Get Ready for Graduation!

Congratulations on everything you’ve achieved!

Now it’s time to start planning for your graduation ceremony. Please read this whole page carefully so you don’t miss any important dates or deadlines.

 

This year, we will have two graduation ceremonies to make sure there is enough space for all graduates and their guests. You can choose to be in one of the two ceremonies when you sign up—just make sure to register before your chosen ceremony fills up.

You won’t need tickets for either ceremony. Your guests can come and enjoy the celebration worry-free.

green bar
Monday, June 22nd - 12:00 p.m.

Details:

green bar
Monday, June 22nd - 6:00 p.m.

Details:

***Please note ceremony length can vary. We recommend allotting 1.5-2 hours for this event.

 

Registration opens April 20th!


When registering students must self-select which ceremony they will attend. Once a ceremony has reached capacity, the registration for that specific ceremony will be closed and students will only be able to register for the available ceremony.

Students must have submitted an Intent to Graduate Form in order to be added to the Commencement Registration system. Those who completed or will complete their program fall of 2025 through summer 2026 are eligible to participate in the commencement ceremonies.

 

Additional Ways to Participate

Commencement Student Speaker

We are looking for a graduating student with a 3.0 GPA or higher who can represent their class and share a message of inspiration during the ceremony. If you know of a student who could inspire our graduating class with their story, encourage them to submit an application:

Core Value Awards

Nominate a graduating student who has exemplified one of Green River’s Core Values during their time at the college. Students may also self-nominate. The college’s core values are: Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Belonging; Accessibility; Accountability; Community Engagement; Growth and Development; Global Responsibility; Acknowledgement and Stewardship of the Natural Environment; Innovation

President’s Award

Recognize a student who demonstrates excellence in academics, professional promise, and outstanding citizenship. Eligible students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher. Eligible students are nominated by you, the employees of Green River College.

 

Information Sessions


There will be no ceremony rehearsal at the accesso ShoWare Center. Instead, we will be hosting two graduation information sessions for all graduates. Important information about the ceremony will be discussed including graduation cards, processional and diploma ceremony and general venue information.

Your commencement ceremony will be more fun for you if you know what is going on, so please plan to attend one of the two sessions.

Tuesday, June 16th, 2026
11am or 1pm
SU Grand Hall

Caps, Gowns, and Tassels 


The Paper Tree Bookstore has caps, gowns, and other regalia available for purchase May 1.

Commencement and Graduation items can be ordered starting at the date above using the Paper Tree Bookstore official site.

Please note the following:

  • Caps & gowns are sold as a package set. Black for Bachelors students, Green for Associates, Certificate, and GED/High School Completion students
  • Graduation announcements, thank you cards, gifts, diploma frames, and diploma covers are available for purchase.
  • Announcements are sold individually, thank you cards are 25 to a box.

Honor Cords and Stoles:

Special honor cords, if awarded, may be worn by students who have earned associate (Honors, High Honors, or Highest Honors) or baccalaureate honors (Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude). Awards are determined by grade point average:

  • Associate Degree Honors
    • Honors (Gold Cord): 3.50 - 3.69 GPA
    • High Honors (Double Gold Cord): 3.70 - 3.89 GPA
    • Highest Honors (Gold Stole): 3.90 or above GPA
  • Bachelor's Degree Honors
    • Cum Laude (Gold Cord): 3.50 - 3.69 GPA
    • Magna Cum Laude (Double Gold Cord): 3.70 - 3.89 GPA
    • Summa Cum Laude (Gold Stole): 3.90 or above GPA
image of Slater Gator in a black and in a green cap and gown set. directions to purchase a black cap and gown if completing a Bachelors degree or purchase a green cap and gown for any other type of credential.
 
Order Commencement Regalia

 

 

Graduate Transportation

 

Transportation

A free shuttle is provided for students going to and from the commencement ceremony. Seats are available on a first come first serve basis. Shuttle will be leaving the bus circle next to the AD building at 10:00am for the 12:00pm ceremony and 4:00pm for the 6:00pm ceremony start. To sign up, come to the SU Information Desk on the first floor.

  • For more information about the shuttle call 253-931-6451

General Parking

accesso ShoWare Center features free parking on-site, and in several lots within close walking distance. Parking spaces at the on-site parking lot are limited and are filled on a first come, first served basis, therefore arriving early is advised.

Parking for graduates with disabilities is available with proper state identification on-site at the Kent ShoWare Center. Parking spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis.

As a courtesy to Kent Station’s patrons, please do not leave your vehicle at Kent Station during the commencement ceremony.

Navigate to accesso ShoWare Center

 

Photography

 

Professional photographers will be taking photos at this year's Commencement Ceremony.

Each graduate participating in the ceremony will have their picture taken as their receive their scroll after their name has been read. Graduates will be able to go to the 1000 Words Events website after the ceremony to view and save photos of the event at no cost.

Photos should be available to view 72 hours after the ceremony.

1000 Words event website