Commencement 2026 • Friday, May 22 • 6:00 PM–8:00 PM • East Lawn Graduate RSVP Watch the livestream! Eligibility Students who are eligible will receive an email from the Registrar’s Office by the end of March informing them of their degree completion status. In the event that students do not meet graduation requirements, they will still be able to walk in the Commencement event. However, students will not receive their degrees until they complete all requirements. GCC offers one Commencement event annually. Whether planing to walk in the ceremony or not, all graduates must RSVP to confirm the name on their diploma. Diplomas Students will receive an electronic copy of their diploma to their GCC email address the day of Commencement (RSVP to confirm your preferred name). Physical copies will be mailed out four to six weeks after the event. We encourage students to verify their mailing address in MyGCC and to submit changes if what we have on file differs from where they want the diploma to be sent. Caps & Gowns Cap and gowns are provided to you free of charge. Students must RSVP to order caps and gowns. Caps and gowns will be available for pick up from the Office of Student Leadership & Engagement the week leading up to Commencement. Email allreds@gcc.mass.edu with any questions. Rehearsal There is no rehearsal for Commencement, however graduates should plan to arrive an hour in advance to receive instructions and to line up for the procession. Parking & Guests Parking is available on campus in any of the open lots. Special parking accommodations are available near the East Building entrance for those with disabilities. The College provides Sign Language interpreters at the event and a captioned livestream for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Accessible seating and accommodations are also available for guests with limited mobility. Please email disabilityservices@gcc.mass.edu for assistance. Guests do not need tickets for Commencement, and you can invite as many as you like! Guests may begin to arrive an hour in advance of the ceremony. Photography Candid professional photographs from the event will be shared with graduates following the ceremony, typically within two to three weeks.