Graduation FAQ | Windward Community College

1. HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM GRADUATING?

You can Check Your Progress in STAR.

Login to STAR to check your progress on the Academic Essentials tab. If it looks like everything is complete or you’re not sure, schedule an appointment with your academic counselor.

2. HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE IN THE CEREMONY?

To participate, please RSVP (via Google Form) by Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 4:00 pm.

3. ARE TICKETS REQUIRED, WHERE CAN I PICK THEM UP?

No, Tickets will not be required for entrance but seating will be on a first come first serve basis. WCC will provide each graduate with four 2026 Commencement Invitations that can be sent to family or used at keepsakes, however, announcements or tickets are not required for entrance into the ceremony.

4. WHERE DO I SUBMIT MY GRADUATION PICTURES AND QUOTES?

Photos and quotes should be emailed to sacwcc@hawaii.edu by May 8, 2026.

5. WILL THERE BE A LIVE STREAM?

Yes. A link to the live stream is posted on the main Commencement page.

6. WHERE WILL LIVE STREAMS BE AVAILABLE ON WCC CAMPUS?

The location is yet to be determined, but rest assured, once we have set a location, we will post it right here.

7. WHEN SHOULD GRADUATES ARRIVE AT WINDWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE (WCC) TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY?

Graduates should arrive no later than 3:00pm. Students will receive name cards, have a quick run through and participate in a WCC Kihei ceremony. Please follow the instructions of the WCC staff directing you. Click here for Day-Of-Information

8. WHEN WILL DOORS OPEN FOR GUESTS WITH TICKETS?

Doors will open around 4:00pm. Please do not try to enter area sooner.

9. WHERE DO WE PARK?

Guest Parking will be in the Hale A’o parking area. You will be directed by a WCC staff member to the available parking lots.

10. DO I NEED TO WEAR A CAP AND GOWN?

Yes, cap and gown is required. The WCC Bookstore is selling caps and gowns for $61.95 Black cap and gowns will be used.

11. CAN I DECORATE MY CAP?

Yes, you are more than welcome to decorate your cap. Please ensure that all decorations are appropriate for other graduates and attendees.

12. IS MY SERVICE ANIMAL PERMITTED DURING THIS COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY?

Please contact Ka‘ahu Alo at kaahualo@hawaii.edu if you intend to bring a service animal.

13. WILL THERE BE A LEI CEREMONY?

Yes, there will be a lei ceremony immediately after the Commencement Ceremony. Lei Ceremony Map

14. WILL I RECEIVE MY DIPLOMA AT THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY?

No, if you purchased a diploma, it will be mailed to you. You will be presented with an academic scroll representing your completion.

*If you have already been awarded a degree/certificate and would like to order a degree/certificate, submit a diploma request form with a $25 processing fee to the admissions and records office.

For any other questions or concerns please contact Kaahu Alo at kaahualo@hawaii.edu