the Commencement ceremony.

Register for Commencement

To participate in the Commencement ceremony, students must sign up through Marching Order. Students will receive an email with a personalized link to sign up, along with additional details involving commencement. Students are not required to participate in the Commencement ceremony to earn their degree or certificate. All graduates will receive their diploma in the mail six weeks after their final semester.

Wednesday, March 15: Application to be Included in Commencement Program

If you are graduating from College of DuPage between Fall 2022 and Summer 2023, planning to participate in Commencement and want your name to appear in the Commencement program, the first step is to submit your completed Application for Degree or Certificate to the Office of Student Records by Wednesday, March 15.

While you may be able to attend Commencement if you miss this deadline, your name will not appear in the program.

Tuesday, March 21: Graduation Expo

The Graduation Expo will be held on Tuesday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Services Center (SSC) Atrium. This optional event will provide graduates with the opportunity to check their status, confirm they are signed up for the ceremony, as well as connect with important services related to finishing at College of DuPage. If you still need to finalize your plans after graduation, this is a great opportunity to get some information!

Monday, April 10: Deadline to File an Application for Degree or Certificate

Your Application for Degree or Certificate must be submitted by Monday, April 10 in order to register for the Commencement ceremony. Students who submit applications after this date will not be able to participate in the event.

Once your Application for Degree or Certificate has been submitted and processed for Fall 2022, Spring 2023 or Summer 2023, it can take up to five (5) business days for you to be granted access to event registration in Marching Order.

• File an Application for Degree or Certificate

Friday, April 21: Deadline to Register in Marching Order

If you have not filed your Application for Degree or Certificate by Monday, April 10, you cannot register in Marching Order.

If you have already applied for a degree or certificate, keep an eye on your email for more details from Marching Order. You must register in Marching Order to be able to participate in the commencement ceremony. This is also where you will request tickets for the ceremony and indicate any required special accommodations.

Once your Application for Degree or Certificate has been submitted and processed for Fall 2022, Spring 2023 or Summer 2023, it can take up to five (5) business days for you to be granted access to event registration in Marching Order.