Commencement Ceremony

Tickets, ordered in advance by the graduate, are required for all guests. Based on the number of commencement guests Calvin that has hosted in previous years, the Van Andel arena should provide sufficient seating for all guests in May 2007.

Earlier communications to parents and graduates indicated that graduates could request an unlimited number of tickets for this year's ceremony. However, based on recent conversations with the Van Andel Arena personnel regarding the required set up within the arena, we now understand that the college will be able to accommodate approximately 8,000 guests. We request that each graduate and his/her party consider this and kindly request only the amount of tickets that will actually be needed.

Each graduate will receive a Commencement ticket order form at Senior Salute in February 20-21, 2007. Commencement tickets will be available for pick up at the Calvin College Box Office by the graduate from May 7-18, 2007. Graduates will be responsible for distributing these tickets to parents, family members, and other guests attending Commencement. There is no charge for Commencement tickets.

Graduation Robes: Graduates are directed to return robes to the banquet room near the front lobby of Van Andel Arena after the ceremony on Saturday, May 19. Graduates planning to return to campus for photos may return robes to FAC room 123. All graduation robes must be returned to one of these two locations no later than 5:00 pm on Saturday afternoon.

Guests Requiring Special Seating or Other Accommodations

The Van Andel Arena is an accessible facility for our guests who require the use of a wheelchair. Graduates should communicate the need for accommodations for any guest who is unable to climb steps, will be in a wheelchair, or will require other special accommodations including sign language interpretation. These arrangements must be communicated by the graduate on the ticket order form or by contacting the Calvin Box Office at 616-526-6282.

We ask that guests please not arrive on Saturday expecting an accommodating seat if a prior request has not been made. The college will, however, do its best to accommodate every guest who requires special seating, even if prior arrangements have not been made.

Senior Brunch

Tickets are not required. Please note that the Senior Brunch on Saturday, May 19 is an event for the class of 2007 graduates only. In consideration of space limitations in the Commons Dining Hall, the college is not able to accommodate parents or other family members at this event.

Breakfast for Parents of Graduates

Join President Byker and other Calvin administrators for this special Commencement Weekend event. The Breakfast for Parents of Graduates is held in the Prince Conference Center on Saturday, May 19 from 9:00-10:30 am. Tickets, purchased in advance by parents, are required and are $15 per person and are available from the Calvin Box Office at 616-526-6282. The ticket order form is included in the Commencement brochure that was mailed to parents in December 2006, or simply contact the Calvin Box Office at 616-526-6282.

Seating for this event is limited to the first 300 parents who place their order. Sales for tickets for this event will end on Monday, May 14, 2007. Tickets must be purchased in advance and will be mailed directly to the parents' home. (Note: During this event the graduates will be participating in the annual Senior Brunch held in the Commons Dining Hall).