Preparing for Saturday’s Commencement

Dear Cañada Community,

We look forward to celebrating our grads at our 56^th Annual Commencement! The ceremony will be held at Cañada College this Saturday, May 25 at 10 a.m. in the Upper Lawn.
 

Weather

In preparation for the big day, please note that the forecast predicts a temperature high of 62 degrees and slight wind. Please prepare accordingly with a light jacket, sunglasses, protective headwear and sunscreen.
 

Parking

Parking permits are not required and free parking is available in all student lots. All other parking and traffic rules apply. Visit Maps, Directions & Parking for more information.
 

Graduate Check-in/Location

Graduate check-in will begin at 9 a.m. inside The Grove (Building 5) Graduates should arrive before 9:30 a.m. so that they can get checked in and be ready for the procession.
 

Attire

Grads, this is a formal event, and nicer attire is advised to wear under your cap and gown. However, this will be an outdoor celebration; no heels (they will sink into the grass). Please prepare your attire accordingly underneath your cap and gown. The weather may be cold and breezy. Please do not bring any handbags, purses, or other items with you. There will be no storage available to hold your items during the ceremony.
 

Cap Decoration

You’ve worked hard for this moment; by all means, decorate your caps! Of course, please make sure it is appropriate. This means no cursing, no vulgarity. You know the drill.
 

Balloons, Signs, Blowhorns and Confetti Not Permitted

For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, please discourage the use of: balloons, signs, coolers, mini tents, umbrellas, selfie sticks, confetti and blowhorns or any type of noisemaker. Guests with any of these will be asked to leave.
 

First Aid Station

If needed, a First Aid Station (located on the first floor of Building 9, Room 154) will be open throughout Commencement. It’s important to remain hydrated and bring water.
 

Photos

Professional photography will be provided. Each graduate will have their photo taken as they walk across the stage. Photos will be available for purchase after the ceremony. There is no obligation to purchase.
 

Concessions & Mementos Available for Purchase

The Bookstore will be open for attendees to purchase graduation mementos such as: sashes, tassels, grad bears, college pennants, t-shirts, etc. Additionally, the Pony Espresso will be open to sell hot and cold beverages.
 

Tag Us on Social Media!

Don’t forget to tag @CanadacollegeRWC, #iCANgrad24 and #CañadaGrad when posting your grad moments. Your photos may be featured on our feeds!
 

Live Web Stream

Friends and family of the graduates can also watch the ceremony from home! The broadcast of the Commencement Ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and can be viewed at www.canadacollege.edu/commencement.
 

Not Attending?

No problem! If you registered for Commencement but for some reason can no longer attend the ceremony, we ask that you kindly let us know. All graduates will receive their degrees/certificates regardless whether or not they attend the ceremony. Once graduation petitions have been confirmed/awarded, diplomas/certificates are mailed. Please refer to the online graduation petition email confirmation, for diploma/certificate mailing dates.
 

Check Updates on Commencement Website

Please visit the Commencement website for the latest updates.
 

Tell Us Your Story!

The Marketing Department is looking for alumni to showcase in upcoming promotions about our College on various social media, print and digital publications. Let us know what made Cañada special for you by filling out this form.

We hope that your participation in this ceremony will be a celebration and lasting memory for you and your family. If you have any questions, please contact The Center for Student Life and Leadership Development at canstudentlife@my.smccd.edu or visit the Student Life and Leadership team in Building 5, Room 354.

Our Commencement Ceremony is expected to proceed smoothly as we honor our graduates, their families, and loved ones. But given the complexities of our world right now, we may experience some peaceful protests. We understand the importance of free speech and peaceful protest as a fundamental aspect of civic education, but there are boundaries. This includes protest or speech that disrupts educational activities (like commencement) or incites violence.

In preparation, we are emphasizing proactive safety measures and transparency regarding potential protests. A "de-escalation first" approach will be used during the ceremony for managing nonviolent disruptions, with designated campus personnel tasked with resolving issues. For more details on our response approach, refer to https://canadacollege.edu/commencement/

On behalf of the entire Cañada community, we hope that you enjoy Commencement to celebrate Cañada’s Class of 2024!
 

Thank you,
Cañada College

For disability-related accommodations, please email canvpss@smccd.edu or call (650) 306-3234.