Congratulations, graduates! We look forward to seeing you at the ceremony and sharing this special occasion with you! The following information is designed to answer questions you might have about this special day:
The guest speaker for the Commencement ceremony is Isaac Jean-Paul, 2022 Outstanding Recent Alumni, world paralympic champion. Read his bio.
All graduates attending the ceremony must order a cap and gown. The cap and gown, which you keep, is $44 plus tax. Order online through the HarperStore by April 1, and have it shipped to your home or campus. After April 1 they may be purchased at the HarperStore (L260). You will be able to pick up your cap and gown at the HarperStore starting May 1. Along with your cap and gown, tickets and name cards will be distributed. You will be required to bring your name card to the ceremony. If you have questions regarding your cap and gown, contact HarperStore at 847.925.6275. You should arrive at the ceremony dressed in your gown. Tassels should be worn on the right side of the mortarboard and then moved to the left once degrees and certificates are conferred.
An Application for Degree or Certificate must be submitted by April 1, 2024 to have your name included in the Graduation Program.
Graduation is confirmed once all credit is awarded, grades are finalized, and degree/certificate requirements are met. The ceremony is a celebration. Students will receive an email sent to their Harper email when their graduation application has been reviewed for their graduation status.
Please arrive at 1:30 p.m. Graduates will enter through Door 11. Procession will begin promptly at 2:30 p.m. Parking is available in the lots that are accessible off Prairie Stone Pkwy, Hoffman Blvd, and Pratum Ave (see detailed map). Parking is available in lots A-F and once inside, Prairie Stone signage and parking attendants will direct you to the closest lot.
Students must enter the building of the NOW Arena through Door 11. An additional ADA Entrance is available at Door 10. Family and friends can enter through the main entrance (Door 1) and must go to the seating area upon arrival. Graduates will line up according to degree or certificate and Health Career graduates will line up at the end of the line as the pinning ceremony will be held at the end of the Commencement ceremony. Signs will be placed throughout the line-up area and volunteers will be there to assist.
Each graduate will receive 10 tickets when they pick up their cap and gown. Students are allowed to offer any extra tickets to other students who may need more than 10 tickets. Additional tickets are also available at the Harper Box Office located in the Performing Arts Center, building R, Lobby.
Please arrive at the ceremony in your cap and gown, and bring your name card. Please
make sure your name is correct, as this is used to assist with the lineup and will
be used to announce your name at the ceremony. You will hand the name card to a designated
staff member as you cross the stage. If you believe your name card is incorrect, contact
graduationceremony@harpercollege.edu.
Please leave any valuables with family or guests. There will be no designated area
where you may leave your valuables. If you choose to carry your cell phone or camera
with you, please be advised that Harper College and the NOW Arena are not responsible
for the loss or damage to these or any other valuables. Please be advised that there
is limited wi-fi at the NOW Arena.
As a courtesy to your fellow graduates, please have your cell phone or any other electronic
devices set to vibrate.
Harper College has made arrangements with Graduation Foto to photograph you at the ceremony. Following the ceremony, Graduation Foto will contact you regarding graduation pictures. If you do not hear from them within a few weeks after the ceremony, you may contact them at 800.482.0321. There is no obligation to purchase pictures.
Please notify Access and Disability Services at 847.925.6266 if you are a student with a disability and require accommodations to attend the ceremony, as reserved seating for graduates can be arranged in advance. Sign language interpreters and captioning will be available. Accessible seating is provided in the audience section for guests using wheelchairs. Ushers will be available to direct guests to this seating area.
Prior to entering the building, graduates and faculty will pass through metal detectors. We ask that you keep gowns unzipped during this security screening.
Screening will also be enhanced at the Main Entrance for guests. We recommend that guests leave any unnecessary bags at home. This additional security should not substantially effect or delay accessing the arena.
