Frequently Asked Questions: Graduates

Check-in for commencement participants begins at 2:30 pm between the BSTIC building and the Library. We encourage you to arrive early so that you may take photos at our photo stations throughout the campus.

At 4:20 pm sharp, student participants will be asked to form two lines for the processional. If you are late, you will not be allowed to participate in the processional at the start of the program. When lining up for the processional, you may choose to be together with your friends. When the lines are ready, you will be led in the processional to the ceremony area. Do not stop to talk to guests or to take photos. Keep moving until you are directed to your seat. At the end of the ceremony, or recessional, you will exit your seat in the same two-line formation and will be led away from the venue.

The ceremony lasts approximately two hours. 

Students who met any of the following conditions during the Summer 2024, Fall 2024, or Spring 2025 terms are eligible to participate in Commencement:​

• Completed or will complete an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts for Transfer or Associate of Science for Transfer degree program 
• Completed or will complete a Certificate of Achievement program 
• Completed or will complete a full IGETC or CSU Certification program for a Certificate of Achievement

Students who are eligible to participate in Commencement will receive an email invitation to Commencement by the end of March. In that email is a link to create a password and account for Tassel, our online reservation system to confirm your attendance as well as the expected number of guests you plan to bring. Our online reservation service is available through Monday, May 5.

Commencement takes place at the IVC Live Oak Terraces, which is an outdoor venue.

Certificate recipients will wear a white tassel and degree graduates/candidates will wear a blue tassel.

Tassels should be worn on your right side. You will be asked during the ceremony to switch your tassel to the left, so keep it on the right until then.

At check-in, you'll receive a card with your legal name on it. Make sure it is spelled correctly. This is your official name on record with IVC. If necessary, you can write how your name should be pronounced correctly. Keep this card with you. You will present it to the representative announcing names as you cross the stage to receive your diploma cover.

No, students completing a Certificate of Proficiency or a Certificate of Competency are not eligible to participate in Commencement.

No, to preserve the integrity of the ceremony and out of respect for your fellow graduates, you will be guided back to your seat until all students have processed across the stage. Following the ceremony, you will recess out of the ceremony and then can meet up with your family and friends.

There is no reception after the ceremony. However, you are welcomed to stay and take photos with family and friends on campus after the ceremony concludes.

Specific regalia for Phi Theta Kappa (cord), Psi Beta (cord), Honors Program (medallion) or other clubs/organizations are issued by those organizations. Contact your advisor before the day of commencement for more information.

Academic honors are recognized for students completing degrees. IVC uses a cumulative GPA from all units taken at IVC and all work transferred to the college except basic skills courses. Please note the following categories for degree honors and GPA level:

• Cum Laude = 3.50 to 3.74
• Magna Cum Laude = 3.75 to 3.99
• Summa Cum Laude = 4.00

For students completing degrees, if you've earned academic honors based on your cumulative GPA such as cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude, you will be issued the appropriate tassel and/or cord at check-in on the day of commencement.

If you have an honors notation on the name card you receive when you check-in at the commencement ceremony, you have received an honors designation.

Unfortunately, time will not allow for questioning or changing any honors designation on the day of commencement. However, you may ask the evaluator who is available at the check-in area at commencement to review your GPA after the commencement weekend.

You may invite as many guests as you wish. To ensure adequate seating for the ceremony, graduates are asked to reply to their invitation email that is sent in April by creating a Tassel account (your personal link is included in your email) to let us know if you plan to attend and approximately how many guests will join you.

Plan ahead! Order your cap and gown through Herff Jones: collegegrad.herffjones.com. Orders will be shipped and delivered directly to the address of your choice. 

Type in School Name in the search field – be sure the correct school and applicable date is selected. Certificate recipients will wear a white tassel and degree graduates/candidates will wear the blue tassel. Make sure you purchase the right set. The cost of a cap, gown and tassel is $45.00 plus tax and shipping. You may purchase the set or individual items as needed. 

• LAST DAY TO ORDER WITH REGULAR SHIPPING IS 4/21/25. 
• Expedited shipping starts 4/22/25 and ends 5/5/25.

Diplomas and certificates for Summer 2024 or  Fall 2024 graduates have already been ordered. If you are a Spring 2025 candidate, your diploma/certificate will be mailed to you later in the summer. So please ensure that IVC has your current address. Diplomas/certificates that are returned will be held for an additional 90 days. After that time, students must request to have a duplicate diploma printed at an additional cost.

If you would prefer not to have your diploma mailed to you, please email your request to ivccommencement@ivc.edu. Be sure to include your name and student ID number on all communications to us. You may contact our evaluations unit at 949-451-5743 if you have any additional questions.

Please try to leave your personal belongings with your guests. Also plan to have your hands free to receive your diploma cover when walking on stage. 

Parking for students and guests is complimentary on the day of commencement. Parking permits are not required that day. For your convenience, we recommend that you park in the Lots 4, 5 or 6, which are closest to the Performing Arts Center. There is designated ADA parking in Lot 5 (nearest the Performing Arts Center). See Campus Map.

Graduates are encouraged to arrive and check-in early to be able to enjoy a graduates-only reception which will offer light refreshments. Graduate check-in begins at 2:30pm.

Yes, GradImages will photograph all participants in Commencement. You will be contacted after the ceremony with information on viewing and ordering photos. You may also do Pre-Event Email Registration (optional) before Commencement at www.gradimages.com.

As a courtesy to all guests, we ask that attendees do not bring air horns, noisemakers, or large objects that will obstruct the view of others. Examples include but are not limited to balloons, streamers, or banners.