Jenzabar University

1. Graduation Requirements.  Baker College students are eligible to graduate only after the standard graduation requirements for their specific degree programs are met.  To view these requirements, please see pages 48-49 of the Student Handbook: Policies and Procedures Guide 2018-2019.
    
2. Graduation Application.  Students who anticipate successful completion of their program course requirements for degrees or certificates should submit a graduation application by the first week of their final semester.  Applications submitted during the Fall 2018, Spring 2019 and Summer 2019 semesters will be included in the 2019 Commencement ceremony.  Note: Students expecting to complete their program course requirements during the Summer 2019 semester should submit their graduation application by Friday, March 15, 2019.
    
3. Caps and Gowns.  Items for graduation Including official commencement caps and gowns can be purchased through the Barnes and Noble Bookstore on your campus.
    
4. Honor Graduates (undergraduate students only).  Graduates who achieve a 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher are awarded a special distinction at graduation:
        a.  3.90-4.00 Summa Cum Laude (gold cord)
        b.  3.70-3.89 Magna Cum Laude (silver cord)
        c.  3.50-3.69 Cum Laude (white cord)
   
   Honor cords for academic recognition will be mailed to students prior to the graduation ceremony.
   Unofficial honor status for undergraduates for the spring commencement ceremony will be based on the student's GPA at the time graduation materials are prepared. If a graduate's status changes after the final audit the graduate may obtain the appropriate honor cord.
   Students graduating from Baker College and attending the May 5th ceremony who are serving or have served in the military will receive recognition cords (red/white/blue cord.) Military cords will be distributed at Van Andel Arena prior to commencement.
    
5. Exit Loan Counseling.  Prior to leaving Baker College, student loan borrowers are required by government regulations to complete an Exit Loan Counseling session.  To begin your exit counseling session at the Department of Education’s web site, click here: Exit Loan Counseling.
   
    

The College conducts one formal commencement ceremony per year.  It is held at the conclusion of the spring semester and includes all students who have completed a degree or certificate program during the current academic year.  Students receiving special honors are recognized at this occasion.  To participate in the formal graduation ceremony, students must complete the Graduation Application by the deadline.

1. Date and Time

   The 2019 Baker College commencement ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 5th, 2019 beginning at 2:00 pm. 
   
   Doors to the arena will open at 12:30 pm. Graduates participating in the commencement ceremony should plan to arrive at the arena no later than 12:45 pm.

   All are encouraged to dress in attire appropriate for expected weather conditions. There will be a wait to enter the building—rain or shine—as all guests entering the arena will be subject to a metal-detector screening, visual inspection, and a bag inspection conducted by Van Andel Arena security personnel. The purpose of the inspection is to detect prohibited items.

2. Prohibited Items

   Please visit the Van Andel Arena's Frequently Asked Questions page for complete information on prohibited items.

3. Location and Directions
   Van Andel Arena
   130 West Fulton
   Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2601
   View Driving Directions

4. Parking

   Parking facilities at Van Andel Arena are managed by the City of Grand Rapids.  Metered parking is also available on the streets surrounding the arena.

   Accessible parking is available in all City owned and operated parking ramps and surface parking lots.  Each lot has accessible designated spaces, including van-accessible spaces, for vehicles displaying a current state-issued disability placard or license plate.  Accessible spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so please plan accordingly.

   View Parking Facilities Map and Rates for parking locations and rates or contact The City of Grand Rapids Parking Services at (616) 456-3290. 
   
   Visit the City of Grand Rapids website for more information about parking in downtown Grand Rapids.

5. Seating

   Tickets are not required to attend the commencement ceremony.  All seating will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  The Van Andel Arena has seating capacity of more than 12,000.

6. Attire

   Commencement Day is a proud occasion; please dress to impress!  Graduates are encouraged to dress in attire that is appropriate for the occasion and personal circumstances.

1. Diplomas.  Diplomas and certificates will be mailed approximately eight weeks after the semester ends.  If a balance is owed to the college the diploma will be held until the obligation is satisfied.
    
2. Continuing your Education with Baker College.  Thinking about taking the next step in your education?  We can help! Baker College offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for students pursuing advanced degrees.
   
   To learn more about scholarship eligibility, award amounts, application deadlines, and scholarship requirements, view our scholarship page.
    
3. Staying Connected to Baker College via Social Media.  Even though you've graduated there are still a variety of ways to stay up to date and engaged with BC. Our social media channels on popular platforms including Facebook, Twitter, instagram, YouTube and others provide a daily dose of fun, informative and relevant content for you to enjoy.  Join the multitude of BakerProud students. alumni, faculty and staff by following us or subscribing to our social media channels today!