Have questions about Champlain College Commencement? Below are answers to some frequently asked questions!
Where is Commencement?
Commencement will be held at the Champlain Valley Exposition: 105 Pearl St, Essex Junction, VT 05452
What day and time is Commencement?
Commencement is on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 10 AM.
What time do I need to arrive? What is the run-of-show for the ceremony?
8:00 AM | Doors open for guests
8:00-9:15 AM | Student check-in
9:45 AM | Commencement procession begins
10:00 AM | Ceremony Begins
Post-Ceremony Gathering to follow
Will on-campus and Champlain College Online graduates be honored during the same ceremony?
Yes, we will honor both on-campus and online graduates during our 10 AM ceremony.
How many tickets does each graduate get?
Each graduate will be allocated five tickets for guests at graduation. If you anticipate needing more than five tickets, fill out this form to join our waiting list. Please note, this does not guarantee you extra tickets. Students will receive an email in the near future addressing: the process for getting your digital tickets and whether extra tickets will be available to those who have submitted a request.
How do I order my regalia?
All eligible graduates will receive an email in mid to late January with a link to order your regalia. If you are attending Commencement in person, the College will pay for your regalia. On-campus students will pick up their regalia at the Graduation Fair and online students will have theirs mailed to them (online students are responsible for the cost of shipping).
If you are not attending the ceremony in person but are interested in wearing regalia to celebrate remotely, we encourage you to order from a third party public site.
Will the ceremony be livestreamed?
Yes. A livestream of the ceremonies will be available to view on this site at commencement.champlain.edu.
Where can I find hotel information?
Champlain secures discounted deals at multiple hotels in the Burlington area. Stay tuned for more details.
Where can I find photos from the ceremonies?
Grad Images will take official photos of the graduates on stage as well as a posed photo with their diploma once they exit the stage. Graduates will be emailed a link with their photos for purchase in the weeks following the ceremony.
We will also have an event photographer at the ceremonies capturing candids, which will be free to download.
What transportation is available? Is there a shuttle from campus to the Expo?
There is plenty of parking available at the Champlain Valley Expo. If assistance is needed, golf carts will be available to get you to the entrance. Shuttle service will be available to and from Champlain College in Burlington for those who will require transportation to the Champlain Valley Expo. Please do not bring items such as purses or backpacks as there is no secure place to keep them.
The shuttle schedule is as follows. Please note the final shuttle that will arrive at the ceremony on time departs from 194 Saint Paul St. at 8:25 AM and from Main Campus at 8:30 AM.
DEPARTURE FROM 194 SAINT PAUL STREET
Morning: 7:25 AM, 7:55 AM, 8:25 AM, 8:55 AM, 9:25 AM
DEPARTURE FROM MAIN CAMPUS
Morning: 7:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 9:30 AM
RETURN TRIPS FROM CHAMPLAIN VALLEY EXPO TO CAMPUS
12:00 PM, 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:00 PM
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
● Shuttle Route: All shuttles go from 194 Saint Paul Street → Main Campus → Champlain Valley Expo
● Service Frequency: Shuttles run approximately every 30 minutes
● Last Shuttle: The final return shuttle from the Expo leaves at 2:00 PM
● The shuttle stop at 194 Saint Paul St. will be at the north end of the building, at the entrance to Browns Ct.
● The shuttle stop at Main Campus will be the bus shelter ON the South Side of Maple St (the wooden bus shelter beside CCM).
● The shuttle stop at the Champlain Valley Exposition will be in front of the entrance doors to Blue Ribbon Pavilion (student check-in location).
Is the Champlain Valley Exposition accessible?
The Robert E. Miller Expo Centre is fully accessible. Our Commencement staff are pleased to direct our guests with accessibility needs to a designated section of the Expo Centre. We ask that you plan for one additional family member to sit in that section as well. The staff will assist you if needed. Please plan to arrive early. If you are a graduating student who has accessibility needs, please graduation@champlain.edu.
Are pets allowed at the ceremony?
Absolutely no pets, besides properly identified service animals, are permitted at the ceremonies or post-ceremony gatherings. We appreciate your cooperation.
Will there be a concession stand? Is there a post-ceremony gathering?
Prior to each ceremony, paid concessions (light snacks and beverages) will be offered outside the main guest entrance to Expo South, as well as a floral vendor, and the Champlain College Campus Store. Following each commencement ceremony, we will have a brief post-ceremony gathering for graduates, guests, faculty and the platform party. Join us for cake, beverages, and photo opportunities!
When will I get my diploma?
May 2026 graduates will receive a digital diploma the morning of Commencement and a paper diploma will be mailed to your address on file later in May.
August and December 2025 graduates will have received their diplomas in the mail prior to the May 2026 ceremony.
August 2026 graduates will receive their diplomas when their programs are completed in August.
When will I get my honors stoles and sashes?
If you are eligible to receive honors stole(s) or sash(es), they will be given to you when you arrive and check-in at Commencement.
Who is eligible to earn latin honors?
Undergraduate Students:
Latin distinctions are given to graduating undergraduate students, who have completed all program requirements, with the following minimum cumulative grade point averages:
Summa Cum Laude: 3.80 average
Magna Cum Laude: 3.65 average
Cum Laude: 3.50 average
Divisions may award additional honors recognizing academic, service and career development achievements. Conduct records may be accessed in the determination of these awards.
Master’s Students:
Champlain (like many other schools) does not designate Latin Honors for master’s degrees. Master’s students need to earn a minimum 3.0 GPA to graduate, and earning an advanced degree demonstrates excellence in one’s field of study. Therefore, students are not further sorted by Summa Cum Laude or Magna Cum Laude.
When is Senior Week for on-campus undergrads?
Senior Week is the week leading up to Commencement. Sign ups will be available at the HUB desk in the IDX Student Life Center leading up to the event(s).
Still have questions?
Please email graduation@champlain.edu.