Traditionally, Honolulu Community College (HonCC) does not have a Commencement ceremony in Fall semesters. As we all know, many of our traditions have been adjusted since the pandemic. We have postponed in-person Commencement ceremonies the last two years. For this semester, you have the opportunity to participate in an online option or abstain. Graduates who participate in the Commencement Celebration website will also receive a FREE Graduation Swag Bag filled with their diploma cover, graduation memorabilia, stickers, HonCC Graduate keychain, and more from Student Life and Development!
Spring 2022 Graduation
May 13, 2022, Waikiki Shell, 9:00 am
Commencement is a time for all of us—parents and children, teachers and students, faculty and staff, friends and family—to pause for a moment in the shadow of majestic Diamond Head Crater to glance back on the experiences that have brought us to this high place of learning and achievement. From that vantage point, we can look ahead to the challenges and opportunities before us and see in them the profound and pivotal role of higher education. The University of Hawai‘i—Honolulu Community College salutes the Graduating Class of 2021–2022 and pays tribute to the many people who have made their graduation possible. The inspiring spirit of success will radiate at our Commencement activities on a fine, bright May morning as a fitting farewell to our degree candidates. Please join us as we celebrate our students’ achievements and bright futures.
Step 1: Apply for Graduation
You must first Apply for Graduation. This is the official process with the Records Office to review your eligibility. This is how your name is added to the official listing that appears in the Commencement program and ignites the process to get your diploma. If you are attending, you must also do Step 2.
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Step 2: RSVP for the Commencement
RSVP on the Spring 2022 Commencement Celebration website by April 15th.
This is the process that saves your place at the ceremony and gives you access to get tickets for your guests. Even if you are not attending the ceremony in person, this site allows you to make a Personal Webpage you can share with family and friends.
Access is limited to those who have applied and been reviewed. If you applied recently, allow a few days for your information to be added.
Step 3: Prepare for the Commencement Ceremony
Auditions for Ceremony Singer and Speaker
Sign up now, Audition April 8th, 2022.
Auditions will be held in Student Life and Development office Building 2, Room 113, on Friday, April 8th, 2022 at 3:30 pm
Graduating student interested in speaking must:
- Be a member of the Honolulu Community College graduating class.
- Have the ability to represent Honolulu Community College.
- Be able to perform in front of an audience.
- Prepare and present the actual speech to be given 3 – 5 minutes long – Theme integration is suggested but not required: He po’i kai uli, kai ko’o, ‘a’ohe hina pūkoa’. Though the sea be deep and rough, the coral rock remains standing.
Student interested in singing must:
- Be a current Honolulu Community College student or member of the Honolulu Community College graduating class 2021-2022.
- Have the ability to represent Honolulu Community College.
- Be able to perform in front of an audience.
- Prepare to sing acapella the National Anthem or Hawai’i Pono’i.
Order Cap and Gown
Order now, Pick up after April 11th
The Honolulu Community College bookstore is coordinating the distribution of caps, gowns, and tassels. The bookstore is located on the first floor of Building 2. The complete package cost for cap, gown, and tassel is approximately $42.95. Caps and gowns are black and sold by height. Tassels are teal. Sizes are limited. Ensure that your gown is ironed and/or crease free for the Graduation ceremony. You may wear a black graduation gown that you already own. Graduates without gowns will NOT be able to participate in this event. Also, plan ahead with enough bobby pins to secure your caps as necessary. The attire worn under the gown should be fitting of the formality of the ceremony. We recommend comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
The Bookstore will start selling Cap and Gown sets in-store from Monday April 11th. Bookstore hours are 10 am to 3 pm Monday to Thursday. Graduates may also purchase Cap and Gown sets via the bookstore website under the Grad Store menu.
If you would like to order online and have the cap and gown shipped directly to you, please submit your order by May 9th. The last day to purchase Cap and Gowns in-store is Thursday May 12th. If you are in financial hardship, you should apply to the Emergency Aid Fund. Be sure to click Other and indicate requesting assistance with cap and gown fees. Please be sure to indicate $42.95 as the amount requested for your cap and gown.
Decorate Cap
Over the past years, some students have really enjoyed decorating their graduation cap to reflect their pride in their major and/or campus. These designs have been flat or 3-D and made from a variety of materials. This year, we will be awarding prizes to those students who best exemplify resilience or their major (Liberal Arts students may use a future major or career). For example, Sheet Metal could have a metal piece on their cap, a replica of an item they have built, a picture that represents the trade or union. The possibilities are endless. All caps must be recognizable as graduation caps and wearable for the ceremony.
Regulations:
- One cap may be submitted for each graduate with their own original work.
- Decorations are not to exceed 6 inches high, and the dimensions of the cap.
- Please be mindful of the weight.
- Students wishing to compete must submit their cap as soon as they arrive.
Honors Cords and Stoles
Honors students earning a cumulative institutional GPA of 3.5 or higher as of FALL 2021 will be acknowledged in the program and at the ceremony as “with honors.” Those students will be awarded a gold honor cord at the event. Veterans and military family members will be acknowledged with a red, white and blue cord. You must attend the event to receive your honor and/or VA cord. Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, CSO Student Leaders and Kūlana Hawai’i participants must contact their advisors well in advance to arrange the appropriate ceremony regalia.
Pick Up Your Tickets
Tickets will be available after April 15th. In the RSVP link (Spring 2022 Commencement Celebration website), graduates can choose to pick up their tickets at the Student Life & Development Office or to have the tickets mailed to them. Each graduate can request up to four tickets. Hold on tightly to the tickets; there are no replacements for lost tickets. Reserved sections are only for graduates, faculty, and college-affiliated personnel. Last day to request tickets be mailed is May 6 at Noon. Last day to pick up in person is Wednesday, May 11 at 3 p.m.
Accommodations
Requests for a disability/ADA accommodations may be made by emailing or by calling (808) 844-2392 V/T. Two weeks advance notice requested. Guests using wheelchairs should contact the ushers upon arrival at the Waikiki Shell for seating suggestions.
Opening Protocol
(Oli Puka Kula) led by Kūlana Hawai’i Hawaiian Programs: If you are interested in participating in this opening protocol, please contact Kaleialoha Lum-Ho or Kahale Saito. Oli training dates and kihei prep dates will be forth coming to those who sign-up.
Photos and Videos
The audience may take photographs and videos from their seats only. The Picture Man of Hawai’i will take individual photographs of students as they are recognized on stage. The photographer will send you free digital proofs after the commencement, and you may order additional photographs at that time.
If you do not wish to have your email address forwarded to the photographer, so that he can send the proof to you, please submit your request in writing by May 1, 2022.
Commencement Ceremony Request
Records Office
874 Dillingham Blvd.
Honolulu, HI, 96817
For more information on ordering photographs, call 808-499-2400 or visit www.pmoh.com. Honolulu Community College will take photos of the ceremony and make a video for us to capture the history, pride, and appreciation students have of Honolulu Community College. We will interview students about the journey from the first day of class to graduation. We encourage everyone to participate in sharing memories.
Step 4: Day of the Ceremony
Graduates Arrive between 7:30 am and 8:15 am Enter through the Main Gate of the Waikiki Shell.
- Arrive on time so we can seat you with your major.
- Plan extra time for travel and parking since traffic is expected.
- Bring and/or come wearing your cap and gown.
- If you must bring a handbag or bag, it must fit neatly under your gown. There are no places to leave or store bulky belongings.
Code of Conduct
This is an alcohol-free event. We ask that all graduates and guests respect the importance of this occasion by cooperating with Honolulu Community College and the graduation rules of the Waikīkī Shell. This is an official event, and the college withholds the right to apply appropriate sanctions to anyone violating the standards of respect and courtesy specified in the University of Hawai’i Code of Conduct. For the safety and security of all guests and graduates, please follow the instructions of the college, venue, and security personnel before, during and after commencement. As a reminder, please follow the rules as they pertain to graduation at the Waikīkī Shell. As stated under the UH System COVID-19 Guidelines, face masks are not required outdoors but are strongly recommended in crowded outdoor settings and for activities in close contact with others. All packages, gifts, leis, posters, etc. must fit on your lap or under the seat. No aisles can be obstructed. All packages are subject to search. Large bags may be denied entry if they won’t fit or contain unsuitable items.
- No outside food or beverages including water bottles (water will be provided to graduates)
- No tailgating/picnicking in the parking areas, grass areas or on walkways
- All children must be accompanied by an adult not participating in the ceremony
- No strollers inside the seating areas – strollers must be checked with the usher staff
- No sticks or rods – posters cannot be mounted
- No chairs
- No tripods in aisles
- No drones
- No laser pointers
- No noise-makers or air horns
- No silly string, confetti or confetti cannons
- No aisles can be obstructed
Remind Your Guests
Gates open at 8:15 am (Ticketed guests only)
- One ticket per person
- The gates to the Waikīkī Shell will open to family, friends, and guests at 8:15 am. When guests arrive, graduates will already be lining up in preparation for the procession.
- Guests should produce tickets, take their seats and greet their graduates after the ceremony.
- The procession will begin promptly at 9:00 am. Late guests may be refrained from seating until a break in the graduation program.
- Please wait until after the ceremony and meet your graduates in the park.
- Parking at and near Waikīkī Shell is limited. Special parking will NOT be available.
- Plan enough time for travel and parking or car pool to allow getting to Waikīkī early or staying after to enjoy the park and beach to avoid the high traffic flow times.
- Lei giving will be in Kapiolani Park immediately following the ceremony.
Location of Ceremony
This year’s ceremony will be held at the Waikiki Shell (2805 Monsarrat Ave) in Kapi‘olani Park, between Waikiki and Diamond Head in Honolulu, with the world-famous Diamond Head Crater for a backdrop. The Waikiki Shell is a spectacular location for us to celebrate the achievements of our graduates.
Step 5: After the Ceremony
Gown Donation
To assist future graduates who may find it hard to afford a cap and/or gown, we will be collecting donations of used gowns after the ceremony. If you have no plans to re-use your cap and/ or gown, please leave it in the donation box at the exit of the event or bring it to the Student Life and Development office anytime thereafter. If you have any questions feel free to email us.
Diplomas
Diplomas will be mailed to the address listed on the student’s graduation application. Because semester records will not be available by commencement, the conferring of degrees at the ceremony is provisional, pending verification that degree requirements have been met. For further information, call (808) 845-9120.
Photos and Video
For more information on ordering photographs from Picture Man of Hawaii, call (808) 499-2400 or visit www.pmoh.com. Please share your pictures and video on social media using: #HonCCGrad22, #WeAreHonolulu
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I cannot financially afford a Cap & Gown or any other obstacle keeping you from attending the ceremony?
You can apply to our Urgent Student Relief Fund for assistance. Apply ASAP to allow time for your request to be approved.
What if I want to bring more than four guests?
Every graduate is allowed 4 tickets. Please check with your classmates to see if they have any extras they could give you.
Ticketed guests have priority. In the event that guest attendance is low. Non-ticketed guests will be allowed into the venue after the graduates have been seated, on a space available basis. This is first come, first served and not guaranteed.
Lei giving will be held in Kapiolani Park following the event. So there is room for everyone to join you there. The ceremony is expected to end between 10–10:30 am. Because the park is VERY large, we suggest you pre-arrange a meeting place in the park and be sure to have your cell phone.
Is there parking?
There is no special parking for graduates or guests. Free and paid parking is available in the area. Allow time to find parking and walk over to the Waikiki Shell.
View Waikiki Shell in Google Maps
What are the school colors?
Teal is the school color. It is often accompanied by white or black.
Can my classmates attend without a ticket?
YES. University of Hawaii (all campuses) students, faculty and staff can attend without tickets by showing their campus ID card.
Do my kids need a ticket?
Tickets are needed for all keiki over 2 years old.
Reminder that Graduates need to arrive before the Guests are allowed in. No keiki can accompany the Graduate. You need to make a childcare plan. If you need assistance, email us or call (808) 844-2392 V/T.
I’m graduating with honors. Where do I get my honor cord?
You must attend the event to get your honor cord. They are ceremonial and therefore only gifted to those who attend the ceremony. Your printed diploma and the event program will indicate if you have honors.
What are the COVID protocols being used for this event?
In alignment with state, city and University rules, masks are strongly recommended.
No vaccination or testing verification is needed.
I already have a black gown, can I wear that one?
Yes. Any black gown similar to the ones for sale at the bookstore is allowed. You can contact the Bookstore about buying the appropriate tassel for your cap.
