Graduation 2024
Congratulations, Class of 2024!
The 2024 Grace Christian University In Person Commencement is scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 10:30am. Graduates who are unable to attend the In-Person ceremony have the option of participating in a Virtual Commencement ceremony.
Commencement Ceremonies
In-Person Commencement
Saturday, May 4 | 10:30 AM Rush Creek Bible Church (2334 76th St SW, Byron Center, Michigan)
All graduates participating in the In-Person Commencement are expected to attend a brief “walk-through” rehearsal for the ceremony. The rehearsal begins at 9:00 AM just before the ceremony. Come prepared to walk, there will not be additional preparation time. If you have family and friends who are not able to attend the In-Person ceremony, they will be able to view the ceremony via livestream. The link itself won’t be available until just before the ceremony begins, but the link will be found at https://www.facebook.com/GraceChristianU/
Virtual Commencement
Video Premieres Saturday, May 18 | 2:00 PM EDT
Graduates participating in the Virtual ceremony should submit a photo of themselves to be displayed during the reading of their names. The composition of the photo is up to the graduate: it can be professional, candid, a group shot, or whatever is desired by the graduate. However, the photo should be in JPEG or PNG format and of a quality that will project well when enlarged significantly. Each Virtual graduate should email one photo to registrar@gracechristian.edu with the subject line: Commencement Photo, no later than April 12, 2024. *Students who plan to participate in either Commencement are required to RSVP by April 12, 2024.*
Ability to Graduate
Students who are within 6-12 months of completing their degrees are encouraged to complete an Application for Graduation.
Contact your Academic Advisor to assure that you are on track to complete all degree requirements on schedule.
Eligibility to Participate in Commencement
Degree candidates are expected to have fulfilled all degree requirements prior to participating in the Commencement ceremony.
Students who wish to walk in the Commencement prior to completing all degree requirements may submit an appeal to be allowed to do so. The appeal should include specific rationale for the request to walk early, a detailed description of the remaining degree requirements, and a plan for how/when the remaining requirements will be completed. The Academic Appeal form should be submitted as early as possible, but at least 30 days before the scheduled Commencement date.
Graduation Honors
Undergraduate students participating in the annual Commencement ceremony are eligible to receive honors based on their cumulative grade point average (GPA) at the time the Commencement list is finalized.
Associate and Bachelor degree recipients are eligible to receive the following honors and to wear honors cords at the Commencement:
3.30 – 3.69 GPA Honors
3.70 – 4.00 GPA High Honors
Honors are also posted to the students’ official transcript record.
Graduation Week Events
Campus Tours
Friday, May 3 | 2pm – 3pm Commons, Grace Christian University
Explore our campus, learn about our history and facilities, and experience the vibrant community that defines Grace Christian University. Our guides will provide insights and answer your questions, offering a glimpse into the unique aspects of campus life at Grace.
Graduation Week Events
Faculty Meet & Greet
Friday, May 3 | 3pm – 4pm Commons, Grace Christian University
Join us for a casual and informative Faculty Meet and Greet! This event offers a unique opportunity to get to know our faculty members in a relaxed setting. Come mingle, chat, and connect with the faces behind the knowledge. Light refreshments will be served. We can’t wait to see you there!
Graduation Week Events
Torah Event
Friday, May 3 | 4pm – 5pm Bultema Library, Grace Christian University
Join us for a special viewing and discussion event, exploring the Christian perspective on the Torah’s history and influence. Discover the Torah’s significance, its role in shaping the Christian worldview, and its manuscript development. Be among the first 20 to sign up for this limited viewing opportunity to see the Torah scrolls up close and personal. Engage in enlightening discussions and fellowship, with refreshments provided. We can’t wait to welcome you! RSVP is required.
Graduation Week Events
Graduation Dinner
Friday, May 3 | 5:30pm Grace Dining Room, Grace Christian University
Join fellow graduates, faculty, and staff for an evening of delicious food and great company as we honor the achievements of our graduating class. Tickets are $15 per person – Graduates are free. RSVP is required.
Graduation Week Events
Graduation Chapel
Friday, May 3 | 7pm Baker Chapel, Grace Christian University
Following the dinner, we will continue celebrating during our graduation chapel. This will be a time filled with worship, celebrating accomplishments, hearing testimonies, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I participate in Commencement?
Please take about 20 seconds to let us know if you plan to participate in the In-Person or Virtual ceremony. Here is the site: 2024 Commencement RSVP. Please plan to submit your RSVP no later than April 12, 2024. Students will only be allowed to participate in Commencement if they have already indicated their desire to participate by checking their eligibility to participate and applying to graduate. Cap and Gown are required for all graduates walking in Commencement.
How do I order a Cap and Gown?
Herff-Jones is ready to take your order for your graduation attire (and any other celebratory items you might wish to purchase). Just specify Grace Christian University and be sure to select the appropriate degree level. The deadline for placing your cap and gown order without paying a late fee is April 8, 2024.
Will I get my diploma at Commencement?
After degrees have been conferred and any account holds have been resolved, diplomas will be sent to the address the graduate specified on the Application for Graduation by the end of June 2024. Each student who participates in the In-Person commencement ceremony will receive a commemorative scroll as they walk across the platform. Virtual ceremony graduates will receive a copy of the printed Commencement program, including all 2024 graduates’ names by mail after the In-Person ceremony.
Do I need to attend the Rehearsal?
All participating graduates are expected to attend a brief “walk-through” of the ceremony. Rehearsal begins at 9am. Come already prepared to walk, there will not be additional preparation time. Graduates participating in the Virtual ceremony will receive additional information about submitting photos to be displayed during the reading of their names via email.
What about honor cords?
Honor cords will be distributed to those who earned academic honors during the In-Person pre-ceremony rehearsal. Honor cords are awarded to associate and bachelor degree recipients who earned at least a 3.3 cumulative GPA (Honors) or a 3.7 cumulative GPA (High Honors). Since the graduate programs are considered to be honor programs, academic honors are not awarded to Master degree recipients. Virtual ceremony graduates who qualify for honors will receive their cords via mail.
What is the difference between live-streaming and virtual Commencement?
The In-Person Commencement on May 4, 2024, at 10:30 am EDT in Grand Rapids, MI will be live-streamed, and can be found on our Facebook page here shortly before the ceremony begins. For those who are participating in or inviting guests to view the Virtual Ceremony, that video will premiere on May 18, 2024, at 2:00 pm EDT. The location of the link will be available through our website and will be posted on our Facebook page.