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Some events during Commencement Weekend require tickets for each guest. Please visit the Schedule of Events webpage for complete details. Graduates will receive the following tickets:

• Commencement Ceremony (Friday, May 22): 5 guest tickets for each graduate 
• Graduation Ceremony (Saturday, May 23): 10 guest tickets for each graduate 

Carthage always issues as many tickets as possible based on the size of the graduating class. Graduates do not need a ticket to gain entry to events.

Ticket Pick-Up

• Available for pickup at the 2026 Grad Fair

• Tickets – Available for pickup at the Todd Wehr Center Help Desk, Tuesday, March 31, through Friday, May 15, between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. weekly Tuesday–Friday (Monday and weekend pick-up are not available).

• Will-Call will be available throughout Commencement weekend for graduates unable to pick up tickets on campus before graduation.

Important Ticket Details:

• Graduates must complete the Grad Gear Up Form to be issued tickets
• Tickets cannot be mailed or picked up by family members or guests.
• Graduates who do not need all their tickets may share them with other graduates. However, tickets are event-specific—morning ceremony tickets cannot be used for the afternoon ceremony and vice versa.
• Selling or buying tickets is strictly prohibited and violates the Community Code. Students caught engaging in this behavior will not be allowed to participate in Commencement events.
• If you need additional tickets, email commencement@carthage.edu to explore possible options. However, please note that extra tickets cannot be guaranteed.

Additional Information:

• All guests, including children and infants, must have a ticket.
• All tickets are general admission—no assigned seating.
• Handicapped seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. One other ticketed guest can accompany those needing handicapped seating.
• A livestream will be available for all events for families and guests unable to attend in person.

Graduates are encouraged to plan to ensure they and their guests arrive at each event location with ample time before the scheduled start times.

Friday, May 22

Rehearsal | 1 p.m. | TARC Field House

Although participation is not required, it is highly recommended. Graduates will walk through the procession, Commencement, and Graduation programs so they know what to do during each event.

Baccalaureate | 5:00 p.m. | TARC Field House

There is no formal graduate role in this program. Graduates will sit with their guests. Please plan accordingly to be seated before the event begins.

Commencement | 7:00 p.m. | TARC Field House

Graduates must report to the Jockey Club in the Todd Wehr Center for line-up before the processional march. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Arrive no later than 6:45 p.m. The processional march to the TARC will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 23

Graduation Ceremonies | 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. | TARC Field House*

Graduates should go directly to the TARC Field House to check in, receive their reader’s name card, and proceed to their assigned seating area. There will not be a formal graduate procession. Arrive no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled ceremony start time.

*Your assigned graduation time will be emailed to your Carthage email in February 2026.

Commencement Weekend is the busiest time of the year at Carthage, so we recommend planning ahead for traffic and parking. Please review the following information to help make your arrival and departure as smooth as possible. We kindly ask graduates and guests attending the 10:00 a.m. Graduation Ceremony to depart campus no later than 1:30 p.m. to make room for graduates and guests arriving for the 2:00 p.m. Graduation Ceremony.

Getting to Campus

• Directions to campus
• Download a campus map
• Parking on campus is first-come, first-served.
• Expect restricted traffic patterns around campus during events.

Handicap Parking

• Available in the South Upper Lot.
• Must display a valid government-issued handicap tag.
• Also, first-come, first-served.

Drop Off Locations

• South Lower Lot entrance of the TARC – for  Baccalaureate/Commencement/Graduation guests

Shuttle Service

Free shuttles will be available from remote parking lots. Shuttle stops include:

• 14th Ave. Lot (2820 14th Ave 53140)
• North Lots
• Smeds Lot (Tennis Center)

Shuttle Hours

• Friday, May 23: 2:00 p.m. – until 45 minutes after the final event
• Saturday, May 24: 8:00 a.m. – until 45 minutes after the final event

Latin Honor Cords

Graduates with academic honors will receive cords distributed by the Registrar’s office at no cost to graduates. The Registrar will email students who qualify after the last day of spring term courses, and direct them when and where to pick up their cords.

• Cum laude (3.5-3.69 GPA): Black and gold cords
• Magna cum laude (3.7-3.89 GPA): Red and gold cords
• Summa cum laude (3.9+ GPA): White and gold cords

Student Club & Organizational Stoles

Graduates may wear only approved stoles during Commencement, which is limited to College and academic honor societies or institutionally recognized organizations. Honor cords may be worn in addition to a stole. Stoles are an optional purchase for graduates, and student organizations cannot require members to purchase.

Stole Approval Process

Student clubs and organizations must submit a Stole Submission Form no later than Thursday, March 26. Submissions are approved on a rolling basis. The organization must:

• Be formally recognized for at least one academic year
• Be in good standing with Student Government, Student Involvement, and Student Conduct
• Submit a sample of the proposed stole with the application
• Approved organizations will not need to reapply annually unless their design changes

International & Study Abroad Students

International students and those who studied abroad for a full semester can request recognition by contacting Professor Erik Kulke (ekulke@carthage.edu).

Herff Jones is ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s official vendor for regalia, class rings, invitations, and diploma frames. All orders can be conveniently placed online, with the option to have items shipped to your home or picked up on campus during the Grad Fair on Thursday, March 26.

Key Deadlines and Information:

Home Ship

• 1 ^st closing- 4/27/2026 (Standard Shipping Fee)
• 2 ^nd closing- 5/8/2026 (Expedited Shipping Fee)

Campus Pick-Up (deadline expired)

• To ensure your regalia is available in your preferred size, please place your order by Thursday, February 26.
• You can pick up your order at the March 26 Grad Fair, or have it delivered to your home address.
• We strongly recommend selecting Grad Fair pickup rather than home shipping. This allows the Herff Jones team to make any necessary sizing adjustments on the spot during the Grad Fair.
• Can’t make it to the Grad Fair? You can pick up your order in the bookstore starting Friday, March 27, during normal business hours.

Customer Service

• Need Assistance with Your Order? For updates or information about your cap and gown order, please get in touch with Herff Jones through their customer service webpage or by calling 1-800-837-4235.

Questions about your graduation status can be directed to the Office of the Registrar at registrar@carthage.edu.

Graduates who successfully apply for graduation will be assigned exit counseling tasks in their Workday inbox. All tasks must be completed before your Commencement Weekend tickets are issued.

How to access the form:

1. Log in to your Workday dashboard
2. Enter “Graduation Gear Up” in the search bar
3. Click on the listed task and complete all steps