Commencement

When is Commencement? 

Commencement is on Saturday, May 9. Line up is at noon, and the processional begins at 12:45 p.m. All guests must be in their seats by 12:30 p.m. The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. and lasts approximately two hours.

Will there be a live webcast for family members who are unable to attend? 

Yes. The ceremony will be live streamed at albion.edu/commencement so your friends and family who are unable to attend in person can watch the ceremony live.

All graduates participating in Commencement are required to wear formal regalia. 

To reduce costs for graduates, Albion College transitioned to direct online ordering, allowing the College to significantly lower the price of graduation packages. The full regalia package—including a custom Albion College gown, black cap, and purple-and-gold tassel with your graduation year—is available for $40.50 at: https://oakhallcg.com/pages/albion.

If you wish to pick up your regalia at the Grad Fair, please place your order no later than January 13, 2026. The online site will reopn from January 15 through March 17, 2026. Orders placed after January 13 will be available for pickup in The Brit Shop in April.

Do I need to register to graduate? 

Yes, you must register for graduation with the Registrar’s Office.

Is there practice for Commencement?

Yes, mandatory Commencement rehearsal will take place at Goodrich Chapel on Friday, May 8. During this rehearsal, we will walk through everything you need to know for the next day, hand out honors cords, and conduct a brief survey about your time at Albion. Immediately following rehearsal, we invite you to join faculty, staff, and fellow graduates in the Science Complex Atrium for a celebratory champagne toast and sendoff.

Where do I get honor cords? 

You will receive honor cords at Commencement Rehearsal. Only Albion academic honor cords will be passed out at graduation practice. Departmental or academic organization honor cords or pins will be handled by each department or organization.

How long do I have to move my stuff out of my room?

You have until 8 p.m. the day of Commencement to move out of your room, though it is recommended that you have 90 percent of your belongings packed before the ceremony.  It will make your life a lot easier.

Where can my family park? 

Your family can park wherever they can find a spot on Saturday. Campus Safety will not ticket during the ceremony. Remember, all city parking guidelines must be followed.

Is there a procedure in place for inclement weather?

We will be outdoors. (In cases of inclement weather, Commencement takes place in the Dow Center. Lineup for graduating seniors will occur promptly at 12 p.m. We will communicate any change in location via email, and on the College’s website and social media accounts.)

Do guests need tickets to attend the ceremony? 

Seating is unlimited, if held outdoors on the Campus Quadrangle, and tickets are NOT required.

If the ceremony is held indoors due to inclement weather, tickets will not be required for family members and supporters.

Please reference this map for highlighted routes to campus.

What is the best way for people with disabilities and those with physical limitations to access the Quadrangle for the commencement ceremony? 

Individuals needing assistance should park in the lots on Cass and Oswego Streets immediately behind the library or in the lot behind Ferguson Hall. See the map for details. Albion staff will be providing rides on golf carts from these lots.

Is there an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter? 

Yes. An American Sign Language interpreter will be in attendance and easily viewable for those attending in person and virtually.

Are there sufficient restrooms? 

Yes, restrooms are available on all floors of Olin Hall, Kellogg Center, Ferguson Hall, and the Stockwell-Mudd Libraries. All restrooms are accessible.

Are chairs provided for seating in the Quad?

Yes, seating will be available for guests including those needing ADA accommodations. Please feel free to bring your own blanket or chairs to enjoy the ceremony from the lawn.

The Senior Class Gift is a long-standing Albion College tradition that began in the late-1800s. The graduating class members choose a project that exemplifies their experiences as students and through which they want to impact the College.

Yard Signs

“Proud of our Albion College Graduate” yard signs are available for purchase and pick-up on the day of Commencement outside of Mudd Library, while supplies last. Pre-order via the online order form or purchase on-site while supplies last. Proceeds benefit the 2026 Senior Class Gift: Career Closet.

Professional photography will be provided by Graduation Foto of graduates as they leave the stage with their diploma. Proofs will be sent out within three weeks post-ceremony.