Vanguard University

This is a ticketed event and RSVP is required. You must follow all COVID protocols to participate. Please read on for more details:

Arriving At Mariners

• Mariners Church Irvine - Google Map Directions
• Leave yourself plenty of travel time. 
• Park in the upper parking structure where indicated on the map here for Graduate Parking
• Graduate check in will begin 1 hour and 15 minutes before each Baccalaureate-Commencement Ceremony (8:45 am and 12:45 pm)
• Each ceremony will last approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes 
• If you need any assistance walking to the stage, please notify disabilityservices@vanguard.edu

Check-in

• Click here for the Mariners Check-In Map
• Graduates are to report to the Graduate Check-In Tent with your printed or digital GradPass
• Once checked in you will be directed to your graduate lineup number which coincides with your seating number
• Stay in place until the processional lineup begins 15 minutes before each Baccalaureate-Commencement Ceremony (9:45 am and 1:45 pm)
• Plan to keep your hands free by leaving personal items in the car. A small purse or fanny pack worn inside your regalia is appropriate

COVID-19 Safety

We urge you to be considerate of fellow graduates and guests. If you are showing any COVID-19 related symptoms, please stay home. While we have an abundance of safety measures in place it is your responsibility to self-check before arriving.

• You are required to complete the Titan App prior to arrival. (Click here to view the questions)
• If you do not have the app, please download the Titan HST App from the Apple or Google Stores
• You will need to complete the registration online by clicking here and you can view the Titan instructions here
• Post-event celebrations need to take place off-site to avoid excessive gathering. Please plan accordingly with your guests
• To maintain safety, social distancing will be enforced, and masks will be required for all graduates at this outdoor event hosted by Vanguard University regardless of vaccination status

Attire

VU approved regalia is mandatory for participation in all ceremonies. There is significant walking and standing for this outdoor event. Keep this in mind when determining your shoe selection. Shoes must be able to withstand walking down ramps and upstairs, and also through lawn and dirt areas.

• You will be asked to remove unapproved attire or forfeit walking in the ceremony.
• VU requests that each graduate abstains from carrying or wearing any signs or messages on their person. Commencement is not the time to promote any particular message or philosophy.
• Please note and respect tradition: Students should dress fairly formal (please no jeans, shorts, athletic shoes, or flip-flops), but not truly inhibited. It is advised that you wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking and standing. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also encouraged.
• Social distancing will be enforced, and masks will be required for all graduates at this outdoor event hosted by Vanguard University regardless of vaccination status.

During The Ceremony

Graduation caps shall be worn in academic processions and during the ceremony of conferring degrees. Please look to President Beals for cues for when to remove cap, when to stand, when to be seated, etc.

• When it’s time to confer degrees, our staff will direct you when to stand and how to proceed to the stage. Be sure to have your GradPass!
• Your GradPass will be scanned as you get close to the stage. This will prepare your name for announcement and prompt the slide with your name and major to be shown on the main screens as you proceed across the stage
• You will receive your diploma cover before proceeding on stage
• Once at the stage you will remove your mask until your name is called
• Proceed to the marker with your diploma to have your photo taken and then head off stage for a second photo. Ushers will direct you back to your seat

Guest Check-In

• Please be sure your guests have tickets in advance. Detailed guest check-in information is included in the ticket message. The Ticketing Portal closes on May 5th.
• All seating is pre-assigned
• Seats will be available 1 hour before each Baccalaureate-Commencement Ceremony (9:00 am and 1:00 pm). We ask that all guests be seated 20 minutes before each Baccalaureate-Commencement Ceremony (9:40 am or 1:40 pm) as ticketing will be paused for the processional line-up
• If your guest has specific accessible accommodation needs, please email disabilityservices@vanguard.edu. We will send specific details regarding accommodations to those graduates that have requested such services
• Closed-Captioning in English and Spanish will be available via this webpage (check back for links and program on May 6th)

Dear 2021 Graduates,

Tickets are now available in Marching Order. Please login here and assign tickets to each of your guests no later than May 6th.

Each student will receive (3) tickets for his/her household guests and will be required to adhere to all COVID-19 safety protocols including masks and social distancing.
 
Grad Pass is also now available. Your Grad Pass will be required to check-in for Commencement, the Grad Pass has your graduate flag zone and graduate line-up number. You will need a printed copy of your Grad Pass to scan before walking across the stage – this QR will bring up your personalized slide with your name and degree as well as read your name aloud while walking across the stage for the diploma presentation.  
 
Detailed graduate information will be sent out on April 30th so keep a look out for the Know Before You Go email.

>> Regalia orders are still available through the Bookstore. Please send an email to l.jones@follett.com or call 714-966-6722. The deadline to order through the Bookstore is April 30th.

>> Affinity celebration details are up on the Commencement webpage here. Please register online or with the program coordinator for the event. The deadline to register for the Cultural Graduations is this Friday, April 23rd (see the flyer below).

More details on what to expect on the day of the ceremony, safety protocols and ticketing requirements for your guests are forthcoming. Please understand that programming is subject to modifications or changes due to COVID-19 and in accordance with state and local guidance.

Dear 2021 Graduates,

Our countdown to graduation continues.

This is your reminder that RSVPs for Commencement are due by Friday, April 16th!

Electronic tickets will be distributed after April 20th. Keep an eye on your email for more details about attending the Baccalaureate-Commencement.

>> Submit your RSVP here with your Vanguard email and password. Even if you don't plan on participating, please let us know either way.

If you are having issues with the password and login, email helpdesk@vanguard.edu. For other questions regarding event registration, email commencement@vanguard.edu. 

>> Regalia orders are now being processed through the Bookstore. Please send an email to l.jones@follett.com or call 714-966-6722. The deadline to order through the Bookstore is April 30th.

>> Affinity celebration details are now up on the Commencement webpage. Please register online or with the program coordinator for the event.  

More details on what to expect on the day of the ceremony, safety protocols and ticketing requirements for your guests are forthcoming. Please understand that programming is subject to modifications or changes due to COVID-19 and in accordance with state and local guidance.
 

Dear Class of 2021 Graduates,

The time is almost here. We're about four weeks away from our combined in-person Baccalaureate Service and Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 7th. We thank Jesus for the opportunity to be able to do this with you after all we've gone through this past year.

By now you should've received your approval to graduate, if not, please look for it in your email or contact your academic coordinator to confirm you have submitted your graduation application.

>> Starting today through April 16th, you'll be able to RSVP and add your commencement info on Marching Order. You will login here with your Vanguard email and password to RSVP. Even if you don't plan on participating, please let us know. Students that do not RSVP by April 16th will not be allocated tickets. If you are having issues with the password and login, email helpdesk@vanguard.edu. For other questions regarding event registration, email commencement@vanguard.edu. 

Also, if you haven't already, get your regalia order in at Jostens ASAP by clicking here. 

Affinity celebrations will take place this year, events are listed on the Commencement webpage. Cultural stoles will also be available to order starting on April 12th through the day of the commencement ceremony. Please visit the bookstore to place your order. 

Details regarding safety protocols and ticketing requirements for your guests are forthcoming. Please understand that programming is subject to modifications or changes due to COVID-19 and in accordance with state and local guidance.
 

Dear Class of 2021 Graduates,

Vanguard University is pleased to announce a combined in-person Baccalaureate Service and Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 7th, on the outdoor lawn at Mariners Church in Irvine, California. The program will include two ceremonies at 10:00am and 2:00pm and will allow up to 3 guests per household. The event will be live-streamed for guests and families to join remotely. Here are the scheduled ceremonies:

10:00am
Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Division of Theology
Division of Education, Arts & Humanities

2:00pm
Division of Business and Communication
Division of Natural, Physical and Health Sciences

All eligible graduates are required to register in advance and will agree to adhere to all safety protocols for participation. Details regarding registration, safety protocols, and ticketing requirements are forthcoming. Please understand that programming is subject to modifications or changes due to COVID-19 and in accordance with state and local guidance.

To order your regalia today at Jostens, Click here

Special promotions offers are available here.

Dear 2022 Graduates,

We're one week away from Commencement. Here's all you'll need to know before your big day:

ONE ADDITIONAL TICKET

Every graduate has access to one additional Commencement ticket. Please log back into your Marching Order account and claim this additional ticket no later than Friday, April 29 at 5pm. Any unclaimed tickets as of 5 pm tomorrow will be redistributed to graduates still in need of additional tickets. 

ARRIVING AT MARINERS

• Mariners Church Irvine - Google Map Directions
  • Leave yourself plenty of travel time. 
  • Park in the parking lot next to the graduate check-in indicated on the map
  • Graduate check in will begin 1 hour before each Commencement Ceremony (9:00 am and 2:00pm)
  • Each ceremony will last approximately 2 hours 
  • If you need any assistance walking to the stage, please notify disabilityservices@vanguard.edu

CHECK-IN

• Graduate check-in will be at Mariners' Community Center. Please refer to the Mariners Church map here.
• Graduates are to report to the Graduate Check-In with your printed or digital GradPass (found on your Marching Order app).

REGALIA

• VU approved regalia is mandatory for participation in all ceremonies. 
• Remove your regalia from the bag and hang it up days before the event. Regalia should be wrinkle-free and appropriately pressed. Watch this video here to learn how to wear your regalia.
  • Graduation Caps: Mortarboards are properly worn flat on the head with the pointed under-cap pulled onto the wearer's forehead. It should be parallel to the ground, not tilted back on the head, so the tassel can fall straight down the wearer's face.
  • Decorating Caps Permitted As Follows: Modest personal embellishments are allowed on the cap but MUST lay flat and not exceed the height of the center cap button to not block/distract line of site for others. Embellishments cannot extend over the edge and must be appropriate. Lights are not permitted. Violations of these guidelines will result in removal of cap.
  • Tassels: Baccalaureate eligible candidates can wear navy tassels on the right front side of the cap before degrees are conferred and shift to the left in unison as the President instructs during the ceremony. Master's eligible candidates can wear tassels on the left side of the cap. The color of the tassels for master’s degrees are determined by the academic program color.
  • Master's Degree Academic Hoods: Master’s degree graduates should hold their academic hood folded over their right arm during the processional, with the felt lining facing your wrist. You will be hooded during the ceremony and your program director/faculty member will place the hood over your head with the velvet side up and the small, tapered end in front.
  • Cultural Stoles: Only approved Vanguard cultural stoles are permitted. All non-approved stoles will be removed, and we will ask you to return them to your car. Stacking of stoles is not permitted. Students may add their pins presented in various celebrations to their stole.
  • Honor Cords: Summa Cum Laude recipients will receive honor cords on-site at Graduate Check-in.  Details regarding pick-up will be sent separately from graduation.support@vanguard.edu. All other baccalaureate honor recognition will be listed in the program.

ATTIRE

There is significant walking and standing for this event. Keep this in mind when determining your shoe selection. Shoes must be able to withstand walking down ramps and up stairs, and also through lawn and dirt areas.

• You will be asked to remove unapproved attire or forfeit walking in the ceremony.
• VU requests that each graduate abstain from carrying or wearing any signs or messages on their person. Commencement is not the time to promote any particular message or philosophy.
• Please note and respect tradition: students should dress fairly formal (please no jeans, shorts, athletic shoes, or flip-flops), but not truly inhibited. It is advised that you wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking and standing. 

PROCESSIONAL

• Processional Order: Grand Marshal Dr. Ed Clarke (10am ceremony)/Dr. Sylvia Kane (3pm ceremony) will lead the processional, followed by President Michael Beals, Platform Participants, Faculty, and then graduates.
• Graduates will follow the Dean of Records/Registrar in a single file line to the entrance of the Worship Center. Please follow the instructions of the staff closely and do not get out of line once you are led out of the line-up area (Community Center).

DURING THE CEREMONY

Graduation caps shall be worn in academic processions and during the ceremony of conferring degrees. Men should look to President Beals for cues for when to remove cap (women’s caps may remain in place), and all graduates should look to him for when to stand and when to be seated (this will also be noted in the program on your seat).  

• When it’s time to confer degrees, our staff will direct you when to stand and how to proceed to the stage. Be sure to have your GradPass!
• Your GradPass will be scanned as you get close to the stage. This will prepare your name for announcement and prompt the slide with your name and major to be shown on the main screens as you proceed across the stage.
• Proceed to the marker where you will receive your diploma cover from the President and have your picture taken while receiving it and shaking his hand (take the diploma with your left hand, shake with your right hand). (Graduate Students will be hooded prior to receiving their diploma cover.) The photographer will be taking the photo from in front of you, on the worship center floor. 
• You will then shake the hand of the Provost, exit the stage, and follow the arrows on the floor to another room to have a professional photo taken. Make sure you stay in one line, and in order so your picture matches your name. Staff will guide you back to your seat following the second photo.

RECESSIONAL

• The exit will be in the following order: the President, Platform, Faculty, graduates, and then the Marshal
• You will exit the Worship Center in two lines and staff will direct you when to exit. You will be directed to the Upper Lawn and can meet your faculty, friends, and family under the appropriate flag color, listed in the back of the program (which will be on your seat in the Worship Center).

GUEST CHECK-IN

• Please be sure your guests have tickets in advance. Detailed guest check-in information is included in the ticket message.
• Seating in the Worship Center is first-come, first-served.
• Seats will be available 1 hour before each Commencement Ceremony (9:00 am and 2:00 pm). We ask that all guests be seated 20 minutes before each ceremony (9:40 am or 2:40 pm) as ticketing will be paused for the processional line-up.
• If your guest has specific accessible accommodation needs, please email disabilityservices@vanguard.edu. We will send specific details regarding accommodations to those graduates that have requested such services
• Closed-Captioning in English and Spanish will be available via a mobile device on-site and through livestream.
• Large print programs are available.

LAST MINUTE REMINDERS

• Overflow area on the Mariners' lawn adjacent to the Worship Center will be available for your non-ticketed family and friends to enjoy the livestream
• Livestream can be viewed at www.vanguard.edu/live

We are honored to be able to celebrate with you and pray that God blesses you in your future endeavors!

Class of 2022, SEVEN WEEKS until Commencement!

Grad Fest
Thursday, April 7
11:00am to 6:00pm   |   Scott Courtyard

What to Expect: 

• Purchase your Regalia! If you purchase a full set of regalia and a diploma frame at Grad Fest on April 7 and you will receive 10% off. If you are unable to attend Grad Fest, you must order your regalia at the VU Bookstore (in person or online here) between April 8 and April 22 (regalia will be available online starting April 8). You must be both financially and academically cleared in order to purchase your regalia.  
• Still looking for your next step after graduation? Attend the Career Expo on the Heath Lawn from 11:00am to 1:00pm.
• Take some fun graduate pictures with Grad Images. They'll have props, regalia, and signs for you to use for your photo.
• Check out all the graduate exclusive activities from 11:00am - 1:00pm
  • Be one of the first 250 students to check-in and get a free* Chick-Fil-A sandwich.
  • Raise your special alumni mug for a toast with President Beals.
  • Take photos with your friends in front of large VU GRAD letters.
  • Remember your freshman mugging during Welcome week? Enjoy this special senior root beer float send-off.
  • Usher in Commencement season playing lawn games with your classmates at the exclusive graduate lounge.

Questions about Grad Fest? Email gradfest@vanguard.edu
Can’t attend Grad Fest? Email commencement@vanguard.edu 

*Donated by Chick-Fil-A

Ticket Announcement

Class of 2022 Traditional Undergraduate CommencementCeremony Tickets: All eligible traditional undergraduate students will receive six (6) tickets for the Commencement ceremony. You MUST be approved by the Registrar’s Office to participate in Commencement prior to receiving tickets. 
 

Class of 2022 Graduate, Professional Studies CommencementCeremony Tickets: All eligible graduate and professional studies students will receive eight (8) tickets for the Commencement ceremony. You MUST be approved by the Registrar’s Office to participate in Commencement prior to receiving tickets.

Get Tickets

Commencement Checklist: 

• RSVP for Grad Fest at the top of the page.
• Visit MyBill to make sure you have no outstanding balances (Instructions).
• Contact the Registrar's Office (graduation.support@vanguard.edu) if you have not received the email to notify you that you're cleared for Commencement (you should have been cleared by Wednesday, 3/16).
• Complete the Career Outcomes Survey (look out for a separate email from Career Services).
• Update your address so we can keep in touch when you graduate!
  • Fall Grads, update here 
  • Spring Grads, update under “User Profile” on Self-Service here

Make sure you check-out the Commencement Guidebook for all your Commencement needs.

CLASS OF 2022,

We're excited to celebrate with you at your upcoming Commencement. Below is some important information you will need to help prepare for the event. 

IMPORTANT DATES: 

Grad Fest 
Thursday, April 7, 2022
11:00am-6:00pm
Scott Courtyard 
RSVP Here

Baccalaureate
Thursday, April 28, 2022
9:30am
William J. Seymour Sanctuary 

Traditional Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony 
Thursday, May 5, 2022
10:00am
Mariners Church
5001 Newport Coast Dr, Irvine, CA

Graduate, Professional Studies, and Class of 2020 Commencement Ceremony 
Thursday, May 5, 2022
3:00pm
Mariners Church
5001 Newport Coast Dr, Irvine, CA
 

COMMENCEMENT GUIDEBOOK: 

The Commencement Guidebook is the document that contains all important information regarding commencement. This includes important dates, policies on regalia, and other necessary details that will guide each graduate across the finish line.

GRADUATION ELIGIBILITY: 

Keep an eye on your Vanguard email! The Registrar will email you confirming you have been approved to participate in Commencement. If you have not submitted your graduation application please email graduation.support@vanguard.edu as soon as possible.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

Traditional Undergraduate CommencementCeremony Tickets: Commencement tickets will be available via Marching Orders. Release date is forthcoming so make sure to keep an eye on your email. All eligible traditional undergraduate students will receive (6) tickets for the Commencement ceremony. You MUST be approved by the Registrar’s Office to participate in Commencement prior to receiving tickets. 
 

Graduate, Professional Studies, and Class of 2020 CommencementCeremony Tickets: Commencement tickets will be available via Marching Orders. Release date is forthcoming so make sure to keep an eye on your email. All eligible graduate, professional studies and Class of 2020 students will receive (10) tickets for the Commencement ceremony. You MUST be approved by the Registrar’s Office to participate in Commencement prior to receiving tickets.

Social media: We would love to see how you will be celebrating this milestone! Make sure to use #VUGrad and tag @VanguardU on all your social media posts. 

Follow @VanguardU for any updates/reminders about Commencement.

Need More Information? Visit the Commencement Website for more detailed information.