Harper College will be closed Monday, December 23 through Wednesday, January 1 for Winter Break.
Attention faculty and administrators! We look forward to seeing you at the commencement ceremony and sharing this special occasion with you. The following information is designed to answer questions you might have about the ceremony:
The guest speaker for the Commencement ceremony is Isaac Jean-Pual, 2022 Outstanding Recent Alumni, world paralympic champion. Read his bio.
Please arrive at 1:30 p.m. and enter through Door 11 at the NOW Arena. 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 lot A-F and once inside, Prairie Stone signage and parking attendants will direct you to the closest lot.
When and where will I pick up my cap and gown?
Regalia will be delivered to the NOW Arena and be placed in the “Catering Room” where you will line up for the procession. All gowns will be pressed and can be returned to the “Catering Room” after the ceremony. Please contact HarperStore at extension 6275 if you have any questions.
You will line-up in the same area that you pick up your gown. Faculty and administrators will line-up in one line. Students will process first from the NOW Arena hallway, then faculty and administrators, followed by the platform party which includes the President, Board of Trustees, guest speaker, the Executive Cabinet, and the President of the Faculty Senate. Faculty members from the Health Careers division will assist with the faculty line-up process
Contact graduationceremony@harpercollege.edu.
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.