2023 Rhodes State Commencement

• Doors to the auditorium will open at 8:30am. Guests must be seated by 9:45am (wristbands may not guarantee a seat in the auditorium after this time).
• Wheelchair seating is available in the designated area at the back of the auditorium.
• A sign language interpreter for the hearing impaired is provided.
• Once the processional begins, guests are not permitted in the auditorium lobby until the processional has ended.
• Although the length of the ceremony varies with the number of graduates, it is best to plan for at least 2 hours. Guests are asked to respect the graduates and stay for the entire ceremony.
• An overflow area with live viewing is available to accomodate guests without tickets and/or guests with small children. Tables and chairs are provided.
• After the ceremony, an Alumni reception will follow in the Exihibit Halls.

Graduates, please let us know if you're planning on attending the ceremony or not by April 7. Click here to RSVP for the ceremony.

Your next step as a graduate is to attend Graduation Wrap-Up on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 from 9:00am-6:00pm. Stop by the Public Service Atrium when you have a break from class.

During the event you will be able to:

• Pick up your allotted graduation wristbands.  We will be using wristbands instead of tickets this year. A wristband is not required for the graduate, only guests. (Photo ID required)
• Settle business accounts.
• Make sure you have all graduation requirements complete.
• Purchase cap/gown/tassel in the Campus bookstore for $54.
• Pick up Veterans cord - Please bring a copy of your DD214 or Nobe.

On graduation day, Saturday, May 6, 2023:

• Graduates are required to be at the Civic Center Exhibit Halls at 8:30am to receive their seat assignment and rehearse the processional.
• Do not bring purses, cameras, book bags, or packages - the Civic Center does not provide storage.
• Wear comfortable but appropriate clothing under your gown.  We suggest dark pants/skirts with dark shoes. Women should consider wearing flat shoes for safety and comfort.  Be advised, there are several steps leading to the stage.
• Bring cap/gown/tassel with you. Keep gown free of wrinkles.
• Graduates needing special arrangements (i.e. hearing impaired, vision impaired, wheelchair access, etc.) should contact Rhodes State College Accomodative Services at 419-995-8476.

• We will be using wristbands instead of tickets this year. The number of wristbands per student will not be know until Graduation Wrap-Up on April 25, 2023.
• Wristbands are required for entrance into the Auditorium. Graduates do not need a wristband.
• Students must pick up their wristbands in PS120 April 25 (11:00am-6:00pm), April 26-28 (8:00am-5:00pm) or make other arrangements by contacting Alissa Zimmerman at zimmerman.a@rhodesstate.edu or calling 419-995-8034. After April 28, the graduate will forfeit all wristbands for their guests.
• Any wristbands not picked up will be placed at the Will Call table in the Civic Center lobby on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 8:30am on May 6, 2023.
• An overflow area with live viewing is available to accomodate guests without tickets and/or guests with small children. Tables and chairs are provided.
• Doors to the auditorium will open at 8:30am. Guests must be seated by 9:45am (wristbands may not guarantee a seat in the auditorium after this time).
• Wheelchair seating is available in the designated area at the back of the auditorium.
• A sign language interpreter for the hearing impaired is provided.
• Once the processional begins, guests are not permitted in the auditorium lobby until the processional has ended.

• Free parking is available in the Borra Center parking lot.
• For a fee, parking is also available in the parking garage, located on the corner of Market and Elizabeth Streets, with a skywalk connected to the Civic Center. 
• For a fee, parking is also available in the parking lot at Allen County Children Services, on the corner of Market and Spring streets.  
• PLEASE NOTE: Alter Ego Comics will also be hosting their annual Free Comic Book Day on May 6. One block of Main Street will be blocked off between North and High Streets during this time.  Please allow extra time to find parking for the graduation ceremony.

• Do I need to let the College know if I plan to attend the ceremony? Graduates click here to indicate whether you plan on attending or not.
• How long is graduation? 2 hours depending on the number of graduates.
• How to view the ceremony? The ceremonies will be streamed live. See links at the top of the webpage. 
• Where do I get my cap and gown? The Campus Bookstore. The cost is $54 and will be available for purchase on 3/29/2023. 
• What color tassel should I buy?
  • Colors of tassels are as follows:
    • Agriculture Technology - Maize
    • Allied Health – Green
    • Associate of Arts – White
    • Associate of Science – Golden Yellow
    • Business Professions – Drab
    • Engineering Technology – Orange
    • Human Services – Citron
    • Information Technology/Office Administration – Drab
    • Nursing – Apricot
• My guest is in a wheelchair. Are their special accommodations available? Wheelchair seating for guests is available in the designated area at the back of the auditorium. Make sure anyone needing extra time to be seated arrives when the doors open. A sign language interpreter for the hearing impaired is provided.
• How many tickets/wristbands do I receive? We will be using wristbands this year. The number of wristbands per student depends on the number of graduates participating. We will not know the final number of participants until Graduation Wrap-Up on April 25, 2023.
• What if I have more guests than tickets/wristbands? An overflow area with live viewing is available to accomodate guests without tickets and/or guests with small children. Tables and chairs are provided.
• Does and infant or small child need a ticket/wristband for admission into the Auditorium?  Per the Civic Center fire code, every person in the auditorium needs a wristband, even those sitting on an adult's lap.
• Can I bring my purse, coat, personal items? The Civic Center does not provide storage.  Graduates should leave personal items with guests.
• I’m not going to graduate but I’ve already petitioned for Spring Semester. What do I do? See the Registration & Records Office, registrar@rhodesstate.edu, 419-995-8425, Public Service Building Rm 120.
• When do I get my diploma? Your diploma will be mailed after grades are processed to your address on file.  Please make sure your address is current by viewing in STARS. If not, submit an address change in STARS.
• Who do I contact for other questions? Email Alissa Zimmerman at zimmerman.a@rhodesstate.edu or call 419-995-8034.