Class of 2026

Tickets

• No tickets are necessary. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Location

• The commencement will be held at Merillat Centre for the Arts in Zurcher Auditorium (Building #15). 
  (520 Lake Street, Huntington, IN 46750)

Questions?

• Please call 260-359-4011 or email. 

Caps and Gowns will be distributed at the ceremony. After checking in at the registation desk in the lobby, you will proceed to the lower-level of the MCA where you will pickup your graduation gown and cap.

Please review the complete Student Instructions for Commencement prior to Commencement day. Below are a few highlights.

Please arrive 30 minutes before ceremony!

Arrival

• Please be prompt. Doors will open 30 minutes before the ceremony.
• When the doors open, enter the building with your guests. Guests should proceed as a group to the auditorium where ushers will assist with seating.
• Graduates should check-in at the registration desk in the lobby receiving your line-up number for the processional.
• Proceed to the lower-level of the MCA
• Pick up your graduation gown and hat.
• Pick up a copy of the Commencement Program.
• Stand by your line-up number.
• Students will process single-file to the MCA auditorium 3 minutes before the ceremony begins.

Conferral of Degrees

• Stand when your degree is announced and stay standing.
• One row at a time will walk to the stage. Faculty Marshals will signal when it is time for your row to proceed. The remaining rows may be seated.
• Move to the stage as shown and wait for your name to be called. When your name is called:
  • Walk forward and stop to receive your hood.
  • Walk across the stage to receive your diploma.
  • Stop to have your picture taken while receiving your diploma.
  • Walk off stage to have your official photo taken.
  • Return to your seat in the MCA.
• Ushers will help direct you back to your seats. Wait until your entire row returns to be seated.
• After all graduates have returned to their seats, Dr. Fetters will ask each degree group to stand to be recognized.

Dismissal

• Graduates will process out of the auditorium following the Faculty Marshal in the same order as the processional. Please exit the auditorium in single-file using the main center entrance.
• Guests will be dismissed once all the graduates and faculty have exited. Graduates should arrange to meet guests in the MCA lobby at the graduation reception.

Dress

The commencement ceremony is formal. Women should wear dark pants, skirts, or dresses and dark
shoes. Men should wear a light shirt and tie, black or dark trousers and dark shoes. No flip-flops or
tennis shoes please. Doctoral and Master's degrees wear tassels on the left front.

Additional Information

• Please silence cell phones.

Tickets

• No tickets are necessary. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Location

• The commencement will be held at New Life Community Church. 
  (8155 W. Thunderbird Rd, Peoria, AZ 85381)

Questions?

• Please call (480) 939-5074 or email. 

Caps and Gowns will be distributed a few weeks prior to graduation. Please check your student email for details from the Director of Student Services.

Arrival Time: All graduates should arrive at 8:15 am. Please be sure to bring your full regalia with you (cap, gown, hood, etc.).

Pre-Ceremony Instructions: Graduates should plan to arrive at 8:15 am for the following:

• Photos in grad attire (not cap and gown)

• Get dressed in cap and gown

• Practice walk-through of the ceremony

• Time to get settled before guests arrive

• Water bottles and a light meal will be provided for graduates prior to the ceremony.

Dress & Regalia:

• Please unpack and hang or steam your graduation gown in advance of the ceremony.

• Students are encouraged to wear lightweight materials under their regalia due to the heat. 

• The commencement ceremony is formal.

Post-Ceremony Photos: Following the ceremony, class photo, individual regalia photos, and family/friend photos will be available (free of charge) with our photographer.