Graduation and Commencement Ceremony

Commencement exercises are held each May. Students completing all degree requirements for the previous fall or current spring semesters are eligible in participate in commencement. Summer candidates who are within nine (9) credit hours of completing degree requirements and enrolled in the necessary courses to complete degree requirement are also eligible to participate. Guests and Graduates are asked to stay the entire duration of the ceremony.

Doors will open an hour before the ceremony, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. There is often a line to enter the building ahead of the opening time. This is a gun-free zone, and all persons will be scanned. For the quickest movement through the line minimize what you bring with you into the ceremony. Guests and Graduates are asked to stay the entire duration of the ceremony.

The ceremony will be livestreamed on KCKCC's social media channels.

If you are participating in our Commencement Ceremony - please attend one of our "Request to Attend Events." At this event, graduates receive Commencement Day information and pick up card and honors cord (if merited). Guests and Graduates are asked to stay the entire duration of the ceremony.

April 28, 2025 and May 5, 2025

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

KCKCC Technical Education Center, 6565 State Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66102

May 7, 2025

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

KCKCC Pioneer Career Center, 1901 Spruce Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048

May 19, 2025 and May 21, 2025

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

KCKCC Main Campus, 7250 State Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66112

May 16, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Deadline for students to apply for Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 graduation and participate in the Commencement Ceremony.

July 16, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Deadline for students to apply to be a Summer 2025 graduate candidate.

1. The Online Graduation Application is located in Self Service. Click on Academics, next click on "Apply for Graduation". *If you are unable to complete the online graduation application, please book an appointment with a Student Success Advisor. Guests and Graduates are asked to stay the entire duration of the ceremony.

   • Students enrolled at the Technical Education Center:

     Meet with a Student Success Advisor in-person during the business hours of 7:30 a.m. -3:00 p.m.

     • Renee Gregory, Student Success Advisor 913-288-7882 or rgregory@kckcc.edu.

     • Sara Schelp, Student Success Advisor 913-288-7806 or sreck@kckcc.edu.

     • The Technical Education Center can be reached at 913-288-7800 or tec@kckcc.edu.

   • For more information, please contact the Student Success Center at 913-288-7696 or advising@kckcc.edu. Guests and Graduates are asked to stay the entire duration of the ceremony.
2. Once your graduation application is processed, you will receive an email notification from Graduation@kckcc.edu to pay your graduation fee.
3. Pay the graduation fee through the Business Office in-person or via Self Service.
   • The graduation fee will be added to the student’s KCKCC student account once the graduation application is processed in the Registrar’s Office. Student’s MUST check their personal email address for information. The Business Office can be reached at 913-288-7620 or busnoff@kckcc.edu. Guests and Graduates are asked to stay the entire duration of the ceremony.

Due to the limited amount of time available for our Graduation Team to line up the graduates for the ceremony, it is crucial that you attend a "Request to Attend" event.

During the Request to Attend events you will receive the “Know before You Go” information sheet provided by Children’s Mercy Park and an honor cord if earned. Guests and Graduates are asked to stay the entire duration of the ceremony.

Note: Students with a 3.40 or higher cumulative GPA will receive honor cord at check-in before the commencement ceremony. Honors are awarded for completed coursework. All Honors announced at the commencement ceremony are based on the Fall 2024 cumulative GPA.

Graduates

• Children’s Mercy Park is a large venue and the graduation procession is a long distance. Graduates will check-in at the Children’s Mercy Park Hollywood Casino Gate entrance.
• If you require a device to navigate long distances, you will need to bring your own device. KCKCC will not provide personal devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc.
• KCKCC will accommodate the graduates to have wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc. with them, but these devices will not be provided by KCKCC or Children’s Mercy Park.
• There will be designated seating areas for graduates who require mobility accommodations.
• KCKCC and Children’s Mercy Park employees are not permitted to push wheelchairs during the ceremony. If students need assistance with their mobility such as a wheelchair pusher, they will need to make arrangements with Student Accessibility and Support Services prior to the ceremony to allow a family member or guest to push the wheelchair.  The Student Accessibility and Support Services team will coordinate seating and ensure that your family member or guest is able to assist you when needed.

Guests

Children’s Mercy Park has informed KCKCC that accessibility seating is available for guests. 
There is accessible seating on the upper level, which is the entry level of the park. For more 
information about accessible seating for guest please visit the Children’s Mercy Park’s website.

• Children’s Mercy Park is a large venue and there are long distances to walk. Guests will enter the Children’s Mercy Park Mazuma Plaza Gate entrance.
• Guests attending the ceremony who need mobility assistance at the facility should contact Children’s Mercy Park for information. Visit sportingkc.com/stadium/accessibility/.

Students who need accommodations for graduation should complete the Accommodation for KCKCC Graduation Ceremony form.

Employees who need accommodations for graduation should contact KCKCC Human Resources.

Guests and Graduates are asked to stay the entire duration of the ceremony.

As a reminder, a graduation fee is required even if students do not participate in the commencement ceremony. All first-time candidates are assessed a $20 graduation fee, or $8 if this is a succeeding application. To pay the fee go to Self-Service and make a payment under the Student Finance section. Please contact the Business Office at 913-288-7620, busnoff@kckcc.edu, or visit their office at 3260 Upper Jewell on the main campus. You cannot pick up your cap and gown until the graduation fee has been paid. 

Due to the limited amount of time available for our Graduation Team to line up graduates for the ceremony, it is crucial that you check in at the Hollywood Casino Gate entrance by 6:00 p.m. Guests and Graduates are asked to stay the entire duration of the ceremony.

During the check in process, you will receive your graduate name card and be directed to your graduate line. Please arrive with your cap, gown, tassel on and your honor cord if applicable.

Note: Students with a 3.40 or higher cumulative GPA will receive honor cord at check-in before the commencement ceremony. Honors are awarded for completed coursework. All Honors announced at the commencement ceremony are based on the Fall 2024 cumulative GPA.

Cap and gowns will be available starting April 14, 2025 through May 20, 2025. Please make sure that you try on your cap and gown before the ceremony. The Graduation Team will not have extra regalia at the ceremony. Guests and Graduates are asked to stay the entire duration of the ceremony.

KCKCC Main Campus Bookstore

Distribution will be during the business hours of Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.The bookstore is located on the lower level of the Jewell Student Center.

Thomas R. Burke Technical Education Center

Distribution will be during the business hours of Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Pioneer Career Center

Students must visit the front office to order their cap & gown. Orders will be available within two business days for pick-up at the Pioneer Career Center. Please contact 913-288-7750 or pion@kckcc.edu for pick-up confirmation.

Sizing and Availability

Sizing and availability of cap and gowns will be on a first come, first serve basis. Exact sizing cannot be guaranteed on the final days of distribution.

Graduation gift items and keepsakes will be sold separately in the bookstore such as commemorative tassels, “bling” tassels and keychain tassels, along with graduation announcements in packages. Contact the bookstore directly for pricing information. Guests and Graduates are asked to stay the entire duration of the ceremony.

For questions regarding class rings or personalized announcements please visit Josten’s website at jostens.com.

As a gift from the college, two photographs will be taken of each graduate during the ceremony by Egans Photography. Additional copies of these photos may be purchased following the graduation ceremony, yet there is no obligation to purchase additional photos. Guests and Graduates are asked to stay the entire duration of the ceremony.

In addition, individual graduation photo sessions will be available for graduates on the following day:

Be sure to bring your cap and gown!

Please click here to book your photo session. Once your photo session is booked, check your email for the photo order form to complete and bring with you to your session. Additional photo order forms will be available during your session as well. There is no obligation to purchase these photos. Guests and Graduates are asked to stay the entire duration of the ceremony.