Congratulations graduate! The Hawai‘i Community College East Hawai‘i Graduation Committee is excited about celebrating your graduation with you. To preserve the dignity of this momentous event and to ensure that the ceremony runs in an orderly manner, we ask the following:
- Arrive on time to check in and line up.
- Be dressed in your cap and gown.
- Act in a respectful and appropriate manner throughout the ceremony (i.e., no cellular phone usage, refrain from inappropriate language or gestures, no food or drinks, leave your valuables and/or purses with your family, etc.)
To answer some of your questions and answers, we’ve developed the following list. We hope you find it both helpful and informative.
GRADUATION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
When and where is graduation?
The East Hawai‘i Commencement is on Friday, May 10, 2024 6 p.m. at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium (350 Kalanikoa Street Hilo, HI 96720).
Should I attend rehearsal?
Yes, we highly encourage all graduates to participate in rehearsal on Friday, May 10, 2024 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium. At rehearsal graduates will do a brief walk-through, identifying which side of the stadium they will be seated and receive a kīhei.
What time is graduation?
The ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m. The doors will open to the public at 5:00 p.m. All graduates must arrive no later than 4:30 p.m. at Aunty Sally’s Lū‘au Hale (799 Piilani Street Hilo, HI 96720) to check-in and line up.
How long will the graduation take?
The ceremony should last for about 2-3 hours and end at approximately 8:00 p.m.
Do I need to sign up to participate in the ceremony?
Yes. All graduates must RSVP online by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2024.
Do my family and friends need a ticket to attend the ceremony?
No. Seating is open and is first-come, first-serve. The doors will open to the public at 5:00 p.m.
Where can I get a Commencement Program Booklet?
There will be limited printed copies of the Commencement Program Booklet. Each Graduate will receive a program booklet on their chair, guests will have access to an electronic, online version of the program booklet (a QR code will be provided at the entrance). Extra copies of the program may be available at the Paepae Haumāna - Welcome Center after commencement, while supplies last.
What if someone in my family needs special accommodations?
Individuals with disabilities or those needing special accommodations should call Mari Giel at (808) 934-2725 V/TTY or marigiel@hawaii.edu. A sign language interpreter will be provided.
What do I need to wear?
All students participating in the ceremony MUST come dressed in their cap, tassel and gown. Regalia (Cap, Gown, and Tassel) can be purchased from the UH Hilo Bookstore. Be sure your tassel is maroon. You will also receive the gift of a kīhei to wear as part of your formal, graduation attire when you check-in to participate in the ceremony. Although not required, we recommend you wear semi-formal or aloha attire under your gown. You are also not required to wear the white collar that comes with the cap and gown set.
Where do I go to check-in?
Graduates will check-in at Aunty Sally’s Lū‘au Hale no later than 4:30 p.m. CHECK IN at the registration table on the Aunty Sally’s Lū‘au Hale lānai. At the check in table, you will receive a card with your name on it. DO NOT LOSE IT! When you come up on stage to receive your diploma, you will need to bring this card up with you so that the announcer may read your name.
Where do I go to line up?
After checking in, you will be directed towards the lining up area around Aunty Sally’s Lū‘au Hale. Graduates will line up and march into the stadium by their majors. If you are receiving multiple degrees, select the major you would like to sit with.
Where will I be sitting?
Graduates will sit by their majors on the ground level facing the stage. We cannot guarantee what side you’ll be sitting on, but will learn more at the rehearsal. Family and friends will sit on the upper level. Floor level seating will be available after the processional, also first come, first seat.
How do I go up on stage to receive my diploma?
Ushers at each end of a row will indicate when it is time for your row to stand and move to the stage left ramp or stage right ramp, depending on what side of the stadium you are sitting on. Graduates will walk up the stage left ramp or the stage right ramp, give the announcer your name card, cross the stage, and walk down the middle ramp. Graduates will return to your seat and sit down.
Can my family and friends take pictures of me when I get my diploma?
No. No one will be allowed near the stage area. You may purchase a professional photo from the photographer hired for the ceremony.
Where do I meet my family and friends after the ceremony finishes?
At the end of the ceremony, graduates will exit the stadium after the dignitaries, faculty and staff. Graduates may meet and greet their family and friends outside of the stadium.
Can my family and friends bring in balloons?
Yes, however, if the balloons block other people’s view of the stage, ushers will ask your family/friends to move seats or to hold the balloons down. Please remind them to be considerate of others attending the ceremony.
Will there be lei vendors?
Unfortunately, there will not be any lei vendors at the stadium. Please advise guests to purchase leiʻs in advance.