Graduation Commencement Ceremony
Hutchinson Commencement Ceremony
Thursday, May 12, 2022
3:00 pm-4:30 pm CDT (approx.)
McLeod County Fairgrounds*
840 Century Ave SW
Hutchinson, MN 55350
Willmar Commencement Ceremony
Friday, May 13, 2022
3:00 pm-5:00 pm CDT (approx.)
Willmar Civic Center*
2707 Arena Dr
Willmar, MN 56201
*At this point we are moving forward with planning in-person graduation ceremonies, knowing that we may have to pivot and change our plans at any time due to COVID-19 restrictions from Minnesota State or Ridgewater College.
Ceremony Details
COVID-19 Information
Please make sure to stay home if you are not feeling well.
Masks are not required at our ceremonies.
Parking
Hutchinson Campus:
Parking is FREE. Follow the signage to parking areas.
Willmar Campus:
Parking is FREE. There is currently construction at the Civic Center and some parking lots will be closed off. Overflow parking will be available on side streets. Please look for signage designating where parking is allowed.
Information for Students
Arrival Time
Students must arrive at their designated ceremony no later than 2:00 pm CDT dressed in their black cap, black gown, and Ridgewater tassel. Signage will be available to direct students where they need to go when they arrive.
Rehearsal
There is no rehearsal prior to the ceremony, as we have a fairly simple ceremony setup. This is why it is imperative for students to arrive by 2:00 pm CST to receive instructions for the event, such as line up and walking in.
Apparel
Gowns will not be sold at the ceremony. Students must arrive dressed in their black cap, black gown, and Ridgewater tassel. If a student owns a black cap and gown from a previous ceremony, they are welcome to wear that apparel to the ceremony but they must purchase a Ridgewater tassel from the Bookstore.
Apparel can be purchased from March 14, 2022 – May 11, 2022, in person at either bookstore or online at the Bookstore website.
Honor Cords
Honor cords will be given to each student at the ceremony. Honor cords cannot be provided beforehand. Students should arrive by 2:00 pm CDT on the day of graduation to receive their honor cords.
Information for Guests
The doors will open at 2:00 pm CDT at each ceremony for guests. There are no tickets for guests, but we recommend that each student brings no more than 8 guests to the ceremony. Seating is based on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests of the Commencement Speaker and Student Speaker will have reserved seating if it is arranged prior to the ceremony with Student Life.
Parking is free but is based on a first-come, first-served basis.
Livestreams & Recordings
Hutchinson Campus:
The Hutchinson campus commencement will be aired live on Nuvera channel 7 (and 907HD) and on Mediacom channel 7 (or 107.2). A livestream of commencement is airing at hcvnonline.com under “Streaming” and “Ch. 7 Special Events Live Stream” during the ceremony.
VOD streaming rentals of the ceremony are available for $1.99 for a week of viewing time. Copies of this evening’s ceremony are available for purchase in Blu-Ray or DVD for $10 per disc. Interested parties can visit hcvnonline.com/purchase-media or contact the Hutchinson Community Video Network at (320) 587-3113 or [email protected].
Willmar Campus:
A recording of the Willmar campus commencement will be available the week following the ceremony right here on ridgewater.edu/ceremony
Questions?
Students should keep an eye on their Ridgewater student email and the email used on their Graduation Application for more graduation updates.
Please contact Heather Marcus in Student Life with additional questions:
Heather Marcus
Student Activities & Wellness Coordinator
[email protected]
[email protected]
320-234-8562
