Gateway holds its optional commencement ceremonies each year in May. Graduates of technical diploma, associate of applied science, associate of arts, and associate of science degree programs are invited to participate. It is a formal cap-and-gown ceremony that celebrates your scholastic achievements and all graduates are encouraged to participate and be recognized.
What format will Gateway be using for the commencement ceremonies this year?
We will be holding two separate commencement ceremonies to celebrate our college-level graduates this year.
Will the ceremonies also be live streamed?
Yes, the ceremonies will be live streamed. Links to view the live streams will be shared with graduates and published on the Gateway website prior to the commencement ceremonies at gtc.edu/commencement-ceremonies.
What are the dates, times and lengths of the ceremonies?
The 2026 ceremonies, which are approximately 90 minutes long, will be held on Tuesday May 19, 2026 and Wednesday May 20, 2026. The individual ceremonies themselves will be held as follows:
- Tuesday, May 19, 2026
- 7 p.m. - School of Business & Transportation and School of Manufacturing, Engineering, and Information Technology Ceremony
- Wednesday, May 20, 2026
- 7 p.m. - School of Health, School of Protective and Human Services, and School of Liberal Arts & Sciences Ceremony
Who is eligible to participate in the ceremonies?
All students who graduated from a commencement-eligible program in Fall 2025 or Spring 2026, as well as all students who are registered for their final coursework in Summer 2026 by April 15, will be invited to participate in the appropriate ceremony for their program.
How do I know which ceremony I should attend for my program?
You can check this listing of the programs in each school. In addition, you will find the correct ceremony listed for you when you sign up to attend.
Where will the commencement ceremonies take place?
The ceremonies are being held at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside Sports & Activity Center / DeSimone Arena in Kenosha. The address is as follows:
4130 Petrifying Springs Rd.
Kenosha, WI 53144
View the location on a map
How do I sign up to attend my commencement ceremony?
Eligible graduates will be invited to sign up for their ceremony via our online portal, Tassel. You will be invited and sent information about Tassel via email by early March, and by postcard by the middle of March. The final deadline to sign up for your ceremony is April 26, 2026.
What time should I arrive?
Graduates are expected to arrive no later than 6:15 p.m. for each ceremony. Ceremonies will begin promptly at the scheduled time.
How many guests can I bring to my ceremony?
Each graduate will be issued five guest tickets for their ceremony. Guests will be admitted by ticket only. Each guest ticket will be distributed to the graduate electronically when signing up for the ceremony online. Electronic tickets can be presented on a printout or shown on a mobile device. Each ticket has an electronic bar code that can only be scanned once.
If additional guest tickets become available, all commencement participants will be emailed with instructions on how to reserve them within a week of their ceremony on a first-come, first-served basis.
Do children need a ticket?
If they can comfortably sit on your lap throughout the duration of the ceremony, no they don’t need a ticket.
Are flowers available for purchase at the event?
Yes, flowers will be available. Please check back for more information.
What if I need special accommodations at the ceremony?
If needed, you can submit a request for accommodations when you sign up to participate in your ceremony. Seating will be reserved for students with mobility issues. Furthermore, our Student Accommodations and Accessibility Services department will contact students who submit requests for accommodation to assure that their needs will be met.
What if my guests need special seating accommodations at the ceremony?
If needed, you can submit a request for guest seating accommodations when you sign up to participate in your ceremony. Seating will be reserved for guests with mobility issues on the floor level as well as in the first few rows of bleachers.
Is there a rehearsal?
No, you will be guided through the ceremony by our ushers.
When and where can I purchase my cap and gown?
To maintain the decorum of the ceremonies, all graduates must have a black cap and gown to participate.
When you sign up to participate in the ceremony through the Tassel registration portal, you will also have the opportunity to order and pay for your cap and gown online with a credit or debit card. You may pay to have your cap and gown shipped directly to you or select a campus bookstore for pick up. If you are unable to purchase your cap and gown at the time of registration, you can return to the login at any time to do so if your order is placed by the sign up deadline of April 26. There are no refunds on cap and gown orders for any reason.
How much will my cap and gown cost for college graduates?
Cost of the cap, gown and tassel is $42.50 (plus tax). If you are eligible for honors, you have the option to purchase an honor cord from the bookstore for $5.00 (plus tax). If you utilize the direct ship to you option, we estimate shipping will cost between $5.00 and $10.00. Student veterans will be offered veterans' cords in recognition of their service, which will be available to optionally select as part of your online order and at the campus bookstore free of charge.
Can I decorate my cap?
Yes, you may decorate your cap. Please remember that this is a formal ceremony. Derogatory terms, profanity, etc. are strictly prohibited.
What is the process for photos and videos during the ceremony?
Photos: A professional photographer will be taking photos of each graduate at the ceremony. Please ask your family and friends to refrain from approaching the stage to take pictures or video during the ceremony.
Video: A recording of the commencement ceremonies will be available via web stream approximately 10 days after the event.
Visit gtc.edu/commencement-ceremonies for links.
Will graduates who choose not to go to the ceremonies still receive their diplomas?
Yes, they will. All diplomas are mailed to graduates 6-8 weeks after the end of the term.