Graduation Commencement Ceremony
2023 Commencement Ceremony Information
Hutchinson Commencement Ceremony
Thursday, May 11, 2023
3:00 pm-4:30 pm CDT (approx.)
McLeod County Fairgrounds*
840 Century Ave SW
Hutchinson, MN 55350
Willmar Commencement Ceremony
Friday, May 12, 2023
3:00 pm-5:00 pm CDT (approx.)
Willmar Civic Center*
2707 Arena Dr
Willmar, MN 56201
Ceremony Details
Parking
Parking is FREE at both events. Follow the signage to designated parking areas. Parking is based on a first-come, first-served basis.
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. It is imperative for students to arrive by 2:00 pm CDT 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.
If a student is part of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), they may wear their PTK tassel in place of the Ridgewater one.
Apparel can be purchased in mid-March 2023 at the Ridgewater College Bookstore, 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.
If a student is part of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), they should talk to their PTK advisor for information about obtaining PTK honor regalia.
Inviting Guests from Abroad
If you are inviting guests to graduation from outside of the United States, you can find information about visitor visa requirements here. A letter of invitation from the college is not needed to apply for a visitor visa.
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.
Questions?
Please contact Student Life with additional questions:
Heather Marcus
Student Activities & Wellness Coordinator
[email protected]
[email protected]
320-234-8562
