Getting Ready

September 2016

Apply to Graduate

An email invitation will be sent to students with at least 74 earned credits. Follow the instructions for submitting your graduation application online via plus.hope.edu and indicate May Commencement ceremony participation. Applying by the deadline will allow you to participate in all planned events. Late applicants may miss out on votes, events, tickets and honors considerations.

October 2016

Deadline to apply for December 2016 Graduation

• October 15, 2016

If you’re planning to graduate after the fall 2016 semester, submit your graduation application by October 15.

November 2016

DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR May, July or DECEMBER 2017 GRADUATION

• November 15, 2016

If you’re planning to graduate after the spring 2017 semester (May grad), after taking one or more summer 2017 courses (July grad) or after the fall 2017 semester (December grad) and plan to participate in the May 2017 Commencement ceremony, submit your graduation application by November 15.

Vote for Commencement Speaker

Candidate information and an online ballot are sent via email to students who applied to participate in the Commencement ceremony.

FEBRUARY 2017

Graduation Application Confirmation

Emails will be sent asking students to check and either confirm or correct graduation application information. 

Senior Days, DeWitt Student Center Lounge

• Wednesday, February 22, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Thursday, February 23, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Pick up caps and gowns, order graduation announcements and class rings, make your senior class gift, and learn about the Last Hurrah, alumni services and on-campus dining options.

December 2016 graduates and students in spring 2017 off-campus programs who want to participate in the May 2017 ceremony will be contacted with specific directions for how they may complete the Senior Days orders and purchases.

Response deadline

March 31, 2017

Find more Senior Days details.

MARCH 2017

deadline for Commencement Ceremony Participation

• March 1

Deadline for students to notify the Registrar’s Office of any changes to their participation in the May 2017 Commencement ceremony.

Deadline for Discounted Announcement Orders 

• March 15

Visit the Hope-Geneva Bookstore for more information.

H.O.P.E. Professor Voting

Two ballots will be emailed to ceremony participants to vote for the Hope Outstanding Professor-Educator (H.O.P.E.) Professor. The first vote narrows the field; the final vote in April determines the winner.

APRIL 2017

COMMENCEMENT Brunch Tickets

Advance tickets for either meal may be ordered, purchased or picked up at the Hope College Ticket Office at Anderson-Werkman.

Deadline for advance sale is May 1. Cash-only sales are available on May 2 (Commencement day) and only at Phelps Hall. Advance tickets are required for Cook Hall.

Read more about dining options.

Baccalaureate and Commencement Ceremony Tickets

• April 15–May 1

Order and pick up tickets from the Ticket Office at Anderson-Werkman on 8th Street.

Alumni Weekend

• April 28–29

Gather with alumni to celebrate your time at Hope with classmates and friends.

MAY 2017

MANDATORY Commencement Rehearsal, devos fieldhouse

• May 3, 5–6 p.m.

This rehearsal is mandatory for all ceremony participants.

If you are on an off-campus program or have unavoidable employment conflicts, you may have a trusted friend who is attending rehearsal get your information and name/seat card. Cards left after the rehearsal will be available in the Registrar’s office Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

The Last Hurrah

• May 4

Ceremony participants of the Class of 2017 are welcomed into the Alumni Association at The Last Hurrah at Camp Geneva. This Thursday evening event is free and includes:

• Food
• Outdoor activities
• Bonfires with s’mores
• Prizes
• Entertainment
• More

Transportation will be provided. Contact the Alumni Association with any questions.

See the schedule for Commencement weekend