Commencement Ceremony

Graduate attire

Press your gown, dress in business attire and wear your tassel on the right. 

• Graduates should arrive by 1:30 pm.

• Graduates are expected to stay for the entire ceremony which will last 2 to 2.5 hours.

• Please leave your belongings at home or in your vehicle. Van Andel has a No Bag Policy. 

• 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