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Graduation 2019

*** Take note! This blog post is about a PREVIOUS YEAR’S GRADUATION! Information may not be current and may no longer apply! Get the most current Graduation info at https://mccollege.edu/graduation/. 

Congratulations, graduate! We look forward to seeing you at the ceremony on Sunday, November 10, 2019, at 3:00 p.m., and sharing this special occasion with you!  The following information is designed to answer questions you might have about this special day.

Expectations

Is there a graduation rehearsal?

No. There will not be a graduation rehearsal. Prior to walking we will instruct you on what to do when walking and  into the ballroom and onto the stage.

What time should I arrive at the ceremony?

Graduates must arrive at 1:30 p.m. so they can complete the check-in process, take part in pre-event photography, and then line up for the processional. The ceremony begins promptly at 3:00 p.m.

⚠ If you are not at the venue in the student line-up area by 2:30 p.m., you will not be allowed to walk with your fellow graduates in the processional or across the stage. You will be seated in the audience instead.

What should I do if I arrive late?

If you arrive after 1:30 p.m. but before 2:30 p.m., please see MCC personnel at the check-in table for directions.

⚠ If you arrive after 2:30 p.m. you will not be allowed to walk in the processional or across the stage for graduation. You’ll be seated in the audience instead.

⚠ To ensure that you arrive on time, please check travel time and recommended routes on Google Maps. Be sure to allow for time to park and to walk from the parking garage to the ballroom.

How long does the ceremony last?

The ceremony will last approximately two hours.

What should I do once I arrive?

Signs will be placed throughout the main entrance and MCC staff members will be there to direct you to check-in. You’ll do the following:

  1. Check in
  2. Confirm the pronunciation of your name
  3. Buy any additional celebration cords
  4. Pick up any items waiting for you at Will Call.
  5. Take photos with your family in the lobby area (MCC is providing the photographer)
  6. Be escorted to the student room
  7. Take additional photos in the student room with your program director, your classmates and your entire 2018 class.

⚠ Please leave any valuables with family or guests when you arrive. There will be no designated area at the ceremony where you may leave your valuables. If you choose to leave your valuables in the student room or anywhere unattended, please be advised that Midwestern Career College is not responsible for the loss or damage to these or any other valuables.

⚠ As a courtesy to your fellow graduates, please have your cell phone or any other electronic devices set to vibrate.

Transportation and Parking

How do I get there?

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center is located 5555 North River Road in Rosemont, just south of the Kennedy Expressway and east of Chicago O’Hare International Airport and the Tri-State Tollway.

Can I take public transportation to the venue?

Yes. Take Congress/O’Hare – Blue Line to Rosemont/River Road station then head southwest for an 11 min walk to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

⚠ Tip: There is a FREE Pace Shuttle bus that runs every 7-8 minutes making stops at the CTA Rosemont Station, MB Park, Fashion Outlets, and Donald E. Stephan’s Convention Center.

Where should I park and how much will it cost?

The closest parking is across from the Convention Center, directly behind the Embassy Suites Hotel. Garage parking is $15 and handicapped spaces are located at the main parking lot (behind the Embassy Suites Hotel, which is accessible to the Donald E. Stephen’s Convention Center through an elevated walkway.)

There is also a parking lot at the Blue Line Rosemont/River Road station that costs $9. A free PACE shuttle bus runs from the parking lot to the convention center every 7-8 minutes.

⚠ Tip: The Spot Hero app will give you parking lot availability as well as the most affordable options.

Photography and Video

Will there by a photographer at the ceremony?

Yes. We are providing photo coverage at graduation. A selection of photos will be made available for purchase.

How much are the pictures?

Pricing information will be posted online when with the pictures.

When will my photos be available?

We will contact you immediately by email once they have been released by the studio. We anticipate within a month after the ceremony.

Can I still send in my photo for the pre-ceremony slideshow?

Yes. Photos sent in to graduation@mccollege.edu by will be considered for the slideshow.

What is the graduation slideshow?

Before the ceremony, we will play a digital slideshow of your favorite MCC memories similar to a yearbook! If you are interested in sharing your own, you can email them to graduation@mccollege.edu.

The Ceremony

What do I need to bring to the ceremony?

Ironed gown, cap, tassel and any celebration cords you have purchased from MCC. When accepting your diploma, you will need both hands free. You will not be allowed to carry any items in your hand with you into the ceremony other than your name card, which we will supply you with at the event.

How will I know when it’s time to go up on stage?

Graduates will be lined up and seated during the opening of the ceremony. MCC personnel will direct you when it is your time to cross the stage.

What’s the proper way to receive the diploma cover?

You will accept your diploma with your left hand and shake with your right hand simultaneously.

Can I sit by my classmates if they are not next to me when we are lined up?

No. Graduates will be lined up in alphabetical order by last name within each program. Please march and sit in the designated order you were lined up in.

⚠ If you choose to change order once you are lined up, you will be removed from the ceremony and will not walk across the stage.

I found out I am not going to be able to attend the ceremony. Can I get a refund?

No. All sales are final.

Am I able to leave after I have received my diploma if I do not wish to stay for the entire program?

No, after your name is read it is important that you return to your seat for the remainder of graduation ceremony to celebrate with your fellow graduates.

Are balloons welcomed?

No. Please don’t bring balloons into the ballroom as they will obstruct the view of other audience members during the ceremony.

Graduate Attire

How do I get my cap and gown?

By this time, you should have already ordered and received your cap and gown.  If you have not picked up your cap and gown, please contact graduation@mccollege.edu.

Do I get to keep my cap and gown?

Yes. The cap, tassel and gown are yours to keep.

Can I still purchase a Celebration Cord?

Yes! Celebration Cords are multi-colored woven cords worn at the ceremony to symbolize the support and motivation that got you through school. For example, Silver cords honor Single Parents, Purple represents Faith, Blue is Memorial, and so on (a complete list of cords and designations are available here). There are three options available to purchase Celebration Cords. Cords will be available for pick up at your campus or at the Will Call table at the ceremony.

  1. On Campus
  2. By Phone (312) 236-9000.
  3. Online

⚠ MCC does not accept cash payments.

⚠ Make sure you write “Celebration Cords – Color” in the payment comment box.

⚠ Be prepared to show proof of purchase at pick up.

Can I decorate my cap?

Yes. You can tastefully decorate your cap.

What side of the mortarboard (cap) does my tassel go on?

Undergraduate candidates drape their tassel on the right side prior to receiving their diplomas. During the ceremony, we’ll direct you to turn them to the left.

Can I wear my own cultural stole or cord?

Any additional attire such as cultural stole, cords, or sashes purchased outside of MCC must be approved by the Graduation Team. Please contact graduation@mccollege.edu.

Can I buy an extra tassel?

Yes. Tassels cost $6 and may be purchased while supplies last. They will be available for pick up at the front desk at the Chicago main campus (100 South Wacker Drive) or at Will Call at the ceremony.

  1. On campus
  2. By phone (312) 236-9000
  3. Online

⚠ MCC does not accept cash payments.

⚠ Make sure you write “Extra Graduation Tassel” in the payment comment box.

⚠ Be prepared to show proof of purchase at pick up.

I lost my cap or tassel, now what?

Please contact the Graduation Team at graduation@mccollege.edu.

Tickets

Can I buy more tickets?

Yes. You can purchase extra tickets through the start of the ceremony. Tickets will be available for pick up at your campus through Thursday, November 7 and at the Will Call table on the day of the ceremony.

  1. On campus
  2. By phone (312) 236-9000
  3. Online

⚠ MCC does not accept cash payments.

⚠ Make sure you comment graduation in the payment comment box.

⚠ Be prepared to show proof of purchase at pick up.

Where can I pick up my tickets?

Tickets are available at your local campus. Be prepared to show proof of your purchase at pick up.

Is there a limit to the number of tickets I may purchase?

No.

Do children need tickets?

Any person occupying a seat must have a ticket. If the child is small enough to sit on an adult’s lap, they do not need a ticket.

Can tickets be purchased at the door?

No. You can purchase extra tickets through the day of the ceremony but not at the door. Tickets will be available for pick up at your campus through Thursday, November 7 and at the Will Call table on the day of the ceremony.

  1. On campus
  2. By phone (312) 236-9000
  3. Online

⚠ MCC does not accept cash payments.

⚠ Make sure you comment “Graduation tickets” in the payment comment box.

⚠ Be prepared to show proof of purchase at pick up.

Guests

What time should my guests arrive?

The ceremony begins promptly at 3:00 p.m.  Graduates should arrive no later than 1:30 p.m. We recommend that guests arrive no later than 2:30 p.m.

We will have photographers available before the event to take pictures of graduates with family members. If you want pictures such as these taken, please advise your family members that they should arrive no later than 2:00 p.m.

How early will my guests be seated?

Doors open at 1:30 p.m. for guest seating.

Is there assigned seating?

Guest seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

I have a guest who requires accommodations for a disability, who should I contact regarding this?

Contact the Graduation Team at graduation@mccollege.edu. Please note that Midwestern Career College does not provide wheelchairs.

Diploma and Official Transcripts

Will I receive my actual diploma on stage?

No. You’ll receive a diploma cover. Once all degree or certificate requirements are met, you’ll be provided with your physical diploma by mail. The ceremony is simply a celebration of your achievement.

What are the degree/certificate requirements?

Graduates must meet the following requirements to be eligible to receive their certificate of completion and official transcripts: pass all courses, complete any required externship hours, have a zero balance and complete exit counseling.

How do I obtain official copies of my transcripts?

Official transcripts may be requested from the Registrar’s Office by emailing registrar@mccollege.edu or by sending a mail request addressed to Midwestern Career College, Registrar’s Office, 100 S. Wacker Dr., LL1-50, Chicago, IL 60606.

⚠ Certificate of completion and official transcripts are not issued to students with a balance.

Can I attend the ceremony and walk across the stage if I have a balance on my student account?

Yes, you may. However, you won’t be able to receive your official diploma until the balance is paid.

More Questions?

Whom should I contact if I have additional questions?

Contact the Graduation Team by phone at (312) 889-9131 or by email at graduation@mccollege.edu.

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