Davenport University's 2024 Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, April 28, 2024 | VanAndel Arena
After years of dedication and hard work you put into earning your degree from Davenport University, your graduation is finally here! We cannot wait to celebrate with you, your family and your friends. Kent Riddle, the president and CEO of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital will serve as this year’s commencement speaker. As you capture this momentous occasion, tag us in your social media posts using #DUgrad24.
To help make sure everything runs smoothly, we wanted to provide you with details regarding your arrival at the Van Andel Arena and its security protocol.
Arriving at the Van Andel Arena
- The doors will open at 12:30 p.m. You should arrive by 1:30 p.m. at the latest.
- Tickets are not required for you or your guests.
- Upon arrival, graduates will check-in to receive their name cards and then be directed to their seating area.
- Construction season has begun, including major highway closures around the Grand Rapids area. Please allow extra time for travel and parking – Directions, construction and parking information here.
Van Andel Arena Security protocol
- Metal Detector Screening - all guests and graduates entering the arena are subject to metal detector screening.
- No Bag Policy - Van Andel Arena has adopted a No Bag Policy, permitting no bags, backpacks or purses, other than those required for medical or parenting needs, into the venue. Small clutches no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" x 2" will be permitted. Learn more here.
- Cameras are permitted. However, guests should plan to take pictures from their seats as access to the main floor is strictly for those involved in the ceremony.
Watch it live!
On-site services
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The Davenport University Spirit Store will have items for sale for guests to purchase. |
Commencement Flowers will be selling bouquets of roses ($15-$30). |
Limited concessions will be available. |
Graduate attire
Press your gown, dress in business attire and wear your tassel on the right.
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Graduates should arrive by 1:30 pm.
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Graduates are expected to stay for the entire ceremony which will last 2 to 2.5 hours.
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Please leave your belongings at home or in your vehicle. Van Andel has a No Bag Policy.
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Neither Davenport nor the arena will be responsible for lost or stolen items.
- Concessions are not available for graduates, please plan accordingly.
- Approved attire including honor cords can be found here.
How long does the ceremony usually last?
Approximately 2 - 2 ½ hours
Do I need tickets?
Tickets are not necessary for graduates or their guests
Is the venue handicap accessible?
The Van Andel Arena is a public venue and is completely barrier-free.
What time should I arrive at the arena?
Graduates must arrive by 1:30 pm. Guests should arrive prior to 2:00 pm.
What happens if a student shows up late for the Commencement Ceremony?
If they arrive after 1:45 pm, they may not be able to participate in the Commencement Ceremony.
Will there be a photographer at the Ceremony to take my student's picture?
Grad Images will be photographing each candidate two different times during the ceremony. Candidates will receive a free printed proof and an order form within 5-7 days.
Additional prints can be ordered online at www.gradimages.com or call 800-424-3686.
Who will wear gold honor cords with their gowns?
Honor cords are worn by Associate Degree and Bachelor Degree candidates who have earned highest honor as of the end of the last semester/session.
Will academic honors be announced during the Commencement Ceremony?
Associate Degree and Bachelor Degree candidates who have earned one of the honors listed below as of the end of the last semester/session will have the honor announced as they walk across the stage.
With Highest Honor 3.90 to 4.0
With High Honor 3.70 to 3.89
With Honor 3.50 to 3.69
Master degree candidates who have earned a 4.0 GPA will graduate "With Distinction" and wear a Davenport University Medallion.
How will students be seated?
Candidates will be seated by college, then by level – graduate-level first.
The colleges are:
College of Health Professions
College of Arts and Science
College of Urban Education
College of Technology
Donald W. Maine College of Business
How do students know what college their degree is from?
They should contact their Advisor for clarification.
What is the proper attire for candidates participating in the Commencement Ceremony?
Business Attire
Will students receive their diploma at the Commencement Ceremony?
Diplomas are mailed to graduates approximately 6-8 weeks after the end of the semester in which they finish their program.
What is the Commencement Program?
The Commencement Program is produced in April and given out to all graduation candidates, family and friends who attend the Commencement ceremony. It is a historical document for the school year and a keepsake for each graduate. It includes, but is not limited to, the following:
A message from the President
The program for the ceremony
Commencement and student speaker information
Academic Regalia Information
Listing of all names, degree and honor* information for current year graduates
*The honor designation is based on the GPA as of the last completed semester/session
Van Andel Arena
130 W Fulton
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
United States