Graduate Checklist: Class of 2025

Following is a month-by-month list of preparations for Commencement. All activities are dependent upon guidelines from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Masks, even outdoors, may be required. Proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test may be required.

January

  • Share the schedule of Commencement events and hotel accommodations with family members and friends planning to attend in May.
  • Have your family and friends make hotel reservations for the event, if they have not done so already. All five undergraduate colleges host Commencement the same weekend, so hotels fill up quickly! Check out our updated list of hotels.

February

  • Jostens Virtual Grad Fair will be February 2025. Graduates should be on the lookout this year’s Grad Fair flyer, in their mailboxes and their emails. You may also order directly from Jostens. If you plan on sending them, graduation announcements should be ordered from Jostens this month.

March

  • Select a location for your celebration meal after Commencement and make your reservations in advance!
  • Order flower leis if desired. Sherwood Florist, located within walking distance of campus, is offering pre-sale only flower leis for Commencement. They can be ordered and paid for directly through their website and picked up the day of Commencement at the commencement tent.
  • Join us! March, 2024 for “Family Focus – Session for Families of Seniors” available by Zoom. Please register at the link on the Family Focus page.

April

  • Mail announcements to friends and family by April 18, 2025. Announcements are customarily sent one month prior to event.
  • Audition to be the student speaker at Commencement or a speaker at the Senior Lunch. The audition email will be sent by the Senior Class co-presidents.

May

  • First week of May, pick up your cap and gown at Cap and Gown Day, sponsored by DSA. Wednesday, May 1, 2024 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Complete a Senior Survey in order to receive your cap and gown; Career Services will contact you directly with further information.
  • All graduates must attend rehearsal on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 3 p.m.
  • Address of commencement site for Sunday, May 18, 2025 is: 231 E. 10th Street, Claremont CA
  • GradImages is the official photographers of our Commencement ceremony. Students will receive an information card when they pick up their cap and gown. If a student returns the information card to the Office of Career Services, they will receive direct communication from GradImages after Commencement with the option to purchase photos.
  • Brunch will be available in the Hoch-Shanahan Dining Commons on Sunday, May 18 from 10:30am – 12:45pm for the cost of $19.75 per person, credit cards accepted, no cash.
  • Vacating residence halls: Graduating seniors must check out of their dorm room by 8:00am on Monday, May 19, 2025.