Commencement 2025

Commencement will take place at 5 p.m. on June 12 at Emerald Downs in Auburn

If you've graduated – or are graduating – during the 2024-25 academic year, the upcoming Commencement celebration is for you! If you plan to attend, please RSVP today!

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Grad Week, May 19 – 23

Times: Monday–Thursday: 8:30am – 5pm | Friday: 8:30am – 3pm
Location: Highline Bookstore (Building 8, 2nd floor)

Join us for Grad Week where you can purchase commencement regalia, pick up your online cap & gown orders, join the Alumni Association, check in for Commencement, visit a cap decorating station, and more.

Cap Decorating Event

Join in on the fun and customize your Commencement cap! This event is sponsored by the Associated Students of Highline College (ASHC) and supplies and guidance will be provided.
Dates and Times: May 19 – Building 8, Mt. Skokomish (12pm-2pm) / May 22 – Building 8, Fireside Bistro (11am-1pm).

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Commencement Checklist: Get Ready!

Your to-do list for the big day:

1. RSVP to Commencement. For your name to appear in the program, your RSVP is required by May 30, 2025.
   Note: you will be asked to sign into the RSVP form with your Highline username and password (same as Canvas) if you are not already signed in. 
2. Apply to Graduate by May 23. (Required – Complete this after you have enrolled in your final quarter classes). Though all are welcome to join in Commencement, for your name to appear in the Commencement program, you must finish your program between Summer 2024 & Summer 2025 and apply to graduate before May 24.
3. Get your Cap and Gown (Required). In order to participate as a graduate, you need to wear a black cap and gown in the traditional college graduation style. Caps and gowns will need to be planned for in advance, they will not be available for purchase at the event. Caps and gowns can be ordered through the Highline Bookstore.
   Emergency Funds are available to help students for whom purchasing a cap and gown is a financial burden. Please fill out the request form using your ctcLink student log in.
     You can also buy or borrow a cap and gown from somewhere, or someone, else. Reusing/recycling is great, as long as the color of your cap and gown is black.
     Students graduating with a degree and 3.5 GPA or higher can purchase Honor Cords from the Highline College Bookstore. Grades are measured as of the end of Winter 2025 because Spring grades will not be posted before Commencement.
4.  Join the Highline Alumni Association (Recommended). Check out the Alumni Relations page, stay connected to the college and have a source of support for your future educational or career goals!

Once you have applied to graduate and RSVP’d, all you need to do is show up in your cap and gown on June 12 at Emerald Downs! Grads please arrive by 3:30 p.m.

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The Commencement Ceremony

What to Expect During the Ceremony:

The Commencement Ceremony is a historic tradition that celebrates the transition for a graduate between student and their after-college life. The commencement ceremony varies in time from 2 to 3 hours depending on the number of graduates participating. Out of respect for tradition and for your fellow graduates, plan to stay through the full event.

Commencement has four basic parts:

1. Processional, Marching and Seating: Graduates who have been checked-in are led by commencement marshals to the seating area. Be sure your tassel is draped over the right front quarter of your cap. Please refrain from talking once you are in the arena. Upon reaching your seat, please remain standing until you are directed to be seated by the Commencement Master of Ceremonies.
2. The Address: Various speakers including college leaders, trustees, students and alumni of the college will speak.
   
   
3. Conferral of Degrees: After The Address, a representative from Highline’s leadership team will ask all students and faculty to stand for the conferral of degrees. They will then ask that all but the first row of graduates be seated. Graduates in the first row will then be directed to proceed, on signal from the marshals, in a line to the platform stairs or ramps. Present your name card to one of the presenters, wait for your name to be announced, proceed across the stage to receive the diploma cover and be directed to exit the platform. Please return to your seat immediately. The remaining rows will follow as directed by the marshals.
4. The Recessional: During the recessional, the people sitting on the stage will exit the stage first, followed by the faculty. Graduating students will remain standing and leave the seating area in a line when the marshals give the appropriate signal. Graduates will be led to the south exit doors and onto the concourse area outside of ShoWare to meet friends/family.

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Information for Guests

Welcome Family and Friends!

The Commencement Ceremony will take place at Emerald Downs, in Auburn. Doors for guest seating open at 4 p.m. The ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. and end at 7 p.m. The end time is estimated because it depends on how many graduates attend. No guest tickets are required.

Guest Etiquette

Commencement is a time of celebration and recognition of academic success and is regarded as an important rite of passage for students and their families. We ask that when you attend this respected tradition please plan on staying for the duration of the ceremony.

• Graduate Gifts: Leis and bouquets are permitted. Balloons are not permitted inside the venue.
• Guest Seating: Seating is on a first come, first serve basis. Emerald Downs is an accessible facility (see below for details).
• Box Seating: Box seating is available to families at no additional cost. They are available on a first come, first served basis.

Security Information

Commencement policy for bags and water bottles

Purses and bags no larger than 18 X 14 are allowed at the commencement ceremony for both students and their guests. Students and guests are encouraged to limit the number of items they bring with them into the venue.

The following items are not permitted in Emerald Downs during the commencement ceremony: 

• Large purses (18 X14)
• Coolers
• Briefcases
• Backpacks
• Luggage of any kind
• Computer bags
• Water Bottles
• Weapons
• Alcoholic beverages
• Noise makers/air horns

Guests with prohibited items will have the option to return their prohibited item(s) back to their vehicle or to dispose of prohibited item(s) in the waste receptacle. Disposed items will not be reimbursed. This policy is not intended to interfere with guests attending with specific medical needs or guests caring for young children. All bags are subject to be searched by event staff and/or security prior to entering the Emerald Downs. Please arrive early and be patient as we work to ensure a safe environment.

Parking and Transportation

Parking at Emerald Downs is free and plentiful. Guests can park where they please. A shuttle will be operating throughout the event for supporters who may park further away, or need a ride for accessibility. 

After the Ceremony

Please plan to meet your friends/family outside of Emerald Downs in the parking lots located on the west side of the venue. Plan for a lot of people doing the same thing; stay in cell phone contact or pick a landmark to meet next to so you don't lose your loved ones in the crowds.

Ability Related Accommodations

Emerald Downs provides accessible parking in Lot 3, immediately north of the Grandstand, on a first come, first served basis. Accessible transportation includes a van with wheelchair access from our main lot.

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Join the Fun on Social Media

• Connect with Highline College on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Use/follow #Highline25 for all things Commencement-related.
• Follow along with our Commencement Countdown as we post daily weekly/daily reminders Commencement is almost here!
• Leading up to Commencement, post your decorated caps using #Highline25 and tag @HighlineCollege for a chance to be featured
• Post photos and video of Commencement on social media and use #Highline25 and/or tag @HighlineCollege for a chance to be featured.

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