Commencement

We look forward to welcoming you and your guests for a special weekend in which we celebrate your achievements with a traditional commencement ceremony. Doors open to the public at 1:00 p.m.; the ceremony begins promptly at 2:00 p.m.

Schedule of Events

Commencement Rehearsal (required)
Friday, April 21 at 11:00 a.m.
Hogan Center, Art Smith Arena

Graduating students are required to attend this event, which will include a walk-through of the commencement ceremony and graduate line-up.

Baccalaureate (optional)
Friday, April 21 at 4:30 p.m.
Dunning Memorial Chapel

Graduates are encouraged to attend this special service in the Chapel, honoring their upcoming commencement. Academic regalia is encouraged. Friends, family, and supporters are welcome to attend and celebrate with our campus community.

Senior Dinner (optional, registration required)
Friday, April 21 at 5:30 p.m.
Hogan Center, Art Smith Arena

This optional celebration takes place immediately following the Baccalaureate service with beverages at 5:30 p.m. and dinner served at 6:00 p.m. Dress is business casual. Graduate tickets are complimentary, and tickets must be reserved by April 5, 2023. Each graduate can purchase an additional two guest tickets for $25.00. Register for tickets.

Senior Brunch (optional)
Saturday, April 22 at 10:00 a.m.
Hamilton Commons

Dining Services will offer a brunch for students and their guests on the morning of commencement from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Students can use their meal plans to eat at the event. Additional guests can pay $10 at the entrance to attend.

Commencement Ceremony (required)
Saturday, April 22 at 2:00 p.m.
Hogan Center, Art Smith Arena

Graduating students are required to line up promptly at 1:00 p.m. at the entrance of Stone Recreation Center to process into the event. Plans may change due to weather and/or campus construction; check this site for updates. Please arrive with cap, gown, hood, and any honor cords.

Tickets

Graduating students must reserve their tickets by April 5, 2023. Once registered, students can then use their 6-digit student ID as a complimentary ticket code to share with up to six guests at their own discretion. Ticket reservations will be available starting March 1 at 8:00 a.m. and can be reserved by visiting almascots.com/information/tickets. 

Regalia

The deadline to order caps and gowns is Thursday, March 16, 2023. Please contact Chris Holt at holtcc@alma.edu if there are questions. If you have questions about regalia, Jostens will be at the bookstore on Wednesday, March 8. Caps and Gowns are available to order from Jostens. 

Graduating seniors are invited to acknowledge their academic achievements and participation in recognized leadership societies by wearing the following regalia — a stole, earned honor cords or pins and medallions— at commencement to showcase Alma’s commitment to diversity and leadership. Cords for academic honors will be available in the Registrar’s Office between April 10 and April 21 and stoles representing the cultural heritage or leadership societies will be distributed by respective offices within Student Affairs

Graduate Photos

Graduating students can register for their professional commencement photos by visiting Grad Foto.

Health and Safety

For details regarding Alma College’s COVID-19 policies and safety protocols, please visit alma.edu/plaid-protects.

Livestream

Commencement will be live-streamed on the Alma College YouTube channel and available to audiences on- and off-campus.