Student Information

Graduation Verification and Commencement Participation

Please fill out this form to apply for graduation from Whittier College and to confirm your participation in the Commencement ceremony. 

Check In, Cords, and Clothing

Graduates must check in for the ceremony on the baseball field. Check in opens at 1 p.m. and graduates should arrive no later than 2:30 p.m.

Students who have earned Latin Honors may pick up their cords at the check-in table. As a reminder, please do not forget to have your regalia. Graduates will not be able to walk in the ceremony without presenting their regalia.

The academic procession of graduating students, faculty, college officers, and members of the Board of Trustees will begin promptly at 3:55 p.m. As the ceremony will be outside, you may want to bring a pillow or cushion to use on the stadium seats. Spring evenings can be chilly and we suggest bringing a sweater or light coat.

Cap and Gown Orders

Caps and gowns will be available to purchase from the Campus Bookstore. More information to come. If you need assistance please contact the Campus Bookstore at 562.907.4251.

Graduation Announcements

Graduation announcements may be ordered through the book store. 

Ceremony Photography

Guests are not allowed onto the field or in the aisles during the ceremony to take photos of graduates.

GradImages will photograph each graduate receiving their diploma. Proofs will be e-mailed to all graduates who supplied e-mail addresses; otherwise, proofs will be mailed to home addresses.

Visit the GradImages website to preregister. Enter your email and up to 6 emails of loved ones who would like to share in your accomplishments by viewing and ordering your photos. By submitting your information early, you can rest assured that photo samples will be quickly and conveniently provided to you and all the others registered as soon as they are available after the event.

After graduation, order online at GradImages or call 800.261.2576.

Due to the layout of the facilities, it will not be possible for friends and family members to leave their seats during the ceremony. Anyone attempting to leave their seats and stand in the aisles will be restrained from doing so.

Pre-Order Flowers

The Commencement Group is Whittier College's preferred flower vendor for Commencement. Friends, family, and graduates may pre-order flowers and pick them up outside Memorial Stadium prior to the beginning of the ceremony.

Distribution of Diplomas

Graduates who have fulfilled all academic and financial obligations to the College by the end of the spring semester will have their diploma and cover mailed to them at the mailing address on file.

Outstanding holds, financial obligations, and disciplinary sanctions with Whittier College will prevent the release of your diploma. Please make arrangements to resolve any outstanding holds and obligations prior to your graduation.