Graduation and Commencement Ceremony 2025
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE UPCOMING CLASS OF 2025!
This page will help you navigate your to participate in the upcoming Commencement Ceremony on May 23, 2025 as well as providing you and your guests with information.
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY INFORMATION
The 2025 Commencement Ceremony will be held at the Gilroy Gavilan Campus on May 23, 2025 at 3p.
The venue is Parking Lot H.
Graduates from Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 will receive a RSVP to attend the Commencement Ceremony in April.
PETITION FOR DIPLOMA OR CERTIFICATE
Meet with your counselor and get your Petition submitted for processing in right away!
Visit https://www.gavilan.edu/counseling/
April 18th is the last day to submit your Petition for Degree or Certificate for Spring 2025 for your name to appear in the 2025 Commencement Ceremony Program.
Click on the YouTube link above to view the May 24th Ceremony!
Information on this page will be updated bi-weekly beginning March 17th and WEEKLY beginning May 1st so check back for updates. Please contact Grace Cardinalli at gcardinalli@gavilan.edu with any questions.
We cannot stress this enough:
Submitting your Petition for Diploma or Certificate is NOT the same as registering to participate (completing your RSVP) in the Commencement Ceremony!! These are two different things!
You MUST have completed your Petition AND have it approved BEFORE your Invitation to Participate in the Gavilan College 2025 Commencement Ceremony email can be sent.
Petitions for Diploma or Certificate are due Friday, April 18th in order for your name to appear in the Commencement Program.
Make an appointment to meet with your counselor and get your Petition in right away!
(NOTE: Petitions can be submitted after April 18th up to May 16th, and you may still be approved to graduate. However, your name will not appear in the Program.)
Students who graduated in Fall/Winter 2024 do not need to submit another petition.
Your petition was approved in 2024.
CEREMONY REGISTRATION
If you are planning on participating in the Commencement Ceremony, you must register your intent by completing the RSVP link/form in the emailed Invitation to Participate in the Gavilan College 2025 Commencement Ceremony.
The Invitation to Participate in the Gavilan College 2025 Commencement Ceremony with an RSVP link will be sent to your gavilan.edu and personal email address(es) as as early as March 17, 2025.
The emails used are those indicated in Banner, so double check your email in Banner correct!
NOTE: emails are sent in a batch and they often go to "junk" or "spam" mail. So DO check your "junk" and "spam" mail if you do not receive your Invitation by May 1st.
**Only those graduates who have completed their Petition will receive the Invitation email with the RSVP.
The RSVP is NOT located on this page.**
Your Petition for Diploma or Certification MUST be submitted by Friday, May 16th 2025.
IF YOUR PETITION HAS NOT BEEN RECEIVED BY 5P May 16th, YOU MAY NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CEREMONY.
Your RSVP to participate in the Ceremony MUST be submitted by Monday, May 19th 2025.
IF YOUR RSVP TO PARTICIPATE HAS NOT BEEN RECEIVED BY 5P May 19th, YOU MAY NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CEREMONY.
For more information please contact Michele Castro at mcastro@gavilan.edu or Grace Cardinalli at gcardinalli@gavilan.edu
Please allow up to 24 hours for a response.
All events taking place at the Gilroy Gavilan Campus on Friday, May 23, 2025:
COMMENCEMENT ATTIRE - CAP AND GOWN
All individuals participating in the graduation ceremony must wear the appropriate attire: the traditional cap with tassel and graduation gown. Caps, tassels, and gowns are NOW AVAILABLE at the Gavilan bookstore until 2:00pm on Commencement Day, Friday May 24th.
Graduation Regalia Prices:
Graduate Set (cap, gown, and tassel) = $56 + tax
Cap only = $10.00 + tax
Tassel only = $10 + tax
Gown only = $ 36 + tax
The Bookstore also carries a variety of stoles! Prices and styles vary.
You may purchase your graduation attire at the Bookstore on the Gilroy Gavilan site AND online as well.
Click here to shop online.
NOTE: if you purchase your items in person at the Gilroy Bookstore tax is 9.125.
HOWEVER if your order online to be shipped to your home, tax is determined by your shipping address.
Gavilan is committed to ensuring the cost of Graduation Regalia is not a barrier to participation!
If you need help with purchasing your graduation attire, please contact Grace Cardinalli at gcardinalli@gavilan.edu.
We will do our best to ensure you are a part of the Ceremony and able to celebrate your achievement!
ONLY ETICKETS WILL BE ISSUED FOR 2025
Each graduate participating in the commencement ceremony may request up to (8) tickets.
Extra tickets are not available.
An EventBrite link will be imbedded within the body of the Graduation/Commencement Ceremony Invitation & RSVP email to invited graduates. Completing the EventBrite link is your RSVP to participate/attend.
For graduates who need to print their etickets: you may print your etickets at the Welcome Center.
Note: children two (2) years old and under able to sit in a ticket holder’s lap do not need a ticket.
Guests without a ticket will not be allowed into the venue
PARKING PERMITS
Each graduate will be provided with three (3) graduation parking permits.
Extra permits are not available.
Picking up Parking Permits
Beginning Monday, May 5th, graduates who have RSVP'd to attend the ceremony may pick-up their Student Packets containing parking permits and Commencement Information at the Signing Day celebration on May 5th.
After May 5th, RSVP'd graduates may choose how they'd like to receive the packet:
* Request the Bookstore mail your packet along with your regalia (if regalia has been ordered online for delivery)
* Request packet to be sent to your home (email gcardinalli@gavilan.edu)
REMEMBER: Only those graduates who have completed their RSVP to participate will be provided parking permits.
* Guests without a parking permit displayed in their vehicle will not be allowed to park on the Gavilan campus..
* Vehicles parked in the field across the campus risk being towed!
* Vehicles with more than two (2) axles (ex: recreational vehicles) will not be allowed.
Parking
Due to the high volume of guests, we strongly recommend that you advise your guest to arrive at least 90 minutes before the start of the ceremony.
Commencement Day Traffic Flow and Parking
Please review or direct your guests to look at the map prior to arrival.
Entrance
Parking will start at 12:30pm
GUESTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARK OR ENTER THE VENUE BEFORE 12:30pm.
Guest may enter through either the South Gate (close to the fields) or the North Gate.
Once lots C and H are full, parking will be directed to lots A, and if needed, E.
Exit
Guest may leave through either the South Gate or the North Gate, whichever is closest.
SIGNING DAY, COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY INFORMATION/PARKING PERMIT-PICK-UP and VOICE RECORDING
SIGNING DAY! Commencement Ceremony Information and Parking Permit Pick-up
On Monday May 5th starting at 11am to 2pm, the Gilroy Gavilan Campus will be hosting Signing Day (where you can indicate the 4-year school you'll be transferring).
At this time, graduates who have completed their RSVP to participate in the Commencement Ceremony may pick-up their packets with Commencement Ceremony information and their parking permits.
After May 5th, RSVP'd graduates may choose how they'd like to receive the packet:
Pick up at Gavilan College Bookstore as regalia is purchased,
* Request the Bookstore mail your packet along with your regalia (if regalia has been ordered online for delivery)
* Request packet to be sent to your home (email gcardinalli@gavilan.edu)
* The last day to request your packet information and parking permits sent to your home is
Thursday, May 15th.
* The last day to pick up packet with information and parking permits will be Thursday, May 22nd at 5p.
Voice Recording
Would you like to give a shout out to your family as they wait for the Commencement Ceremony to start?
The Signing Day event also allows you to record YOU giving a message to your family/friends who will be attending the ceremony. Your message will be played the day of the Graduation/Commencement Ceremony before the Ceremony begins.
If you are unable to attend Signing Day and would like to record your message for your family/friends, please contact Daisy Lopez-Jimenez at djimenez@gavilan.edu to schedule a time to record your message.
The last day to schedule an appointment to record a message is Friday, May 9th. (*date may change*)
REHEARSALS
While not required, Gavilan College strongly urges all graduates who are participating in the ceremony to attend one of the two (2) ceremony rehearsals.
Two IN-PERSON rehearsals have been scheduled for [TBD]. Please meet at the Student Center.
At this time, you will review the processional entrance, seating directions, and other information for yourself and your guests.
Graduates unable to attend either rehearsal are encouraged to review the Rehearsal Video [coming soon].
GRADUATES WITH SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
For our graduating students with special requirements, please contact either Grace Cardinalli at gcardinalli@gavilan.edu or Michele Castro at mcastro@gavilan.edu.
To Our Graduates Requiring Mobility Assistance
Please be aware that the procession to the Commencement venue (parking Lot H) from the Student Center may be a long walk.
It's okay if you don't feel you can walk this far. You can meet us and the "stopping point" (where the walkway from the bridge meets Lot H) or at the venue itself (at the front of the stage).
Please do try to attend one of the two rehearsals so we can ensure you are able to participate comfortably.
GRADUATION DAY/COMMENCEMENT DAY: What You Need to Know
If you are riding in with your guests, ensure you have provided them with their eTickets (especially if you printed then out!) BEFORE making your way to the ASGC Reception!!
Arrival and Start Time
You must be at the Student Center by 1pm to receive your name card and be placed in line.
Please be on time!
Make sure you have your cap, tassel, and gown!
Things You May Want to Bring With You
- MEDICATION
Can't stress this one enough!!
If you've ever experienced acute symptoms (ex: asthma or diabetic light-headedness) PLEASE bring your meds with you!!! - Safety pins
- Bobby pins (if you want to fasten your cap to your hair)
- Tissue
- A bottle of water/snack
- Comfortable shoes
- Sitting/back pillow
The procession from the Student Center to the field will begin at 2:50pm and the ceremony will begin at 3pm.
A Note About Shoes
If you choose to wear high heels/platform shoes be aware that the walk from the Student Center to the venue has a pebble walkway and small rocks in the venue itself.
Gavilan Alumni recommend wearing comfortable shoes along the walk as you carry your dress shoes inside your robe (such as in a shoe bag).
This way, you can change into them at your seat...no one will be the wiser!
Ceremony Directions
Start of Ceremony Program
If you did not attend the rehearsals or have not yet reviewed the online rehearsal video, follow directions provided at the line-up by the A&R Lead, and from the Student Marshals on the field.
We are here to help you!!
You will be placed in line by field of study grouping. (If you have multiple degrees/certificates, you may choose your grouping).
The Board of Trustees, Gavilan’s Superintendent/President, Administration, and faculty will lead the way. From the Student Center, you will proceed down the pathway across the bridge to the venue.
Please remind your guests not to jump in front of the procession to take pictures of you walking down the aisle! Guests may be removed from the venue for doing so!
During the Ceremony Program
It's three hours...life happens!
Yes, you can go the restroom! There will be Porta-potties just across the lot.
Once you cross the stage after your name has been called, return to your seat!!
Follow the Student Marshals’ directions.
If you're experiencing ANY difficulty let staff or a Student Marshal know. This includes - but not limited to - having a family member bring you medication.
We'll be on the look-out for the family member and ensure you receive the assistance you need.
GUESTS ARE NOT TO CROSS INTO THE GRADUATE SEATING AREA DURING THE CEREMONY.
Guests requiring multiple reminders to remain seated/in the guest area may be removed from the venue.
End of Ceremony Program/Recessional
At the end of the ceremony, President Avila will announce the recessional (exit procession)
The order of leaving the venue is similar to the entrance:
- Board will leave the stage and walk down the center aisle
- Faculty will follow the Board,
- Graduates will follow Faculty
The destination will be the Student Center.
PLEASE INFORM YOUR GUESTS TO REMAIN SEATED UNTIL YOU'VE CLEARED THE SEATING AREA!!For additional information about commencement please contact Grace Cardinalli at gcardinalli@gavilan.edu or Michele Castro at mcastro@gavilan.edu
Photography
Chris Mora Photography is the official photographer for the Gavilan College Commencement Ceremony.
As graduates cross the stage, Mr. Mora and his staff will be the only photographers allowed at the stage.
Please remind your guests to remain seated!! Guest are not permitted to the stage to take pictures!
Once proofs of the pictures are ready, a link will be placed on the Gavilan College Commencement 2025 web page.
Guest Information
Gavilan Community College is committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for all guests. We are committed to exceeding our guests’ expectations and providing the highest level of customer service. To help us fulfill this commitment
We ask you to join us in making your graduate’s experience the happiest and memorable experience possible.
Conduct
Please understand that there is expected, appropriate behavior during the commencement ceremony.
Review the following information with your guests.
- As the Graduate Procession enters and the Recessional Procession exits the venue, guests are not to stand/jump in front of the processional line to take pictures/videos, etc. Doing so may result in removal from the venue.
- Guests shall be respectful of all other guests, College security and staff, and College property.
- Guests shall not act in a disruptive manner and shall not interfere with other guests’ enjoyment of the event.
- Accessible guest seating is available on a first-come basis.
- No saving of rows of seats is allowed.
- Late arrivals (as procession is occurring) must wait to enter the venue until the procession has completed and all graduates, faculty and stage members are seated.
- Guests are not permitted in the graduate seating area at any time.
- Guests are to remain seated during the ceremony –standing on chairs is not permitted at any time.
- Guests must remain seated while photographing and videotaping - tripods, monopods, standing at the stage is not permitted.
- Guests shall smoke only in designated areas.
- Guests shall refrain from using offensive language, making obscene gestures, throwing objects, and possessing prohibited or illegal items.
- Guests will keep children with them at all times. Security may be called for unattended children on campus.
- Guests shall comply with the directions of College security and staff.
Prohibited Items
The following items shall not be permitted into the venue.- Balloons/balloon bouquets
- Strollers, car seats, or baby carriers of any kind (a stroller parking area will be available at the entrance of the venue)
- Air horns and noisemakers
- Confetti
- Alcoholic beverages or narcotics
- Firearms/weapons of any kind
- Beach balls
- Non-service animals (Assistance/Emotional Support Animals ARE NOT considered service animals)
- Umbrellas (unless it's raining)
Gavilan College reserves the right to prohibit or require removal of any items at their sole and absolute discretion. Conduct deemed by Gavilan College to be inappropriate to the peace and good order of events, or which may adversely affect the safety of persons or property, will be immediately addressed by our security and/or staff. Guests are responsible for their conduct in accordance with Gavilan College’s code of conduct.
Guests violating Gavilan College’s code of conduct will be subject to removal from the venue.