Class of 2025 COMMENCEMENT GUIDE
I Eligibility to Graduate
The Commencement ceremony is held in May for students who are eligible degree candidates. Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements as recorded on the official transcript. Commencement is the ceremony that honors the completion of a degree. Participation in the Commencement ceremony does not imply that you have officially graduated.
The Awarding of Degree formally takes place at the end of the fall, spring and summer terms. The academic degree is posted on the transcript and reflects the last day of the academic term in which the graduation requirements are met.
A.Undergraduate Programs
In accordance with the academic catalog, to be eligible to graduate candidates need to have successfully completed 120-124 units; 36-40 of which are upper division units. A minimum of 24 of the last 30 units must be completed at Vanguard University. The required minimum cumulative GPA to graduate is 2.0 (see University Academic Catalog).
To participate in Commencement, an eligible candidate shall not have more than four (4) units of academic coursework outstanding. All academic coursework, including the four outstanding units, must be completed by the end of the summer term immediately following the formal Commencement ceremony. Commencement exercises are held annually at the end of the Spring term. More information regarding graduation requirements for undergraduate programs can be found in the Academic Catalog a
B.Graduate Programs
Eligible candidates with more than (3) courses to finish during the summer term immediately following Commencement will not be approved by the Registrar’s Office to participate in the Commencement ceremony.
C.Steps to Apply for Graduation
Students wishing to graduate must complete and submit the Graduation Application located in VU Self-Service no later than the dates noted below.
Deadlines to apply for graduation
Fall Graduates - October 20, 2024
Spring Graduates - December 31, 2024
Summer Graduates - December 31, 2024
Eligible candidates wishing to use off-campus testing, such as CLEP exam, to fulfill graduation requirements must do so prior to the beginning of the spring term (see University Academic Catalog). For off-campus courses taken during the spring term, proof of registration must be provided to the Registrar’s Office by April 1, 2025.
D.Diploma
Diplomas are ordered upon receipt of final grades/transcripts and upon clearance from the Office of Accounting Operations. Graduates will be notified via student’s Vanguard e-mail when their diploma is available.
1.Graduation Fee
There is a $25 graduation fee. Students will not be allowed to participate in the Commencement Ceremony unless they have paid their grad fee via their Self-Service portal.
2.Diploma Name
The legal name listed in your official academic record will be used for your diploma. Variations include omission of a middle initial or having the middle initial spelled out.
II
Commencement Preparation
A.Grad
Fest
Grad Fest is Thursday, March 11, 2025 in the Scott Courtyard from 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm. This event is open to all candidates for graduation to take care of all graduation needs including ordering announcements, rings and diploma frames, purchasing regalia, meeting alumni association, reviewing name on diploma and completing financial responsibilities to the university.
B.Tickets
The Traditional Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony will be a ticketed event. Tickets will not be required for the Graduate and Professional Education Commencement Ceremony. Tickets will be distributed electronically to eligible candidates who have been cleared to participate in Commencement. Ticket limits will be announced in via email to the graduates.
Children under two years of age and sitting on the lap of an adult will not require a ticket.
Tickets are not for resale. Any eligible candidates found selling or bartering tickets will have all tickets revoked and be removed from the graduation ceremony.
C.Career Services
1.Preparing for Career
All eligible candidates and Vanguard alumni have access to Career Services for career assistance. Please email Career Services for additional support, set up an appointment, or be added to the new job search platform, VUConnect, after graduation.
2.Career Outcomes Survey
It is required that students take Vanguard’s Career Outcomes Survey (aka First Destination Survey). The First Destination Survey (FDS) is a national requirement for all graduates to report their post-graduation plans, including employment, further education or military service. Eligible candidates will receive directions via e-email from Career Services
The survey can be accessed under the “Survey” tab in their VUConnect account. It takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and will be available 4 weeks before commencement, remaining open for 6 months. Career Services will send email reminders to graduates who have not completed it.
*Please note, a hold will be placed on your diploma until the survey is completed, and it will only be removed once the 6-month deadline has passed. For more information about the survey, email careerservices@vanguard.edu. For questions regarding your diploma, contact graduation.support@vanguard.edu.
D.Office of Accounting Operations
1.Student Clearance Requirements
Account balance must be paid in full by April 1. If you have received a Perkins Loan, an exit interview must be completed prior to April 1. To ensure we have the most accurate data in the system, students should verify their Contact, Address, Phone and Email Address information.
A.What is Regalia?
“Regalia is the academic costume which includes the gown, mortarboard (cap) and hood. The academic gown is meant to subdue the differences in dress arising from the variations of taste, fashion, manners, individual uniqueness, wealth and clothes all with the outward grace of equal fellowship” (Harris, 2005).
Regalia (Cap & Gown)
B.Academic Costume Code
For detailed information, please read the academic costume code acadmi h
1. Mortarboard (Cap)
Cap should be worn in all academic processions and during the conferral of degrees. Men should remove their caps during prayer, playing of the alma mater, worship songs, communion, during the baccalaureate sermon and Commencement address. Please look to the President for cues for removing and replacing the cap. Mortarboards are properly worn flat on the head with the pointed under-cap pulled onto the wearer’s forehead. It should be parallel to the ground, not tilted back on the head, so the tassel can fall straight down the wearer’s face.
Decorating caps is permitted as follows: Modest personal embellishments are allowed on the cap but MUST lay flat and not exceed the height of the center cap button to not block/distract line of site for others. Embellishments cannot extend over the edge and must be appropriate. Lights are not permitted. Violations of these guidelines will result in removal of cap.
2. Tassel
Baccalaureate eligible candidates wear tassels on the right front side of the cap before degrees are conferred and shift to the left in unison as the President instructs during the ceremony. Master’s eligible candidates wear tassels on the left side of the cap. The color of the tassels for master’s degrees are determined by the academic program color.
3. Gown
All gowns must be worn zipped closed.
4. Hood (For Master’s Degree Candidates)
Hoods should not be worn until the degree is conferred. For additional information regarding hooding, see Section 6D.
5. Graduation Stole
A Vanguard University branded stole is required for students to purchase with their regalia. Vanguard branded stoles are the only approved stoles to be worn at the Commencement Ceremonies.
Graduate Regalia - Collegiate Colors:
•MS Biotechnology - Gold
•MS Clinical Psychology - Gold
•MS Organizational Psychology - Gold
•MA Education - Light Blue
•MA Theology - Scarlet
•MA Leadership - Scarlet
6.Cultural Stoles
Vanguard University offers branded stoles to represent cultural identities. The following stoles are available for purchase at the bookstore:
•Serape
•Kente
•Native American
•Asian Pacific Islander
•Veteran
Vanguard branded cultural stoles are the only approved cultural stoles.
C. Military: Veterans, Active Duty, Reservist and Reserve Officer Training (ROTC)
Eligible candidates who are active duty, reservist or ROTC may choose to wear their military dress uniforms in lieu of academic regalia. Eligible candidates in the ROTC may wear their dress uniform if commissioning takes place prior to the university Commencement. If commissioning takes place after Commencement, eligible candidates wear academic regalia. Eligible candidates who have veteran status, wear academic regalia with service cords. Questions, please contact the VA School Certifying Official, vasco@vanguard.edu
D.Ordering Regalia
Regalia will be available for purchase at Grad Fest. Eligible candidates participating in Commencement Ceremonies will be required to wear VU approved regalia. Eligible candidates who are unable to attend Grad Fest, regalia will be available to be ordered on March 11, 2025, by accessing the bookstore website Candidates who are out of the area and need regalia shipped should order before April 1, 2025
Bachelor’s Regalia includes: cap, gown, Vanguard stole and tassel. The purchase price is approximately $100.00. Master’s Regalia includes: cap, gown, tassel, Vanguard stole and hood. The purchase price is approximately $160.00 (the cultural stole is sold separately).
A limited number of gently used regalia donated from prior graduates is available through Samson’s Career Closet for eligible candidates who need financial assistance. Please contact livingwellresources@vanguard.edu for details.
E.Commencement Dress Code
Shoes and other visible items of clothing should be dark colors that harmonize with the gown. It is advised that graduates wear comfortable shoes as there is a significant amount of walking, steps and standing. Eligible candidates should dress in business attire (e.g., no jeans, shorts, athletic shoes or flip-flops). Attire shall be both moderate and appropriate for the event.
F.Ordering Class Rings and Announcements
Class rings and announcements can be ordered from Jostens. Eligible candidates should order personalized announcements by mid-March in order to receive and send them in time for the Commencement Ceremony.
Academic Honors
A.Academic Honors
Eligible traditional undergraduate bachelor’s degree candidates with a GPA of 3.9 or higher and have completed at least 36 units at Vanguard University by the end of the fall term will receive Summa Cum Laude honor cords to wear at Commencement. School for Professional Studies will follow the same scheme noted for traditional undergraduate students; however, the number of units required to be taken at Vanguard University will vary by program. Please see catalog for Academic Honors
For honors to be listed on the diploma and transcript, eligible candidates in the undergraduate program must complete a minimum of 45 units at Vanguard by the end of their final semester and have a final 3.5 GPA. Students receiving Magna Cum Laude and Cum Laude academic honors will be recognized in the Commencement program.
Summa Cum Laude: 3.90-4.00
Magna Cum Laude: 3.70-3.899
Cum Laude: 3.50-3.699
Summa Cum Laude academic honor cords are available during student check-in at the Commencement Ceremony one-hour prior to the ceremony start.
B.Academic Societies
Academic cords are available for undergraduate eligible candidates who are members of the following academic honor societies.
Alpha Kappa Delta (Sociology)
Lambda Alpha (Anthropology)
Lambda Pi Eta (Communication)
Phi Alpha Theta (History)
Phi Epsilon Kappa (Kinesiology)
Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science)
Pi Lambda Theta (Education)
Psi Chi (Psychology)
Public Relations Student Society of America (Public Relations)
Sigma Beta Delta (Business)
Sigma Tau Delta (English)
Sigma Theta Tau (Nursing)
Tau Kappa (Adult Learners)
United States Military Service
C.Cords
Academic Honor Society, Military Service and Summa Cum Laude are the approved cords to be worn at Commencement. The Vanguard branded stole (a required part of the regalia package) and Vanguard branded cultural stoles are the only approved stoles to be worn. See page 7 for details. For more information please review the Commencement Adornment Policy
Commencement Processional Instructions
A.Check In
Candidates approved to participate in Commencement will check in with the Registrar’s Office one hour prior to the ceremony. Candidates will be given their name card to be used in the ceremony.
B.Line Up
Row numbers on graduate name cards provided at check-in will indicate where to line up. Eligible candidates will be lined up by School or College and major.
C.Processional Order
The Commencement Ceremony processional order is as follows: Marshal; President, Dignitaries, Platform Participants, Faculty, Board Members, Administration and students. Candidates will follow the Registrar into the designated seating area.
D.Hooding (for Master’s Degree Candidates)
Hoods should be folded over the right arm during processional. When going to the platform to receive the diploma graduate is to carry the hood on the right arm with felt lining facing wrist. Hood will be placed over head with velvet side up and small tapered end in front.
Following hooding presentation attach the hood neck cord over shirt button before closing gown to prevent hood from riding against neck. Obtain assistance to secure cord across back to keep the hood flat.
Commencement Events
Commencement events are receptions and celebrations to honor eligible students’ academic success prior to the official Commencement ceremony. Vanguard University branded stoles can be worn during these events, but cap and gown should only be worn at Commencement and Baccalaureate.
A.Senior Celebrations
1. Intercultural Student Programs (ISP) Senior Celebrations
Vanguard University ISP Senior Celebrations are held in addition to the official Vanguard University Commencement Ceremony. Hosted by the University’s intercultural clubs, these events recognize the accomplishments of students of color, while celebrating cultural heritage. Eligible candidates are welcome to invite family, friends, church and community supporters who assisted them in reaching this academic milestone.
i. Asian Pacific Islander Club Senior Celebration (APIC)
APIC Senior Celebration highlights and honors the many cultures represented in the Asian and Pacific Islander heritages. The celebration includes faculty, staff and student speakers, expressions of gratitude and student leader pin presented with a reception to follow the celebration. This event will take place Saturday, April 26, 2025, 10:00 am in the Needham Chapel.
ii.Black Student Union Senior Celebration (BSU)
BSU Senior Celebration honors our African and Black students and is representative of Black culture and heritage. The celebration includes faculty, staff and student speakers, expressions of gratitude and student leader pin and presentations with a reception following the celebration. This event will take place Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 1:00 pm in the Needham Chapel.
iii. El Puente Club Senior Celebration
El Puente Hispanic Senior Celebration is conducted in English with Spanish translation to honor Hispanic and Latina(o) students. This celebration includes faculty, staff and student speakers, expressions of gratitude and student leader pinning presentation with a reception following the celebration. This celebration will take place Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11:30 am in the William J. Seymour Sanctuary.
2.Veterans Graduation Reception
The Veterans Graduation Reception provides an opportunity to honor eligible candidates self-identified as a military veteran, active duty or reservist, to thank them for their service as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces; and to acknowledge dependents of veterans and ROTC candidates receiving their commission in celebrating their academic success. This event will take place Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm in the Veteran’s Courtyard of Honor.
3.Nursing Pinning Ceremony
The Vanguard Nursing Department hosts the Annual Nursing Pinning Ceremony. This is a historic tradition which started in 1916 wherein a pin is presented to the Vanguard University eligible nursing candidates in a formal ceremony. The event will take place on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 10:00 am in the William J. Seymour Sanctuary for both Traditional Undergraduate and Professional Education nursing students.
B.Baccalaureate
Each year, prior to Commencement ceremony, the Vanguard community gathers to celebrate the faithfulness of God and to honor the traditional undergraduate bachelor’s degree graduating students with the Baccalaureate Service.
The baccalaureate tradition originated in medieval universities from which eligible candidates were bid farewell with a sermon. Vanguard University honors this rich tradition through music, Scripture readings and a message brought by a student-selected faculty speaker. The service culminates in the celebration of Holy Communion and the investiture of the graduating class. Students and faculty participate in a processional wearing regalia. Family members are encouraged to attend.
Baccalaureate is open to all traditional undergraduate bachelor’s degree eligible candidates. This years Baccalaureate will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 9:30 am – 10:20 am in the William J. Seymour Sanctuary.
Commencement Ceremonies
Commencement ceremonies will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025
The ceremony is hosted at Mariners Church in Irvine at 5001 Newport Coast Dr, Irvine, CA 92603
Traditional Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony will begin at 9:30 am
Graduate and Professional Education Programs Commencement Ceremony will begin at 1:30 pm
A.Arrival
Eligible candidates are scheduled to arrive one hour prior to ceremony start time and will check in at the Student Center Building off of Turtle Ridge Road. The duration of the ceremony is approximately two hours.
B.Parking
Student parking is available through Turtle Ridge entrance. Guest parking enter through Newport Coast Drive entrance.
C.Seating & Accessibility Needs
There will be a 300-seat accessible seating section at Mariners Church for guests with a disability and their family members. The main entrance to the ceremony is accessible, as well as the entrance to the auditorium. Please look for accessible seating signs or ask an usher to direct you upon entry. For guests with accessibility needs or services (such as sign language interpreter or assisted hearing devices), the graduate needs to fill out the “Special Accommodations” section of the ceremony registration form on Tassel. Please e-mail disabilityservices@vanguard.edu or call 714.619.6550 for additional assistance or questions regarding accessibility needs during the ceremony.
D.Travel Accommodations
Vanguard University is proud to partner with area hotels. A list of hotels can be found on the Vanguard website at vanguard.edu/commencement (ask for Vanguard rate when making reservation). John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA) is the local airport to campus and is approximately 5 miles from Mariners Church and Vanguard University.
E.Flowers and Leis
Flowers, Orchid Leis, Kukui Nut Leis, and Class of 2025 Commencement t-shirts will be available for pre-purchase and sold on-site the day of Commencement. All proceeds go towards supporting student participation on Vanguard outreach and study abroad trips. Eligible candidates are allowed to wear their leis during the ceremony. Cash, check and credit/ debit are accepted. Pre-orders are available at thecommencementgroup. com/vanguard
F.Commencement Photos
Grad Images will be taking professional photographs. One will be taken of each eligible candidate as they walk the stage to shake the officiant’s hand and receive their diploma. Each graduate will have the option to order these photos after the Commencement Ceremonies.
G.Webcast
The Commencement Ceremonies will be available on a live webcast at vanguard.edu/live
H.Spanish Translation
A Spanish translation will be available for individuals who request it in advance. As graduates submit their information through Tassel, please specify the number of family members requiring translation services. Additional details will be provided to those individuals.
A.Official Channels of Communication
Commencement Website vanguard.edu/commencement
B.Contact Information
Commencement Office (Event Questions): commencement@vanguard.edu
714.966.5485
Office of the Registrar (Student Degree Questions): graduation.support@vanguard.edu
714.662.5200
Vanguard Bookstore (Regalia Purchase Questions): 1489mgr@follett.com
714.966.6722
Alumni Association IX
Congratulations and welcome to the Vanguard University Alumni Association! The Alumni Association exists to connect our Vanguard community to each other and to our university. Through events, benefits and relationships the Alumni Association seeks to deepen the alumni experience and encourages you to stay connected. Join and follow us on our social media platforms across LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Visit our website vanguard.edu/alumni for information on events and benefits. You story matters and we are excited for what God has designed for you.
References
Harris, A.L. (2005). Academic Ceremonies: A Handbook of Traditions and Protocol CASE Books. New York, NY.
