Commencement

Time & Place

Commencement is 10 a.m. Saturday, May 17 in KCC's George H. Ryan Gymnasium. Guests who are unable to attend can access the ceremony from any web browser.

Notes:

• Doors to the gym open at 8:45 a.m. for guests needing assistance and 9 a.m. for general seating. Doors will close at 9:55 a.m. or when seating capacity is reached.

• Strollers may be parked in the Activities Building lobby but are not permitted in the gymnasium. Also, guests are kindly asked not to bring balloons and other large celebratory items that could obstruct the view of others.

Graduation Checklist

Three months before graduation:

1. Be sure any official transcripts are evaluated by KCC, if transfer credits are needed to satisfy degree requirements.

2. Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to petition to graduate by phoning 815-802-8500 or emailing advising@kcc.edu.

3. Pay all outstanding fees and fines.

KCC will review your petition to ensure all degree requirements are complete and financial obligations are paid. If they are, you will receive an email inviting you to participate in the Commencement Ceremony.

1. Complete the Commencement Participation Form.

2. Purchase your cap, gown and tassel.

3. Reference Frequently Asked Questions.

4. Attend commencement.

Your diploma will be mailed to the address on your petition approximately six weeks after the commencement ceremony.

• More information about the petition: Contact the Office of Admissions and Registration: 815-802-8500 or advising@kcc.edu

• More information about the commencement ceremony: Contact the Department of Student Affairs: 815-802-8509 or email commencement@kcc.edu

Caps & Gowns

Pick up your cap, gown and tassel
KCC Room L200, Student Affairs near the Financial Aid counter

• Monday-Thursday, May 5-8 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Friday, May 9, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

If you have questions, please contact Student Affairs at 815-802-8509 or email commencement@kcc.edu.

To have your gown looking its best for commencement, place it on a hanger to allow the folds to fall out, preferably in a high-humidity area. To press (iron) your gown, turn it inside out and press with a warm—not hot—iron. Steaming is also an option.

Speaker

The commencement speaker will be announced in early May 2025.

Diplomas

At the ceremony, graduates receive a diploma cover without a diploma inside. This is common practice at most colleges and universities because spring grades are not recorded until after the ceremony. Diplomas will be mailed to graduates after final grades are processed.

Commencement photos

Professional photographers will be at commencement taking photos before, during and after the ceremony. They will take photos of graduates as they leave the stage. Individual photos may be ordered from Image Group Photography. Choose the link to the KCC Photo Gallery.

Directions/maps/parking

If you are from out of town, review the directions to KCC Riverfront Campus, 100 College Drive, Kankakee. Park in any designated open parking lot. Disabled parking is available in the first row.

Frequently Asked Questions