Commencement
We’re excited to celebrate the Class of 2026 at the 79th Commencement! Important information below applies to all graduates completing their programs in Fall 2025, Spring 2026, or Summer 2026.
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Fall Graduate Reception Fall graduates are honored for their achievements and receive a commemorative stole to wear at the May Commencement ceremony. |
Cap & Gown Pick-Up Celebration All graduation candidates are invited to pick up their FREE cap and gown for the 79th Commencement ceremony. |
Commencement All graduation candidates are invited to attend Commencement, whether they earn a degree or certificate for Fall 2025, Spring 2026 or Summer 2026. |
STEP 1: Graduation Application/Audit Process
The graduation application/audit requests are reviewed as listed below. Once a graduate has been cleared, a party hat icon 🎉 appears in DegreeWorks, and you receive an email notification from the HCC Student Records Office.
Fall 2025: graduates will begin to be cleared for graduation in October and notified by November 10, 2025.
Spring 2026 graduates will begin to be cleared for graduation in February and notified by April 7, 2026.
Summer 2026 graduates will begin to be cleared for graduation after April 7 and notified after April 7, 2026.
If you believe you should be graduating and do not see the icon or receive an email by the deadline, please submit a graduation application/audit request.
Graduation is contingent upon the successful completion of all degree/certificate requirements.
STEP 2: Are you cleared to graduate?
Stop by the Student Records table for assistance during Wednesday's 11 am - 12:15 pm activity periods. We’ll review your record on the spot or help you with ordering your official transcript!
Fall 2025 Dates: October 29, 2025
Spring 2026 Dates: April 15th and May 6, 2026.
**When you stop by the Student Records table you will also be placed into a drawing to receive a FREE official transcript!**
STEP 3: Attend Cap & Gown Pick-Up Celebration
Cap & Gown Pick-Up Celebration Info
STEP 4: Attend Commencement
Fall Graduate Reception
Congratulations to all our Fall 2025 Graduation Candidates!
You are invited to the 3rd Annual Fall Graduate Reception on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Leslie Phillips Theater.
This family-friendly celebration will feature refreshments, photo opportunities, and plenty of fun. Graduates are encouraged to connect with faculty, staff, and fellow classmates as we honor your accomplishments at HCC.
Formal invitations will be mailed in mid-October, with a maximum of two guests per graduate.
**Individuals with a disability, or who are Deaf or hard of hearing, and require reasonable accommodation to attend this event, please contact Office for Students with Disabilities and Deaf Services in Donahue 147 at least two weeks in advance of the event (Nov. 17, 2025) at osd@hcc.edu or 413.552.2417 (V) or 413.650.5502 (VP) to discuss your accessibility needs.**
Cap and Gown Pick-Up Celebration
When:
Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where:
Campus Center Cafeteria
Formal invitations will be sent to your HCC Email.
It is almost time to walk the stage! Join us at this event where you can:
- Pick up your FREE cap and gown, honor tassel(s), and special program cord(s)
- Take a photo with President Timmons and the Cougar
- Decorate your Cap – get creative!
Enjoy light refreshments…and more surprises in store!
Commencement
WHEN
Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 10 a.m.
WHERE
MassMutual Center
1277 Main St.
Springfield, Massachusetts, 01103
WHAT
The recipient of the 2026 Elaine Marieb Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence will lead the procession of faculty, staff, and graduates into the MassMutual Arena and give the keynote address.
The Student Speaker (Orator) and Student Performer applications will open in April, and the deadline to apply is Friday, April 24, 2026, by midnight. Keep an eye out for the application in your HCC email.
The Class Gift Presenter and Distinguished Service Award Winner will also be announced.
**Individuals with a disability, or who are Deaf or hard of hearing, and require reasonable accommodation to attend this event, please contact Office for Students with Disabilities and Deaf Services in Donahue 147 at least two weeks in advance of the event (May 15, 2026) at osd@hcc.edu or 413.552.2417 (V) or 413.650.5502 (VP) to discuss your accessibility needs.**
Get excited to walk across the stage at Commencement!
Optional Graduate Walkthrough Rehearsal
While this day is filled with anticipation and excitement, we understand that you may have questions, and we’d like to answer them. Each year, we meet with students the day before the ceremony to provide information and offer an optional walkthrough of the event. This helps ease any anxiety you may be feeling and ensures you feel prepared.
- When: Friday, May 29, 2026, from Noon - 1 p.m.
- Where: MassMutual Center (1277 Main St; Springfield, MA 01103)
- No registration required
If you care to bring someone with you, guests are welcome.
OSDDS Walkthrough Rehearsal
- When: Friday, May 29, 2026, from 10 - 11 a.m.
- Where: MassMutual Center (1277 Main St; Springfield, MA 01103)
- Registration required with the Office for Students with Disabilities & Deaf Services (OSDDS)
- Please look out for an email from the OSDDS Office inviting you to the OSDDS Rehearsal Walkthrough and requesting your RSVP.
If you care to bring someone with you, guests are welcome.
On Commencement Day
All graduation candidates are invited to attend Commencement! Whether you are earning a degree or certificate. Fall 2025, Spring 2026, or Summer 2026 graduates are all welcome to celebrate this milestone.
Seating is unlimited, so bring your entire support system to cheer you on! CONGRATULATIONS!
- Parking & Venue Details MassMutual Center official website parking and directions link.
The Convention Center CarPark parking garage, adjacent to the venue, is now open! However, construction activities will continue in and around the garage. Please follow all signage and directions provided by the garage attendants.
Entrances and exits are located on Harrison Avenue & Dwight Street. Please be aware that there is a $10 parking fee if you choose this option, and MassMutual will not validate parking. Please note: Bruce Landon Way is partially shut down due to the construction of the new garage, so there is no through traffic. However, there is limited ADA parking on Dwight Street, State Street, and Court Street. As always, MGM offers free parking. Please park, take the elevator to the casino floor, and follow the floor arrow signs stating The Under 21 Expressway to the MassMutual Center. This will bring you through the casino (without entering the casino floor) to an exit. Upon exiting, the MassMutual Center will be across the street to your left.
Please remember that outside food, drinks, balloons, or air horns are not allowed in the MassMutual Center, and all bags will be checked by their staff.
