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Commencement

Commencement 2024

If you’ve graduated during the 2023-24 academic year, this Commencement celebration is for you! 

Commencement Ceremony

Join us at ShoWare Center in Kent, WA Thursday, June 13, 2024, at 5 p.m. 

Students: You need to apply for graduation to receive your degree!

  • Apply to Graduate: Don't forget to complete the Application for Graduation even if you missed the deadline for this quarter. Applying to graduate is required to get your degree or certificate posted on your transcript.
  • Commencement Program: All students who have applied for graduation (Summer 2023 - Summer 2024) and submits a Commencement RSVP by June 3 will appear in the commencement program.

 

graduates smiling

Commencement Checklist

Get Ready!

The checklist will help you be ready for your big day. Start with the RSVP to participate. Don't forget to apply to graduate and get your cap and gown. Then show up on June 13 at 3:30 p.m. at ShoWare Center ready to walk across the stage!
Your Checklist

four smiling graduates

Commencement Day

What to expect during Ceremony

Graduates-should arrive at 3:30 p.m. to check in on June 13. The ceremony varies in time from 2 to 3 hours depending on the number of graduates participating. Commencement has four basic parts: processional, marching and seating, the address, conferral of degrees, and the recessional.
INFORMATION FOR GRADUATES

family with graduate

Information for Guests

No tickets required

No tickets but we ask graduates to please RSVP so we know you are coming! Join us at ShoWare Center in Kent. Doors open for guests at 4 p.m. The ceremony will begin at 5:00pm and end at about  7:00pm. Bring flowers or leis but no balloon allowed in ShoWare. See parking, suite rental and security information below.
Information for guests

graduates smiling

Social Media Fun

Share your day

  • Connect with Highline College on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook
  • Use/follow #Highline24 for all things Commencement
  • Share your decorated caps 
  • Share photos and video of Commencement
  • Use #Highline24 and/or tag @HighlineCollege
Yes, caps and gowns are required to participate in the commencement ceremony and must be purchased or obtained in advance of the ceremony.

Graduation vs. Commencement

Graduation marks the completion of your degree or certificate requirements, while commencement celebrates those accomplishments and looks toward the future.

Graduation

Graduation is the act of receiving your degree, certificate or diploma after you have finished all course requirements. You must apply to graduate when you are close to finishing your program of study in order to receive your degree, certificate or high school diploma.
 

Commencement

Commencement is the ceremony held each June to honor all of that year’s graduates. Participation in Commencement is not required to receive your degree, certificate, high school diploma or GED.

  

Have Questions?

If you have questions about graduation, email graduation@highline.edu. For questions about commencement, email commencement@highline.edu.