2027 community college graduation ceremonies

Monday, May 17, 2027

6 p.m.

Clinton High School Yourd Gymnasium

Watch the livestream on the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges Facebook page.

• Please check for spelling accuracy and degree(s) applied for. If you notice an error, contact Mardell Mommsen Flippen, Room 100, immediately.
• Caps and gowns are free. For gown measurements, we need your height with shoes and T-shirt size. Submit those to the Registrar's Office by Wednesday, March 3, 2027. Your cap and gown will be dark blue, and they are yours to keep. Pick up your cap and gown between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on May 11, 12, or 13 at the Information Desk, Student Services, Room 100. You'll need to show a photo ID. Watch your email for more details regarding pickup.

Graduation day

• Arrive by 4:45 p.m. Please use entrance #A33 and report to the Wellness Gym (watch for signs). You must be robed by 5:15 p.m. and get lined up at that time. Instructions will be given at 5:30 p.m., and immediately following, you will head to the gymnasium so the ceremony can begin at 6 p.m. Please ask your guests to arrive by 5:30 p.m. so they will be seated by 5:45 p.m.
• Photographs: Elite Photography will photograph each graduate as they receive their diploma. About a week after the ceremony, you should be able to view and order photos, if you so choose, online at www.elitephoto2.com.
• Family photos may be taken after the ceremony in front of the stage.
• You'll be handed a black diploma cover when you cross the stage. In about a month, after all grades are in and evaluations are complete, we'll mail your diploma and an updated copy of your transcript with your degree(s) noted. Simply place the diploma in your cover once you receive it.
• Honor graduates: If you are graduating with honors (3.5 cumulative GPA or higher at the end of the 2025 fall term), you can pick up your honors cords before lining up for the ceremony. You'll also be recognized during the event.
• PTK stoles: If you are a member and want to wear a stole, contact your PTK advisor well in advance of the ceremony.
• Recognition cords: If you are a veteran or service member, pick up your recognition cord before lining up for the ceremony. In addition, if you let us know by March 28, we'll notate it in the program.

Muscatine Community College graduation

Friday, May 14, 2027

6 p.m.

Calvary Church

Watch the livestream here on May 14 or at calvaryonline.org.

Before graduation day

Cap and gown pick-up (regalia)

You do not need to purchase your cap and gown. We provide this to you, for free.

• Where can I pick up my regalia?
  Student Center - Student Services Welcome Desk
• When can I pick up my regalia?
  Your regalia will be ready for pick-up on the following dates and times:
  • Monday, May 10, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, May 11, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, May 12, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• What will be needed to pick up my regalia?
  A photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, EICC ID, passport, etc.).
• What if I can't pick up my regalia on those dates and times?
  Please email the Registrar, Robin Mitchell, rmitchellFREEEICC and let us know who will be picking up for you. They will be required to provide a photo ID and sign for you when they pick up your regalia.

• Will I receive my diploma the day of the ceremony?
  No, your diploma will be mailed within three to four weeks after you have completed your last class(es). It will be mailed to the address you entered on your graduation application. If you have a balance owed to the college, your diploma will be mailed after it is paid in full.
• I received a blank diploma cover. Why?
  Diploma covers are provided to students who attend the commencement ceremony. Your diploma will be mailed after you have completed your last class(es) and have paid all balances. Please hold onto the diploma cover to display your diploma once you receive it.
• Will there be an opportunity to take pictures at Calvary after the ceremony?
  Unfortunately, we cannot allow graduates and guests to remain in the auditorium. Graduates and their guests can take pictures in the Commons immediately after the ceremony.
• Because I walked across the stage and received my diploma cover, I am done with school, right?
  Maybe. If you met all the requirements of your program and the appropriate GPA, you will be finished with your program. However, you will not be finished with school if you still have classes remaining and/or have not met the GPA requirement. If you have any questions or concerns about this, please reach out to your advisor or the Registrar.
• How do I clean my regalia before the ceremony?
  Caps and gowns do not need to be cleaned. Do not wash or dry your regalia as it can ruin your gown. If you would like to remove any wrinkles, please hang your gown in a steamy bathroom. Do not iron your regalia. Do not use an industrial-strength steamer on your regalia.
• Do I need to return my regalia after the ceremony?
  No, the regalia is yours to keep and a great keepsake of the day.
• I know I should be receiving honors. When do I get the honor cords?
  Honor cords will be handed out during regalia pick-up. They will be based on your cumulative grade point average (CGPA) at the end of the fall 2025 semester. Your honors will be recognized in the commencement program.
• What color are the honor cords?
  Gold honor cords for those who received “Honors” = 3.5 – 3.99 CGPA and “High Honors” = 4.00 CGPA.
• I was a Phi Theta Kappa member. Will I be recognized?
  If you are a member, contact the PTK advisor as soon as possible so the PTK team can make sure you are recognized appropriately.
• I am a veteran. Will I be recognized?
  If you are a veteran, you will receive a red, white, and blue recognition cord at cap and gown pick-up. You will be recognized in the program and during the ceremony.
• Will the ceremony be broadcast live?
  Yes, there will be a live broadcast of the commencement ceremony. Please go to eicc.edu/grad26 for the live broadcast link.
• Can I decorate my cap?
  Yes. Students are welcome to decorate their caps to celebrate their achievements and show their individuality. Decorated caps must align with the Student Conduct and Community Standards and should be respectful to the importance of the ceremony. Any caps deemed to be inappropriate will not be permitted to be worn. Note: Cap-decorating supplies will be available in the Student Center during regalia pick-up.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to:

Robin Mitchell, Registrar

rmitchell@eicc.edu

563-288-6103

Scott Community College graduation

Wednesday, May 12, 2027

6 p.m.

Vibrant Arena at the MARK

Watch the livestream May 12 on YouTube.

Graduation day

Line-up

• Arrive by 5 p.m.
• Enter Vibrant Arena using the employee entrance (see attached picture).
• Check in.
• If you received honors or are a veteran, pick up your cords at the table next to check in.
• Check the “reader card” you were handed. It lists your name, program, and honors; make sure everything is correct. Before you cross the stage, you hand this card to the reader, who will announce you.
• Let us know if you need help with your regalia.
• Get in line.

Guests

• They can start arriving as early as 5 p.m. and should use the main entrance (marked Guest Entrance on the map).
• There is no cost or ticket needed to attend the ceremony.
• There is no limit on the number of guests you can bring.

Parking

• Parking at the Vibrant Arena is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Security

• All graduates and guests must enter through a metal detector.
• Bags and purses can’t be larger than 5x7x1, except diaper bags and medical necessities.
• Other items not allowed include:
  • Air horns or noisemakers of any kind
  • Pocketknives, pepper spray, and weapons of any kind
  • Helium balloons

Entering the ceremony arena

This labeled diagram shows the inside of the arena, where you will enter (red line) and exit (green line), and where you’ll sit.

• Exiting the arena
  Use the employee entrance to exit the building (the same doors in which you entered the building). There will be signs posted and volunteers directing you to the exit.

• Professional photography
  Photographers from Elite Photography will take your picture as you walk across the stage with your diploma cover. The pictures will be available for purchase about one week after the ceremony. You can review and purchase the photos; go to www.elitephoto2.com.

• Will I receive my diploma the day of the ceremony?
  No, your diploma will be mailed six to eight weeks after you have completed your last class(es). It will be mailed to the address you provided on your graduation application. If you have a balance owed to the college, your diploma will be mailed after it is paid.
• I received a blank diploma cover. Why?
  Diploma covers are provided to students who attend the commencement ceremony. Your diploma will be mailed after you have completed your last class(es) and have paid all balances. Please hold onto the diploma cover to display it once you receive it.
• Can I stay at Vibrant Arena and take pictures on the stage with my guests?
  Unfortunately, we cannot allow graduates and guests to remain at the Vibrant Arena after the ceremony as we have limited time and many people attending.
• Because I walked across the stage and received my diploma cover, I am done with school, right?
  Maybe. If you meet all of your program requirements and the appropriate GPA, you are finished. However, if you still have classes remaining and/or have not met the GPA requirement, you may have more to complete. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your advisor or the Registrar.
• How do I clean my cap and gown before the ceremony?
  You don’t need to. In fact, if you wash or dry your regalia, it can ruin your gown. To remove any wrinkles, hang your gown in a steamy bathroom. Don’t iron or use an industrial-strength steamer.
• Do I need to return my regalia after the ceremony?
  No, the regalia is yours to keep and a great keepsake of the day.
• I know I should be receiving honors. When do I get the honor cords?
  
  • Honor cords can be picked up at the ceremony. Look for the cord table after you check in. Cords are awarded based on your cumulative grade point average (CGPA) at the end of the 2026 fall semester. Honors are also recognized in the commencement program.
• What color are the honor cords?
  
  • White honor cords symbolize you earned a 3.5 – 3.99 CGPA.
  • Gold honor cords symbolize you are receiving high honors and earned a 4.00 CGPA.
• I was a part of Phi Theta Kappa, will I get anything for my membership?
  
  • Yes, if you are listed as a member of the SCC Chapter. First, go to PTK.org and make sure you are listed. If not, contact PTK advisor Debra Lowman at dlowmanFREEEICC, remind her you are graduating, and ask her to help with your transfer.
  • If you are listed as a member of the SCC Chapter, you should also contact Debra Lowman as soon as possible to make sure you are recognized appropriately.
• I am a veteran, will I get recognized?
  
  • Yes, if you shared that information on your graduation application.
  • Also, after you check in the day of the ceremony, stop by the cord table to pick up your veteran cords.
• Can I decorate my cap?
  Yes. Many graduates do this to celebrate all they’ve accomplished. If you do so, make sure any messaging is respectful and does not violate any Student Conduct and Community Standards. Any caps considered inappropriate will not be allowed to be worn.