Oakton's commencement ceremony is a celebration of your hard work and dedication. It's an opportunity to mark a milestone in your educational journey.
Graduation culminates your years of study, hard work, and perseverance. It formally recognizes your achievements and gives your friends, family, and support groups a chance to celebrate you.
05/18/2026 18:00
Hey there grad! Congrats on your major accomplishment. Here’s your checklist for an amazing event.
All students who plan to graduate in spring of 2026 must apply to graduate in myOakton by Friday, February 20. Even if you do not plan to attend the ceremony, if you want to graduate with your degree or certificate, you must submit an application to graduate. Questions? Contact Registrar Services: registrarservices@oakton.edu.
If you already applied and successfully graduated in fall or summer 2025, you do not need to do this step to participate in the ceremony—you’re good to go!
We use a tool called Tassel to display your name and credential on a screen as you walk across the stage and ensure that your name is pronounced correctly. You’ll also have the opportunity to upload a photograph that will be shown on the screen as you cross the stage! Read below for more details on Tassel.
Take a free professional headshot on campus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following dates to use for Tassel Registration. Headshots will not include cap and gown.
Sign up is required, and one slot per person is allowed. Register through SignUp Genius.
All commencement participants are required to wear an academic cap and gown, provided for free by the College. Order your cap and gown by Sunday, March 22. In February, keep an eye out for instructions in your email from commencement@oakton.edu.
Write, record your name and upload your photo in Tassel by Monday, April 13. In order to gain access to Tassel, you have to order a cap and gown first so don't delay. You’ll receive more information about this via email from commencement@oakton.edu.
Pick up your cap and gown and tickets between May 6 (starting at 10 a.m.) and May 15 (ending at noon). Pickup locations are: Student Life and Campus Inclusion, Room 1530 (Des Plaines) or A130 (Skokie). You’ll receive more information about this via email from commencement@oakton.edu.
Invite your friends and family to attend and celebrate with you. Each student will receive five event tickets, graduates do not need a ticket for themselves.
We are proud to celebrate your student at Oakton’s commencement ceremony on Monday, May 18 at 7 p.m.
Parking at the event venue, Rosemont Theatre, will be free thanks to a generous donation by the Student Government Association.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. The ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. and last approximately one and a half hours.
There is not reserved seating at the venue, but there will be plenty of room for everyone!
No balloons are permitted in the venue.
Every graduate is given five event tickets. If you do not need all five tickets, please return them to Student Life. If you need more tickets, we will do our best to accommodate you. Please reach out to commencement@oakton.edu.
Can’t attend the ceremony in person? Watch your grad cross the stage virtually by logging onto the Zoom livestream. A link will be added to this page a few days before the ceremony.
Commencement is held at the Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont, Ill.