Commencement Ceremony
Friday, May 22
Physical Education Center (PEC) Arena
There will be two ceremony options, 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Students will be given the choice of which ceremony to register for.
If you have questions, contact the Office of Student Records at commencement@cod.edu.
Commencement Dates 2026
Register for Commencement
To participate in the Commencement ceremony, students must sign up through Tassel. Students will receive an email with a personalized link to sign up, along with additional details involving commencement. Students are not required to participate in the Commencement ceremony to earn their degree or certificate. All graduates will receive their diploma in the mail six weeks after their final semester.
Graduation Expo
The Graduation Expo will be held on Tuesday, April 7. This optional event will provide graduates with the opportunity to check their status, confirm they are signed up for the ceremony, as well as connect with important services related to finishing at College of DuPage. If you still need to finalize your plans after graduation, this is a great opportunity to get some information!
Monday, April 13: Deadline to File an Application for Degree or Certificate
Your Application for Degree or Certificate must be submitted by Monday, April 13 in order to register for the Commencement ceremony. Students who submit applications after this date will not be able to participate in the event.
Once your Application for Degree or Certificate has been submitted and processed for Fall 2025, Spring 2026 or Summer 2026, it can take up to five (5) business days for you to be granted access to event registration in Tassel.
Friday, April 24: Deadline to Register in Tassel
Students planning to participate in the Commencement ceremony must register in Tassel by Friday, April 24. Students who access the Tassel system after this date will not be able to participate. If you have not filed your Application for Degree or Certificate by Monday, April 13, you cannot register in Tassel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to frequently asked questions about commencement at College of DuPage. If you have further questions, contact the Office of Student Records at commencement@cod.edu.
All graduates who choose to participate in the Commencement ceremony, must wear the appropriate hunter green cap and gown, which can be purchased online If you forget your cap and gown, there will no extras available for loan.
Honor Society membership recognition is through the individual purchase of a stole or cord. Please contact your honor society advisor for information.
You may wear medals that you have been awarded while a student at COD.
Begin the ceremony with your tassel on the right side of your cap.
During the ceremony, a professional photographer from Grad Images will take a photograph of you at your special moment of recognition receiving your diploma cover.
Approximately one week after the ceremony you will receive an email with ordering information. You may also visit gradimages.com. There is no obligation to purchase a photo.
In order to ensure an orderly ceremony, we do not allow personal photographs and videos to be taken from the aisles. Personal photographs can be taken after the ceremony at the reception in the Arts Center lobby.
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