Congratulations, Class of 2026!!

Commencement Instructions

 Event Information

Selected Speeches:

Erika Catiggay - Hawaiian Studies
Gillian Perdido - Nursing
Joanna McCormack - Master's in Social Work

Not Selected Speeches But Gave Permission to Publish:

Lexi Bonachita-Taniguchi - Culinary Arts
Alysha Palacio - Early Childhood Education

Check-In

  • Check-in starts at 2:00 p.m.
  • A registration table will be located in the Fine Arts Auditorium.
  • Graduates are encouraged to arrive early to check in and receive their name cards.

Rehearsal

  • Rehearsal begins promptly at 2:45 p.m. 
  • Entering, standing, sitting, and exiting procedures will be rehearsed.
  • A group photo will be arranged with each Division.
  • Refreshments will be provided in the cafeteria after rehearsal.

Cap+Tassel and Gown

Graduates are encouraged to participate in our loaner program. The program includes a cap and tassel for you to keep free of charge, along with a LOANER gown. This offer is on a first-come, first-served basis and available at the KCC Bookstore.
Graduates will be notified when the cap and gown sets are available for pick-up. For more information, please call (808) 245-8273 or visit the bookstore during business hours.

Graduates also have the option to purchase the cap and gown set at the campus bookstore. The estimated costs are listed below:

  • Cap & Gown Set - $61.95
  • Cap Only - $17.95
  • Tassel (White / Lilac) - $9.95

Dress Code

You must be dressed in your cap, tassel, and gown when you arrive at rehearsal. Your tassel should be worn on the right of your cap until after the symbolic conferring of degrees.

  • A solid-colored shirt is recommended to wear under the gown with long black pants.
  • Dresses should be shorter than the gown.
  • Black or dark-colored dress shoes are also recommended.     

Name Cards

Name cards will be distributed at registration and will be used during rehearsal. Your legal first and last name will be used to announce your academic achievements. * Please do not alter your name on the card *

After the Ceremony

You may meet your family and friends on the grass area in between the Performing Arts Building and the Library. Graduates are instructed to gather near their designated program division sign. Confetti and streamers are prohibited. 

** LOANER GOWN RETURN **

Collection areas will be available immediately after the graduation ceremony. 

  • Location 1: Campus entrance near the bus stop
  • Location 2: Lawn behind the Performing Arts Center
  • Location 3: Walkway near the Fine Arts Auditorium

As a reminder, failure to return the gown by Friday, May 22, 2026 to the bookstore will result in a hold being placed on your student account which will prevent the release of your transcript and diploma.

Diplomas

Official diplomas will not be provided at the graduation ceremony. Semester grades are finalized and processed after the ceremony day, therefore, the conferring of certificates and degrees are provisional, pending verification that all requirements have been met.

Disability Accommodations

If you require access accommodations, please call the Disability Counselor at 245-8317 by Friday, May 1, 2026.  Requests for access accommodations received after the deadline may not assure that accommodations requests will be met.
Parking for the elderly and those with mobility limitations are available in front of the Performing Arts Center (PAC).

Other Information

  • Reserved parking for graduates is located near the tennis courts.
  • Restrooms are available in the Fine Arts Building and Social Science Building.
  • Cell phones must be silenced during the ceremony.

Cords and Stoles

KiheaNursingPhi theta kappa

Kihei (red or yellow) - Hawaiian Studies

Nursing

Phi Theta Kappa

childhood educationStudent government leadershipVeterans

Childhood Education

Student Government Leadership

Veterans