Graduation/Commencement

Congratulations on reaching graduation! Here is everything you and your guests need to know, from applying to graduate to finding your seat on the big day.

Spring 2027 Commencement

When

Friday, May 14, 2027

Time

6:30 p.m.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Where

Austin High School, Knowlton Auditorium

Apply for Graduation

All students must apply to graduate, even if you don't plan to walk in the ceremony. Graduation is not automatic.

  1. Review your in to see if you meet the requirements. Be sure to review every audit available to you.
  2. Have questions? Contact your academic advisor.
  3. Submit the Graduation Application.

Deadline: Apply by Thursday, April 1, 2027 to have your name printed in the Commencement program.

Already applied? Fall 2026, Spring 2027 and Summer 2027 graduates can check the graduation list.

Cap and Gown

Pick up begins TBD (typically mid-March)
Deadline to pick up TBD (typically May 1)
Where , or
Hours Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Extra tassel $5.00

All purchases are non-refundable.

Honors stoles and cords

Honor students receive one free stole or cord. Your name must be on the Bookstore's Honors List.

Honor Cumulative GPA You receive
High Distinction 3.75 to 4.0 Stole
Distinction 3.25 to 3.74 Cord

Lambda Nu and Phi Theta Kappa members purchase their own. Contact your Lambda Nu or PTK advisor with questions.

When you pick up your cap and gown, you'll also receive four wristbands for your guests. See Guest Seating below.

Guest Seating and Wristbands

Each graduate receives four (4) wristbands at cap and gown pickup. Give them to your guests before the ceremony. Guests must be wearing a wristband to enter the Auditorium.

Knowlton Auditorium

Wristband required

  • One wristband per guest
  • Children who need their own seat need a wristband
  • Children age 2 and under sitting on an adult's lap do not
  • Limited seating, first-come, first-served

Ove Berven Gymnasium

Overflow seating, no wristband needed

  • Located inside Austin High School
  • Bleacher seating, first-come, first-served
  • Guests without a wristband will be directed here

Good to know

  • Wristbands cannot be purchased or picked up at the venue.
  • Wristbands that are lost, forgotten or removed will not be replaced. Those guests will be directed to the gymnasium.
  • Flowers, balloons, bouquets and strollers are not allowed in the Auditorium, and we can't hold them for you. Please leave them in your vehicle.
  • Can't attend? The ceremony will be live-streamed and recorded.
  • A photographer will be on-site, but individual photos are not guaranteed.

Maps, Parking and Entrances

Who Park near and enter
Graduates Door 7 or Door 13
Guests with a wristband (Auditorium) Door 1 or Door 5
Guests without a wristband (Gymnasium) Door 6 or Door 14

All other doors will be locked to guests. Parking is very limited, so please carpool if you can. Once the lots fill, street parking will be required.

Questions?

Commencement

Andrea Severtson, Commencement Coordinator

Email: andrea.severtson@riverland.edu

Cap and Gown

Austin East Bookstore

Phone: 507-433-0651 or 507-433-0541

Email: bookstore@riverland.edu