GuideBook_Commencement2026

CLASS OF

2026

COMMENCEMENT GUIDE BOOK

Table of Contents I

04 Eligibility to Graduate Undergraduate Programs.. .............................................................................. 4 Graduate Programs........................................................................................ 5 Steps to Apply for Graduation. . ...................................................................... 5 Diploma......................................................................................................... 5 1. Graduation Fee . . ..................................................................................... 5 2. Diploma Name....................................................................................... 5

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06 Commencement Preparation Grad Fest. . ..................................................................................................... 6 Tickets........................................................................................................... 6 Career Services . . ............................................................................................ 7 1. Preparing for Career.............................................................................. 7 2. Career Outcomes Survey....................................................................... 7 Office of Accounting Operations.................................................................... 7

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08 Regalia (Cap & Gown) Academic Costume Code................................................................................ 9 1. Mortarboard (Cap)................................................................................ 9 2. Tassel...................................................................................................... 9 3. Gown...................................................................................................... 9 4. Hood. . ..................................................................................................... 9 5. Graduation Stole.................................................................................... 9 6. Cultural Stoles........................................................................................ 9 How to Wear Regalia..................................................................................... 10 Military: Veteran’s, Active Duty, Reservist and Reserve Officer Training.......... 11 Ordering Regalia........................................................................................... 11 Commencement Dress Code............................................................................ 11 Ordering Class Ring & Announcements........................................................... 11

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12 Academic Honors Academic Honors........................................................................................... 12 Academic Societies........................................................................................ 13 Cords . . ........................................................................................................... 13

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14 Commencement Processional Instructions Check In.. ....................................................................................................... 15 Line Up.......................................................................................................... 15 Processional Order.. ....................................................................................... 15 Hooding (for Master’s Degree Candidates) . . ................................................... 15

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16 Commencement Events Senior Celebrations . . ...................................................................................... 17 1. Student Organizations & Programs (SOP) Senior Celebrations........... 17 i. Asian Pacific Islander Club Senior Celebration (APIC).................... 17 ii. Black Student Union Senior Celebration (BSU)............................... 17 iii. El Puente Club Senior Celebration . . ................................................. 17 2. Veterans Graduation Reception............................................................. 17 3. Nursing Pinning Ceremony . . ................................................................... 17 Baccalaureate................................................................................................ 17

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18 Commencement Ceremonies Arrival........................................................................................................... 19 Parking.......................................................................................................... 19 Seating & Accessibility Needs........................................................................ 19 Travel Accommodations . . ................................................................................ 19 Flowers and Leis . . ........................................................................................... 19 Commencement Photos................................................................................... 19 Webcast.. ....................................................................................................... 19 Spanish Translation........................................................................................ 19

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Alumni Association Alumni Benefits.............................................................................................. 21 Contact Info................................................................................................... 21

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Eligibility to Graduate The Commencement ceremony is held in May for students who are eligible degree candidates.

Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements as recorded on the official transcript.

Commencement is the ceremony that honors the completion of a degree. Participation in the Commencement ceremony does not imply that you have officially graduated.

The Awarding of Degree formally takes place at the end of the fall, spring and summer terms.

The academic degree is posted on the transcript and reflects the last day of the academic term in which the graduation requirements are met.

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Undergraduate Programs

Diploma

In accordance with the academic catalog, to be eligible to graduate candidates need to have successfully completed 120-124 units; 36-40 of which are upper division units. A minimum of 24 of the last 30 units must be completed at Vanguard University. The required minimum cumulative GPA to graduate is 2.0 (see University Academic Catalog).

Diplomas are ordered upon receipt of final grades/transcripts and upon clearance from the Office of Accounting Operations. Graduates will be notified via student’s Vanguard e-mail when their diploma is available.

To participate in Commencement, an eligible Traditional Undergraduate student shall not have more than four (4) units of academic coursework outstanding. Professional Education students shall not have more than nine (9) units of academic coursework outstanding. All academic coursework, including the four outstanding units, must be completed by the end of the summer term immediately following the formal Commencement ceremony.

Commencement exercises are held annually at the end of the Spring term. More information regarding graduation requirements for undergraduate programs can be found in the Academic Catalog. a

Graduate Programs Eligible candidates with more than (3) courses to finish during the summer term immediately following Commencement will not be approved by the Registrar’s Office to participate in the Commencement ceremony.

1. Graduation Fee There is a $25 graduation fee. Students will not be allowed to participate in the Commencement Ceremony unless they have paid their grad fee via their Self-Service portal.

2. Diploma Name The legal name listed in your official academic record will be used for your diploma. Variations include omission of a middle initial or having the middle initial spelled out.

Deadlines to Apply for Graduation: Fall Graduates - Oct 19, 2025 Spring Graduates - Dec 31, 2025 Summer Graduates - Dec 31, 2025

Steps to Apply for Graduation Students wishing to graduate must complete and submit the Graduation Application located in VU Self-Service no later than the required submission dates. Eligible candidates wishing to use off-campus testing, such as CLEP exam, to fulfill graduation requirements must do so prior to the beginning of the spring term (see University Academic Catalog). For off-campus courses taken during the spring term, proof of registration must be provided to the Registrar’s Office by April 1, 2026.

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II

Commencement Preparation

Grad Fest

Tickets

Grad Fest is Thursday, March 17, 2026 in the Heath Forum from 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm. This event is open to all candidates for graduation to take care of all graduation needs including ordering announcements, rings and diploma frames, purchasing regalia, meeting alumni association, reviewing name on diploma and completing financial responsibilities to the university.

The Traditional Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony will be a ticketed event. Tickets will not be required for the Graduate and Professional Education Commencement Ceremony. Tickets will be distributed electronically to eligible candidates who have been cleared to participate in Commencement.

Ticket limits will be announced via email to the graduates.

Children under two years of age and sitting on the lap of an adult will not require a ticket.

Tickets are not for resale. Any eligible candidates found selling or bartering tickets will have all tickets revoked and be removed from the graduation ceremony.

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Career Services 1. Preparing for Career All eligible candidates and Vanguard alumni have access to Career Services for career assistance.

Please email Career Services for additional support, set up an appointment, or be added to the new job search platform, VUConnect, after graduation.

2. Career Outcomes Survey It is required that students take Vanguard’s Career Outcomes Survey (aka First Destination Survey).

The First Destination Survey (FDS) is a national requirement for all graduates to report their postgraduation plans, including employment, further education or military service. Eligible candidates will receive directions via e-email from Career Services.

The survey can be accessed under the “Survey” tab in their VUConnect account. It takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and will be available 4 weeks before commencement, remaining open for 6 months. Career Services will send email reminders to graduates who have not completed it.

*Please note, a hold will be placed on your diploma until the survey is completed, and it will only be removed once the 6-month deadline has passed. For more information about the survey, email careerservices@vanguard.edu.

For questions regarding your diploma, contact graduation.support@vanguard.edu.

Office of Accounting Operations Student Clearance Requirements: Account balance must be paid in full by April 1.

Ensure we have the most accurate data in the system, IE: Contact Name, Mailing Address, Phone and Email Address information.

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Regalia (Cap & Gown) What is Regalia? “Regalia is the academic costume which includes the gown, mortarboard (cap) and hood. The academic gown is meant to subdue the differences in dress arising from the variations of taste, fashion, manners, individual uniqueness, wealth and clothes all with the outward grace of equal fellowship” (Harris, 2005).

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Academic Costume Code 1. Mortarboard (Cap) Cap should be worn in all academic processions and during the conferral of degrees. Men should remove their caps during prayer, playing of the alma mater, worship songs, communion, during the baccalaureate sermon and Commencement address. Please look to the President for cues for removing and replacing the cap. Mortarboards are properly worn flat on the head with the pointed under-cap pulled onto the wearer’s forehead. It should be parallel to the ground, not tilted back on the head, so the tassel can fall straight down the wearer’s face.

Decorating caps is permitted as follows: Modest personal embellishments are allowed on the cap but MUST lay flat and not exceed the height of the center cap button to not block/distract line of site for others. Embellishments cannot extend over the edge and must be appropriate. Lights are not permitted. Violations of these guidelines will result in removal of cap.

5. Graduation Stole A Vanguard University branded stole is required for students to purchase with their regalia. Vanguard branded stoles are the only approved stoles to be worn at the Commencement Ceremonies.

Graduate Regalia - Collegiate Colors: • MS Clinical Psychology - Gold • MS Organizational Psychology - Gold • MA Education - Light Blue • MA Theology - Scarlet • MA Leadership - Scarlet 6. Cultural Stoles Vanguard University offers branded stoles to represent cultural identities. The following stoles are available for purchase at the bookstore: • Serape • Kente • Native American • Asian Pacific Islander • Veteran Vanguard branded cultural stoles are the only approved cultural stoles.

2. Tassel Baccalaureate eligible candidates wear tassels on the right front side of the cap before degrees are conferred and shift to the left in unison as the President instructs during the ceremony. Master’s eligible candidates wear tassels on the left side of the cap. The color of the tassels for master’s degrees are determined by the academic program color.

3. Gown All gowns must be worn zipped closed.

4. Hood (For Master’s Degree Candidates) Hoods should not be worn until the degree is conferred. For additional information regarding hooding, see page 15.

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HOW TO WEAR REGALIA Caps should be worn flat on the head, parallel to the ground, not tilted back on the head so that the tassel can fall straight down the wearer’s face.

Embellishments cannot exceed the height of the center cap button or extend over the edge.

Lights are not permitted.

Limit personal items and belongings - less is more!

Shoulder purses and crossbody bags are allowed but must be worn underneath the gown.

Dress your best! All gowns should be ironed or steamed beforehand and must be worn zipped closed.

Graduates should dress business casual and wear comfortable shoes for walking.

Hoods should be folded over the right arm with the velvet lining facing your wrist. As you walk to the platform, the hood will be placed over the head with velvet side up and a small, tapered end in front.

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Military: Veterans, Active Duty, Reservist and Reserve Officer Training (ROTC) Eligible candidates who are active duty, reservist or ROTC may choose to wear their military dress uniforms in lieu of academic regalia. Eligible candidates in the ROTC may wear their dress uniform if commissioning takes place prior to the university Commencement. If commissioning takes place after Commencement, eligible candidates wear academic regalia. Eligible candidates who have veteran status, wear academic regalia with service cords.

Questions, please contact the VA School Certifying Official, vasco@vanguard.edu.

Ordering Regalia Regalia will be available for purchase at Grad Fest.

Eligible candidates participating in Commencement Ceremonies will be required to wear VU approved regalia. Eligible candidates who are unable to attend Grad Fest, regalia will be available to be ordered on March 17, 2026, by accessing the bookstore website.

Candidates who are out of the area and need regalia shipped should order before April 1, 2026.

Bachelor’s Regalia includes: cap, gown, Vanguard stole and tassel. The purchase price is approximately $106.00. Master’s Regalia includes: cap, gown, tassel, Vanguard stole and hood. The purchase price is approximately $168.00 (the cultural stole is sold separately).

Commencement Dress Code Shoes and other visible items of clothing should be dark colors that harmonize with the gown. It is advised that graduates wear comfortable shoes as there is a significant amount of walking, steps and standing. Eligible candidates should dress in business attire (e.g., no jeans, shorts, athletic shoes or flipflops). Attire shall be both moderate and appropriate for the event.

Ordering Class Rings and Announcements Class rings and announcements can be ordered from Jostens. Eligible candidates should order personalized announcements by mid-March in order to receive and send them in time for the Commencement Ceremony.

Be prepared! Watch the “How to Wear your Regalia” video.

A limited number of gently used regalia donated from prior graduates is available through Samson’s Career Closet for eligible candidates who need financial assistance. Please contact livingwellresources@ vanguard.edu for details.

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IV Academic Honors

Academic Honors Eligible traditional undergraduate bachelor’s degree candidates with a GPA of 3.9 or higher and have completed at least 36 units at Vanguard University by the end of the fall term will receive Summa Cum Laude honor cords to wear at Commencement. Students in Professional Education will follow the same scheme noted for traditional undergraduate students; however, the number of units required to be taken at Vanguard University will vary by program. Please see catalog for Academic Honors.

For honors to be listed on the diploma and transcript, eligible candidates in the undergraduate program must complete a minimum of 45 units at Vanguard by the end of their final semester and have a minimum final GPA of 3.5. Students receiving Magna Cum Laude and Cum Laude academic honors will be recognized in the Commencement program.

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Summa Cum Laude: 3.90-4.00 Magna Cum Laude: 3.70-3.899 Cum Laude: 3.50-3.699 Summa Cum Laude academic honor cords are available during student check-in at the Commencement Ceremony one-hour prior to the ceremony start. All eligible candidates will be notified via their student email.

Academic Societies

Cords

Academic cords are available for undergraduate eligible candidates who are members of the following academic honor societies.

Academic Honor Society, Military Service and Summa Cum Laude are the approved cords to be worn at Commencement. The Vanguard branded stole (a required part of the regalia package) and Vanguard branded cultural stoles are the only approved stoles to be worn. See page 9 for details. For more information please review the Commencement Adornment Policy.

Alpha Kappa Delta (Sociology) Alpha Signma Lambda (Adult Learners) Lambda Alpha (Anthropology) Lambda Pi Eta (Communication) Phi Alpha Theta (History) Phi Epsilon Kappa (Kinesiology) Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science) Pi Lambda Theta (Education) Psi Chi (Psychology) Public Relations Student Society of America (Public Relations) Sigma Beta Delta (Business) Sigma Tau Delta (English) Sigma Theta Tau (Nursing) Tau Kappa (Vanguard Chapter) United States Military Service

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Commencement Processional Instructions The commencement processional instructions provide essential guidelines to ensure a smooth ceremony. This includes steps for check-in, assigned lineup position, following designated seating arrangements, and correctly carrying academic hoods in preparation for the diploma presentation.

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01

Check-In

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Line Up

Candidates approved to participate in Commencement will check in with the Registrar’s Office one hour prior to the ceremony. Candidates will be given their name card to be used in the ceremony.

Row numbers on graduate name cards provided at check-in will indicate where to line up. Eligible candidates will be lined up

by School or College and major.

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Processional Order The Commencement Ceremony processional order is as follows: Marshal; President, Dignitaries, Platform Participants, Faculty, Board Members, Administration and students.

Candidates will follow the Dean of Academic Records and Registrar into the designated seating area.

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Hooding (for Master’s Degree Candidates) Hoods should be folded over the right arm during processional. When going to the platform to receive the diploma, graduate is to carry the hood on the right arm with felt lining facing wrist. Hood will be placed over head with velvet side up and small tapered end in front.

Following hooding presentation attach the hood neck cord over shirt button before closing gown to prevent hood from riding against neck. Obtain assistance to secure cord across back to keep the hood flat.

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VI

Commencement Events Commencement events are receptions and celebrations to honor eligible students’ academic success prior to the official Commencement ceremony. Vanguard University branded stoles can be worn during these events, but cap and gown should only be worn at Commencement and Baccalaureate.

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Senior Celebrations 1. Student Organizations & Programs (SOP) Senior Celebrations Senior Celebrations are held in addition to the official Vanguard University Commencement Ceremony. Hosted by the University’s intercultural clubs, these events recognize the accomplishments of students while celebrating unique cultural heritage. Eligible candidates are welcome to invite family, friends, church, and community supporters who assisted them in reaching this academic milestone. i. Asian Pacific Islander Club Senior Celebration (APIC) Asian Pacific Islander Club Senior Celebration (APIC) APIC Senior Celebration highlights and honors the many cultures represented in the Asian and Pacific Islander heritages. The celebration includes faculty, staff and student speakers, expressions of gratitude, and a student leader pin presentation, with a brief reception to follow the celebration. This event will take place Saturday, April 25, 2026, 10:00 am in the Needham Chapel. ii. Black Student Union Senior Celebration (BSU) Black Student Union Senior Celebration (BSU) BSU Senior Celebration honors the many cultures represented in Black and African heritages. The celebration includes faculty, staff and student speakers, expressions of gratitude, and a student leader pin presentation, with a brief reception following the celebration. This event will take place Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 1:00 pm in the Needham Chapel. iii. El Puente Club Senior Celebration El Puente Club Senior Celebration El Puente Hispanic Senior Celebration is conducted in English with Spanish translation to honor the many cultures within Hispanic and Latina(o) heritages. This celebration includes faculty, staff and student speakers, expressions of gratitude and a student leader pin presentation, with a brief reception following the celebration. This celebration will take place Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11:30 am in the William J. Seymour Sanctuary.

2. Veterans End of Year Celebration The Veterans End-of-Year Celebration recognizes the accomplishments of our Military-Connected Community over the past year. Graduating veteran students will be presented with their veteran stoles, and all military-connected participants will receive Vanguard’s official challenge coin. This event will take place Friday, May 1, 2026 from 5:00 – 6:30 pm in the Veteran’s Courtyard of Honor.

3. Nursing Pinning Ceremony The Vanguard Nursing Department hosts the Annual Nursing Pinning Ceremony. This is a historic tradition which started in 1916 wherein a pin is presented to the Vanguard University eligible nursing candidates in a formal ceremony. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 10:00 am in the William J. Seymour Sanctuary for both Traditional Undergraduate and Professional Education nursing students.

Baccalaureate Each year, prior to Commencement ceremony, the Vanguard community gathers to celebrate the faithfulness of God and to honor the traditional undergraduate bachelor’s degree graduating students with the Baccalaureate Service.

The baccalaureate tradition originated in medieval universities from which eligible candidates were bid farewell with a sermon. Vanguard University honors this rich tradition through music, Scripture readings and a message brought by a student-selected faculty speaker. The service culminates in the celebration of Holy Communion and the investiture of the graduating class. Students and faculty participate in a processional wearing regalia.

Family members are encouraged to attend.

Baccalaureate is open to all traditional undergraduate bachelor’s degree eligible candidates. This years Baccalaureate will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 9:30 am – 10:20 am in the William J. Seymour Sanctuary.

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VII Commencement Ceremonies Commencement ceremonies will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026. The ceremony is hosted at Mariners Church in Irvine at 5001 Newport Coast Dr, Irvine, CA 92603.

Traditional Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony will begin at 10:00 am.

Graduate and Professional Education Programs Commencement Ceremony will begin at 2:30 pm.

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Arrival

Flowers and Leis

Eligible candidates are scheduled to arrive one hour prior to ceremony start time and will check in at the Community Center. The duration of the ceremony is approximately two hours.

Student parking is available through Turtle Ridge entrance. Guest parking enter through Newport Coast Drive entrance.

Flowers, Orchid Leis, Kukui Nut Leis, and Class of 2026 Commencement t-shirts will be available for pre-purchase and sold on-site the day of Commencement. All proceeds go towards supporting student participation on Vanguard outreach and study abroad trips.

Eligible candidates are allowed to wear their leis during the ceremony. Cash, check and credit/ debit are accepted. Pre-orders are available at thecommencementgroup.com/vanguard.

Seating & Accessibility Needs

Commencement Photos

There will be a 300-seat accessible seating section at Mariners Church for guests with a disability and their family members. The main entrance to the ceremony is accessible, as well as the entrance to the auditorium. Please look for accessible seating signs or ask an usher to direct you upon entry. For guests with accessibility needs or services (such as sign language interpreter or assisted hearing devices), the graduate needs to fill out the “Special Accommodations” section of the ceremony registration form on Tassel. Please e-mail disabilityservices@vanguard.edu or call 714.619.6550 for additional assistance or questions regarding accessibility needs during the ceremony.

Grad Images will be taking professional photographs. One will be taken of each eligible candidate as they walk the stage to shake the officiant’s hand and receive their diploma. Each graduate will have the option to order these photos after the Commencement Ceremonies.

Parking

Spanish Translation A Spanish translation will be available for individuals who request it in advance. As graduates submit their information through Tassel, please specify the number of family members requiring translation services. Additional details will be provided to those individuals.

Travel Accommodations Vanguard University is proud to partner with area hotels. A list of hotels can be found on the Vanguard website at vanguard.edu/commencement (ask for Vanguard rate when making reservation). John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA) is the local airport to campus and is approximately 5 miles from Mariners Church and Vanguard University.

Ceremony Webcast The Commencement Ceremonies will be available on a live webcast at vanguard.edu/live.

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VIII Alumni Association Congratulations and welcome to the Vanguard University Alumni Association! The Alumni Association exists to connect our Vanguard community to each other and to our university.

Through events, benefits and relationships the Alumni Association seeks to deepen the alumni experience and encourages you to stay connected. Join and follow us on our social media platforms across LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Visit our website vanguard.edu/alumni for information on events and benefits.

Your story matters and we are excited for what God has designed for you.

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Alumni Benefits • Access to our Office of Career Services for: • Resume review • Access to VU Connect (career portal) • Auto Insurance Discount: Contact your agent and mention you are a VU alumnus. The Alumni Office will confirm your alumni status.

• 20% discount for personal use of on-campus meeting space • Free library usage • Exclusive access to alumni events, swag, and news

Contact Info Commencement Website vanguard.edu/commencement

Commencement Office (Event Questions) commencement@vanguard.edu 714.966.5485

Office of the Registrar (Student Degree Questions) graduation.support@vanguard.edu 714.662.5202

Vanguard Bookstore (Regalia Purchase Questions) 1489mgr@follett.com 714.966.6722

References Harris, A.L. (2005). Academic Ceremonies: A Handbook of Traditions and Protocol. CASE Books. New York, NY.

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