RSVP for Commencement (It's Different Than Applying to Graduate!)

Congratulations on reaching this exciting milestone!

Commencement is just around the corner, but before you celebrate with a celebratory cap toss, there are two important steps to complete:

1. Is this your last semester? Apply for Your Degree:

This ensures your coursework is fully evaluated and your degree is conferred. Degrees and certificates aren't automatically awarded upon completion.

Head over to our GRADUATION PAGE for filing deadlines and the Graduation Petition Form.

2. RSVP for Commencement:

This lets us know you'll be there in person to celebrate your accomplishments! It's your chance to walk across the stage and be officially recognized for all your hard work.

Important Note: These are separate actions! Don't miss out on the ceremony by assuming applying for graduation automatically enrolls you.

Participation in Commencement is completely optional. Whether you attend or not, you'll still receive your well-deserved degree.

RSVP is Easy!

Simply click the button below to access the online form.

Bring the Whole Crew!

There's no limit to the number of guests you can invite. Invite as many friends and family as you'd like to share this special day!

Heads Up for Program-Specific Events:

Some programs host their own separate celebrations. Check with your program coordinator for details and any program-specific RSVP processes.

Get Ready to Shine! We can't wait to celebrate with you at Commencement

RSVP HERE

Get Ready to Celebrate!

Order Your Graduation Regalia Today!

Commencement Attire Essential:

Wearing your official cap, gown, and tassel is mandatory for all graduates participating in the ceremony. Cap and gown can be purchased in the bookstore beginning now.

Prices are as follows:

• Cap, gown, and classic tassel: $58.98 + tax
  • Forest Green Gowns for degrees
  • Gold Gowns for certificates
• Cap alone: $9.98+ tax
• Classic tassel: $8.98 + tax
  • Forest Green tassels for degrees
  • Gold tassels for certificates
  • Forest Green/Gold tassels for degrees and certificates

Purchase your regalia early! Sizes of regalia become limited closer to the day of event. Sizes will be limited to what is available on hand.

Last day to pick up your cap and gown will be on graduation day May, 29th at 12:00 p.m.

Questions, please contact the GWC bookstore at (714) 895-8764.

Special Program Regalia:

If you're part of a special program, please reach out to your program's office for specific instructions on acquiring your regalia.

Mark the Moment with Personalized Keepsakes: ️

Commemorate your achievement with beautiful, personalized graduation announcements and diploma frames available through Herff Jones. Visit their website at www.collegegrad.herffjones.com and search for "Golden West College." Click the school name link to access the ordering page.

Honor Student Cords:

Graduates earning Associate Degrees or Associate Degrees for Transfer with honors (Summer, Fall, or potential Spring honorees) will receive gold cords to wear at the May commencement ceremony. Please note, participation in the ceremony is required to receive a cord. During the week of Commencement, RSVP'd honor students will receive an email with instructions on picking up their cords at the GWC Bookstore.

Want More Information?

For further details about Graduation with Honors, head over to our dedicated GRADUATION home page.

Share the excitement of your achievement with your loved ones!

Invite your family and friends to join you to celebrate your special moment!

The best part? No tickets needed! Graduates can invite as many friends and family as they wish to share their moment of pride.

Graduation Regalia: Ready to Celebrate in Style!

Wondering how to dress for your graduation ceremony? Look no further! Here's a quick guide to ensure you look and feel your best on the big day.

Ordering Your Regalia:

For details on ordering your academic gown, cap with tassel, and stole (if applicable), head over to the "Regalia & Gifts" tab above. Remember, it's important to place your order well in advance to avoid any last-minute stress.

Wearing Your Regalia with Confidence:

Unsure how to don your academic attire? We've got you covered! Check out the helpful How to Wear Your College Graduation Cap and Gown video for step-by-step instructions. It'll demonstrate how to wear each piece correctly for a polished and effortless look.

Personalizing Your Celebration:

While adhering to the official academic dress code, you can still showcase your unique personality at GWC. We encourage tasteful decorations on your graduation cap, offering a way to let your creativity and individuality shine through on this momentous occasion.

Comfort Comes First:

Remember, you'll be walking across the stage and celebrating with friends and family. So, prioritize comfort! Skip the high heels and platforms, as navigating stairs and grass can be tricky. Opt for dress shoes that offer both style and support.

Additional Tips:

• Ensure your regalia is clean and wrinkle-free before the ceremony.
• Bring safety pins or fashion tape to make any last-minute adjustments.
• Ensure your cap fits snugly to avoid slipping during the ceremony.
• Relax, smile, and enjoy your special day!

Now you'll be ready to celebrate your achievements in style and comfort. Congratulations on your graduation!

When is the Commencement Ceremony?

Every year, we celebrate both summer/fall and spring graduates with a commencement ceremony in late May.

RSVP'ing for Commencement

While attendance is optional, we highly encourage you to celebrate your achievement! Look for an email with all the details from the graduation department at the beginning of May.

Diploma Distribution

Diplomas aren't handed out at the ceremony. Instead, you'll receive a diploma cover, with the actual diploma mailed 2-3 months after the semester ends. Track the mailing progress on the Graduation channel of the GWC app.

Walking and Degree Awarding

Summer and fall graduates have already officially earned their degrees, reflected on their transcripts. For spring graduates, final grades are posted after commencement. If you participate in the ceremony but fail to meet all requirements, your degree may be withheld.

Honoring Your Achievements

Students graduating with honors (summer, fall, and potential spring) will receive gold cords to wear at the ceremony and have their names listed in the program. Remember, you must participate in the ceremony to receive a cord. Honor students who RSVP will receive an email with pickup instructions the week of commencement.

Can't Attend Commencement?

Diplomas will be available for pickup 10 weeks after the semester ends. You'll have two weeks to pick them up before any remaining diplomas are mailed to your on-file address. Make sure your address is updated!

Graduation Day Essentials:

• Dressed in your cap and gown (decorations encouraged!)
• Honor cords and/or department/program sashes (if applicable)
• Photo ID for name card pickup
• Fully charged phone for capturing memories

We hope this information makes your graduation experience smooth and memorable!

Parking:

• • Graduate Drop-off: Guests can drop you off at Lot H (Gothard St. Parking Lot) in front of the Regional Criminal Justice Training Center.

• • Parking: Free guest parking is available in Lots H/I/J from Gothard Street, Lots G/F/E from Edinger Avenue and Lots D/C/B from Golden West Street. Please do not move any barriers in the parking lots.

• • Accessible Parking: Designated accessible parking is available in Lots F/G/H/I for individuals with disabilities.

Graduation Celebration at GWC!

Get ready to celebrate your achievements! GWC is hosting a special reception for all graduates, faculty, and platform guests. Here's what you need to know:

Check-In:

• • Starting at 3:30 PM: Meet the Graduation Team in front of the theater building for check-in.

• • Head over to the Multipurpose Room at the Criminal Justice Training Center: Enjoy light refreshments and mingling starting at 3:30 PM.

• • 4:30 PM: Late check-in.

• • 5:15 PM: Line up for the processional begins. Please wait for further instructions from the line marshals. 

Don't miss out!

This is your night to shine! Join fellow graduates, faculty, and honored guests for a memorable evening of celebration. Head over to the Criminal Justice Training Center Multipurpose Room starting at 3:30 PM.

• • Enjoy refreshments and socialize with fellow graduates, faculty, and guests.

• • Create lasting memories of your graduation day.

• • Celebrate your hard work and dedication

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Seating:

• Follow Graduate Marshalls through the faculty lines to your respective seats.
• Marshalls will guide you to your correct row, filling from front to back.
• Please take the first available seat in your assigned row.

Ceremony:

• The ceremony will feature an address by the college president, inspiring speeches by other guest speakers, and the presentation of graduates.
  • To ensure a respectful and focused ceremony, please silence all electronic devices and remain seated throughout the proceedings.

Program Availability:

While the physical program booklets will be in limited supply, a digital version will be accessible to all guests through a QR code printed on a postcard distributed at the event. This ensures everyone has easy access to the program details.

Please Note for Spring Students:

For Spring students whose progress is still ongoing, the program booklet may not reflect their final awards. The final award decisions will be communicated after the completion of the evaluation process.

Receiving Your Diploma Cover:

• As your name is called, you will receive a commemorative diploma cover, suitable for both safekeeping and showcasing your diploma.
  • Please note that diplomas will not be distributed during the ceremony. However, attendance at the ceremony is required to receive your diploma cover.

Photography:

• GradImages will capture professional photos of you twice: once before you enter the stage and again onstage after receiving your diploma cover.
  • To avoid delaying the ceremony, please refrain from taking selfies onstage.

• Register for your GradImages photos ahead of time and enjoy a 20% discount! Visit www.gradimages.com/registration for details.

Closing (Recessional):

• Once all graduates have been presented, you will be instructed to move your tassel from the right side of your cap to the left, signifying your academic achievement.
• At the conclusion of the ceremony, please wait for the line marshals' directions. They will escort you line by line from the seating area. 

Commencement Accessibility and Accommodations

As you RSVP for commencement, please indicate your need for accessibility and/or accommodations during the ceremony by selecting the appropriate option and specifying your requirements. This helps us ensure everything is prepared for you on that special evening.

A designated seating area is located at the front of the stage, clearly marked and identified with ropes for easy accessibility. Please note that this area is reserved for graduates and guests with disabilities. If you or your quests require assistance walking from the parking lot to the event space, please look for signs that read "Goldie Shuttle" and wait for the next shuttle. A GWC team member will pick up anyone who requires assistance. 

As a member of this group, you'll be first on the stage when names are read and will be assisted across the stage if needed.

58th Golden West College Commencement: Celebrate Their Achievement!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 29th, 2025! The 58th Golden West College Commencement ceremony will be a momentous occasion to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating class. Join us as we honor their hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

Here's the schedule:

• • 4:15 PM - 5:30 PM: Guests seating for the event is located in the Quad area, in the heart of the campus directly in front of the Student Services building. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended to secure your spot.

• • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony will officially begin at 5:30 PM and last approximately two hours. Guest, please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time.

Program Availability:

While the physical program booklets will be in limited supply, a digital version will be accessible to all guests through a QR code printed on a postcard distributed at the event. This ensures everyone has easy access to the program details.

Looking for keepsakes or refreshments before the ceremony?

Support campus clubs and organizations by purchasing flower leis, teddy bears, snacks, water, and other items during the event. 

Important Reminders:

• • Seating is first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive early for the best selection.

• • Guest are kindly requested to remain present for the entire ceremony.

Meet Up with Graduates after ceremony:

We look forward to celebrating this special day with you and our graduating class!

Getting to Golden West College Commencement

Address: 15744 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Driving Directions:

• • From Northbound I-405: Take the Beach Boulevard exit and turn right at the Huntington Beach exit. Continue on Beach Boulevard until Edinger Avenue, then turn right. The campus will be on your right after you pass Gothard Street.

• • From Southbound I-405: Exit at Golden West Street and turn south. The campus will be on your left after you pass McFadden Avenue.

• • From I-22: Exit Beach Boulevard South and turn right onto either Center Avenue or Edinger Avenue to reach the college.

Parking:

• • Guests with Graduates: Guests can drop you off at Lot H (Gothard St. Parking Lot) in front of the Regional Criminal Justice Training Center.

• • Guest Parking: Free guest parking is available in Lots G/F/E from Edinger Avenue and Lots D/C/B from Golden West Street. You may park anywhere EXCLUDING staff and metered parking and please do not move any barriers in the parking lots.

• • Accessible Parking: Designated accessible parking is available in Lots F/G/B for individuals with disabilities.

Additional Tips:

• • Consider arriving early to avoid traffic and find parking easily.

• • Carpool with other graduates or guests if possible.

We have the Goldie Shuttle to assist from the parking lot to ceremony. Reserved for pregnant, elderly, and disabled guest, locations will be at campus entrances between the Regional Criminal Justice Training Center (RCJTC) and the Theater, the campus entrance off of Edinger, and the campus entrance by the Learning Resources Center (LRC). There will be a poster indicating where they can line up.

To ensure a smooth ceremony experience for guests who require seating assistance or accommodations, we kindly request your arrival at least 30 minutes before the ceremony starts. This allows ample time for staff to guide you to the designated seating area located at the front of the stage. This area will be easily identifiable with clear markings and rope barriers for accessibility. Please be advised that this seating area is reserved for guests with disabilities and one accompanying family member.

Commencement Ceremony: Celebrating Respectfully

To ensure a memorable and dignified commencement ceremony for all, we kindly ask guests and participants to adhere to these simple guidelines:

Respectful Focus: Please refrain from using items that might disrupt the ceremony, such as noisemakers.

Honoring the Moment: We request that graduates and special guests remain present throughout the ceremony to share in this momentous occasion. Please avoid leaving your seats except for the designated breaks or official cues.

Considerate Greetings: We understand the excitement of celebrating your graduate, but please refrain from blocking aisles or walkways during the ceremony. Greeting your graduate and taking photos will be possible at designated times afterwards.

Shared Experience: While gifting balloons is a thoughtful gesture, they will not be allowed in the event space due to the obstruction of view for other guests during the ceremony.

By following these guidelines, we can create a respectful and inclusive environment for everyone to celebrate this important achievement.