Commencement Ceremony

Graduation is a big deal. Let's celebrate!

 
Remember, graduation is a two-step process: you must first submit your graduation application and then confirm whether you plan to attend Commencement. All students who completed a degree or certificate during the 2026–2027 academic year are eligible to participate. After submitting your application, you will confirm your attendance in your Student Center. 
 

Join us for the HCC Spring 2027 Commencement Ceremony!

All students who have completed a degree or certificate during the 2026-2027 academic year are invited to participate in the spring Commencement ceremony. After completing your application for graduation, you will be asked to confirm your attendance in your student center. 

If you graduated in summer or fall and missed signing up for Commencement but wish to participate in the Spring ceremony, contact the Records Office at 309-268-8071, or records@heartland.edu for next steps.

We will be hosting our Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 14th at the Grossinger Motors Arena in downtown Bloomington. Commencement will begin promptly at 5:00 pm.

Graduates will be allowed to invite friends and family to this milestone. 

As always, the safety and health of our students is our top priority. We will be continually assessing the current situation and guidelines. If there would be any changes in our event planning, we will keep you updated. 

Friday, May 14, 2027 at 5:00 p.m.

  1. Graduates can pick up their cap and gown from May 10th to 13th, 2027. More information will be shared as the date approaches.
  2. On May 14, graduates are to arrive at Grossinger Motors Arena by 4:00 pm.
  3. The Arena has a clear bag policy, and only see-through bags with personal belongings will be admitted.
  4. Parking in Arena lots will be free for Commencement attendees.
  5. Graduates are to enter on the south side of the Arena at the Pepsi Ice Rink entrance.
  6. Inside the Arena, Heartland staff will direct you to the check-in area where you will be seated.
  7. Guests can enter through any open doors and will be directed to guest seating
  8. Ceremony duration will be approximately 2 hours; students are expected to stay for the entire event. If you initially indicated you were not planning to participate in the Commencement ceremony and later decide you would like to participate, contact HCC Records Office.  

Accommodations

As a part of our Commencement ceremony, we will be providing a sign language interpreter.

For Students:
Students who need accommodations before, during, or after the ceremony are encouraged to contact Student Access and Accommodations in advance at accommodations@heartland.edu or (309) 268-8259.

For Guests:
Guests who need accommodations are welcome to contact accommodations@heartland.edu. On the day of the ceremony, Guest Services staff located near the Madison Street entrance will be available to assist with any additional needs.

Guests

There are plenty of seats at Grossinger Motors Arena for your guests. At this time, there is no limit to how many guests you can bring to celebrate with you.

Program

Programs will be available at the ceremony on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program is also available to view or print online. Heartland graduates who participate in the commencement ceremony are listed online. 

Livestream

Can't join us in person?
Join us virtually by viewing the livestream! Check back for the livestream in May 2027.

Clear Bag Policy

At the Grossinger Motors Arena, there will be a "clear bag policy" for you and your guests. When you receive your cap and gown, we will provide you with a clear bag to use, but we recommend letting your guests know that they will need to use a clear bag for their belongings on the day of Commencement.
More information about the clear bag policy here.

Photography

All Heartland graduates will be professionally photographed during the ceremony. Pictures will be available for purchase following the ceremony.

Receiving Your Diploma

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Participation in the commencement ceremony does not automatically ensure you have earned a degree, certificate or diploma.
  • Graduation audits are completed as soon as possible following the ceremony for spring and summer candidates.
  • Diplomas will be mailed to you approximately 3–5 weeks after degrees are conferred.

Join the HCC Alumni Association 

Stay connected with Heartland Community College! Enjoy free professional development seminars, social gatherings, and exclusive discounts. There are many ways to stay involved and continue benefiting from your Heartland experience. Learn more about the Alumni Association. 

Student Speaker

Represent your graduating class as the HCC Commencement speaker!
 
Do you have something to say about your experience at Heartland? Or maybe you have a message you want to share with your fellow graduates? You can apply to be this year's Commencement speaker!
 
Each year, Heartland selects a student to speak at the Commencement ceremony. The selected student will give a 3-5 minute speech during the 2027 Commencement ceremony.

Check back in Spring 2027 for the student speaker application.

Contact Us

Graduation

Records Office

CCB 1600

Phone: 309-268-8071

Email: records@heartland.edu

Apply to Graduate

Submit your application for graduation.

Apply for Graduation

Commencement Ceremony

Student Engagement Office

WDC 1200

Phone: 309-268-8026

Email: commencement@heartland.edu