Commencement Ceremony
Date: Monday, May 13, 2019
Location: The Neal S. Blaisdell Arena, 777 Ward Avenue, Honolulu
Time: 7:00 PM
For information on the Baccalaureate & Honors Ceremony, click here.
Things to do before Commencement
Eligibility
Students verified by the Office of the Registrar as completing all degree requirements or as potentially completing requirements by the end of the qualifying semester. All students participating must file a petition and submit their graduation fee by the February 8, 2019 deadline. After February 8 you must complete the late petition form and pay a $100 late fee. The graduation fee is required of all graduates, regardless of participation in the ceremony.
Need Accommodations?
Please let us know if you need any special accommodations or seating arrangements at the ceremony. You may email commencement@chaminade.edu.
Order Your Cap & Gown
Orders for your cap and gowns and personalized announcements will be done online beginning February 6, 2019, until April 6, 2019. You will not be charged for the cost of the cap, gown, and tassel; you will need to pay a $15.95 shipping fee as your order will be mailed directly to you. You may also order personalized announcements from the website below if you wish.
Place Order Here >>
Order Your Class Ring (Optional)
Class rings may be ordered at the Chaminade bookstore on Monday, March 18,
Make sure you receive an email confirmation after placing your order.
If you do not receive one, contact Herff Jones at 1-800-837-4235 or at (808) 395-1322 (local representative).
Deadline Passed
If you miss the ordering deadline, you may purchase regalia through the Chaminade bookstore at the prevailing retail price. Regalia will not be issued on commencement night.
Order Photographs
GradImages will be taking professional photographs of each graduate on stage during the ceremony. Each graduate will be sent no-obligation proofs of the photographs via email and text after the event. Proofs will also be sent via postal mail. You will have the opportunity to purchase prints after you have seen your proofs. Prior to the ceremony, visit their website. Enter your email and up to 6 emails of those who you would like to share in your accomplishment by allowing them to view and order your photos. If you have any questions about the commencement ceremony photographs, click here or call toll-free 1-800-261-2576.
Honor Cords & Hoods
Honors graduates will receive their cord at the Honors Ceremony. The honors designation is only for bachelor degree recipients. If you will not be attending, your cord will be mailed to you 3-4 weeks after May 13.
Master’s degree recipients will receive their hoods on stage at commencement. If you will not be attending, your hood will be mailed to you 3-4 weeks after May 13.
Commencement Day
Check in/Rehearsal:
• 3:00-4:00 PM: Graduating Student Check-in
• 4:30 PM: Mandatory Rehearsal – Gather in the Exhibition Hall
• 6:30 PM: Graduate Line Up – Blaisdell Exhibition Hall
• 7:00 PM: Ceremony begins – estimated to last approximately two hours
Attire:
Proper attire is required of all students participating in the ceremony. A
• Ladies: Dress or dress slacks with a top and comfortable sandals or low heels for safety reasons.
• Men: Dark dress slacks, white collared shirt (tie is optional) , and dress shoes.
Since it is the University’s belief that commencement is a special, dignified affair, no decorations are allowed on the cap and gowns. The only cords/sashes/stoles allowed are the ones given out by Chaminade (signifying academic honors) and by the respective sanctioned honor societies. Student-athletes may wear the athletic stole presented to them after the conferring of academic degrees. Honors cords will be distributed at the Honors Ceremony. Masters’ hoods will be presented on stage. Outstanding student award recipients may wear their medals. Leis may not be worn during the ceremony. You will not be allowed into the procession with inappropriate attire.
Please arrive at the Blaisdell with your cap and gown. You do not need to wear it for rehearsal. Do not bring purses, bags, or valuables to the Exhibition Hall since there is no place to store it. We suggest that you leave these items with a friend or family member.
Post Ceremony Meet & Greet:
Following the recessional, a meet and greet event will be held in the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. Doors will open to guests after the last student exits the arena and enters the hall. Graduates may meet with their guests under the signs designated with the first letter of the graduate’s last name.
Diplomas:
Your legal name, as printed on your legal documents (birth certificate, social security card, passports, etc.) will be the name printed on your diploma.
Diplomas will be mailed to the address provided on your petition. If the address has changed, please contact the Records Office.
You will receive your diploma once all your requirements have been completed and grades are in. This usually takes about 6-8 weeks after graduation.
Questions?
For grades, records, and petitions, contact the Records Office at (808) 735.4722 or records@chaminade.edu.
For cap and gown, and announcements, contact Herff Jones at 1-800-837-4235 or (808) 395-1322 (local representative).
For the ceremonies or other questions, contact (808) 739-4669 or commencement@chaminade.edu.
