GCU Commencement for Spring 2020 Traditional Students
Commencement registration for spring class of 2020 is closed as of March 5, 11:59 pm (Arizona Time).
Ceremony Livestream
View the spring class of 2020 commencement ceremony on April 20 streamed live at the button below.
Questions regarding the commencement ceremony can be directed to [email protected].
Tuesday, April 20
3 pm Arizona Time
Colangelo College of Business
College of Education
College of Fine Arts and Production
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
College of Nursing and Health Care Professions
College of Science, Engineering and Technology
College of Theology
*Dates, times and modalities of commencement ceremonies may be subject to change.
Ceremony Reminders
- Your guest(s) must have a ticket to be admitted. We ask all ticketed guests to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Check the doors open time for the ceremony you will be attending to find out when you may enter the Arena.
- Graduate candidates will check in and then be seated on the GCU Arena floor by degree program with the help of a commencement staff member.
- There is no ceremony rehearsal. We will have staff onsite the day of the ceremony to help you with any questions, lead you through your check-in process and taking a seat on the Arena floor to enjoy and partake in your commencement ceremony.
- If you have a fellow classmate joining in the ceremony, please make arrangements to meet up with them before you take your seat. There will be plenty of time to check in, meet with fellow classmates and do a final touch-up on your regalia if you arrive when doors open.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Estimated ceremony duration is two hours.
- Apart from sealed bottled water, no outside food is allowed into GCU Arena unless medically necessary.
- When entering the Arena, metal detectors/bag checks will be in use. The following items are prohibited for Arena entry: weapons of any kind including, but not limited to, firearms, knives, pepper/OC spray, stun guns or brass knuckles, illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia, noisemakers, alcohol, glass bottles, balloons, flags or banners, wrapped packages or gifts, pets (service dogs permitted), strollers, wagons or car seats.
Come celebrate your great accomplishment! Congratulations!
It’s time to show off your Lope pride in honor of your GCU graduate!
Celebrate commencement and welcome the newest member into the GCU alumni Herd with these ready-to-print banners, lawn signs and posters.
If using an outside printer, first check with them on what products they are able to print. They will be able to provide details on what materials they have available. Each product has a few common sizes available for download.
*Due to COVID-19, it is recommended you confirm your local printer is open for business before finalizing any orders.
Commencement Eligibility Requirements
- Ground traditional spring 2020 graduates
- Degree posted spring 2020 or summer 2020 term, not based on credit hours
Cap and Gown
Regalia
Regalia includes the emblems and insignia worn by graduate candidates as a sign of distinction and formality. Master’s degree candidates’ regalia includes gown, mortarboard (cap) and tassel plus hood. Bachelor’s degree candidates’ regalia includes gown, mortarboard (cap) and tassel plus stole.
Regalia for Graduating Lopes
Gowns have distinguishing marks to indicate the level of scholastic achievement:
- Master's degree gowns have trimmings and long oblong sleeves that drape at waist.
- Bachelor's degree gowns have trimmings, a purple stole and pointed sleeves.
GCU Hood and Tassel Colors
| Academic Degree | Collegiate Colors |
| Arts, Letters, Humanities | White |
| Business | Drab |
| Education | Light Blue |
| Engineering | Orange |
| Health Science and Mental Health Science | Gold |
| Math, Science and Technology Science | Gold |
| Nursing | Apricot |
| Public Administration (MPA), Government and Justice Studies | Peacock |
| Public Health | Salmon Pink |
| Theology | Scarlet |
Master's degree candidates' hoods display the school's colors, the type of degree and area of study. They are worn around the neck and flow down the back. The inside lining is GCU colors in a chevron pattern. The color and width of the velvet edging on the hood indicates the degree and field of study. Bachelor's degree candidates do not wear hoods.
Regalia Costs
Graduate candidates have the opportunity to order regalia for the virtual commencement celebration.
Herff Jones is Grand Canyon University's commencement regalia vendor. To order regalia, graduate candidates must be registered for commencement. Please use the Herff Jones regalia link that appears in the confirmation email once registered for commencement.
Graduate candidates who do not plan to attend their commencement ceremony can still order a cap and gown for a memento. For the vendor contact information to place an order, please send an email to [email protected].
Regalia Order Deadlines
Initial Deadline:
- March 22, 2021*
11:59 pm (EST)
*There will be a rush fee for any order that is placed after the initial deadline.
Final Deadline:
- March 26, 2021
11:59 pm (EST)
Nursing Pin Deadline (MSN and BSN Students)
- Feb. 19, 2021
11:59 pm (EST)
Nursing degree candidates wishing to purchase a Nursing Pin to represent degree completion through GCU can order their pin through the regalia link provided in their registration confirmation email.