Frequently Asked Questions
On this page:
- How do I start the graduation process?
- Who is eligible to participate in the ceremony?
- When is the celebration?
- How do I register to participate?
- How do I purchase my cap and gown?
- I am a veteran and would like a Veteran’s Honor cord, how do I obtain a Veterans Honor cord?
- How do I ensure that my honor society memberships are listed in the program?
- How do I order Commencement announcement cards?
- Are there any other memorabilia that I may be able to purchase?
- At what age does a child need to be registered as a guest, versus a lap-seated child?
1. How do I start the graduation process?
To start the graduation process, please contact the Office of the Registrar to apply for Graduation. Applying to graduate with the Office of the Registrar is a separate process from registering to participate in the Commencement Ceremony. Be sure to apply for Graduation at the Office of Registrar first. Visit Office of the Registrar's Website
2. Who is eligible to participate in the ceremony?
Any student who has filed an application for graduation degree(s) with the Office of the Registrar is eligible and encouraged to participate in the Commencement Ceremony.
3. When is the celebration?
Spring 2026 Commencement
Saturday, May 16, 2026
9:00 a.m.
Edith Kanakaʻole Multipurpose Stadium
The Commencement Ceremony is not open to the public, only registered guests will be able to attend.
Rehearsal will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 12:30 pm for students and 1:30pm for Platform Party. Rehearsal is typically one hour. Rehearsal will held at the Edith Kanakaʻole Multipurpose Stadium.
4. How do I register to participate?
If you have applied to graduate, you will receive an email informing you that registration for Commencement has opened for the semester.
5. How do I purchase my cap and gown?
General regalia may be purchased at the UH Hilo Bookstore.
Supplies are on a first-come, first-served basis, so do not wait until the last minute.
Master and Doctoral regalia are not kept in stock.
Persons over 250 lbs or taller than 6’6”, should place a special cap & gown order.
Contact the University of Hawaiʻi Hilo Bookstore:
(808)932-7394
hilobook@hawaii.edu
UH Hilo Bookstore
200 West Kawili Street, Hilo, HI 96720
Bookstore Hours:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00AM - 3:00PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00AM - 3:00PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00AM - 3:00PM |
| Thursday | 9:00AM - 3:00PM |
| Friday | 9:00AM - 12:00PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
6. I am a veteran and would like a Veteran’s Honor cord, how do I obtain a Veterans Honor cord?
If you are a veteran, you may obtain a Veteran’s Honor cord from the
7. How do I ensure that my honor society memberships are listed in the program?
Deans and faculty advisors of your honor society affiliations will be responsible for getting your name to the committee to appear in the program.
8. How do I order Commencement announcement cards?
Personalized commencement announcements are available at the UH Hilo Bookstore for $1.80 each (price subject to change, minimum order of 5). Please note that announcements are not required for entrance into the commencement site. Please contact the
9. Are there any other memorabilia that I may be able to purchase?
Class Ring: Herff Jones Ring Company offers customized class rings. Brochures are available at the bookstore for those who are interested. Questions regarding class rings can be forwarded to our Herff Jones Representative, Mary Chiang at (808) 395-1322, or emailed to mbasales@hawaii.rr.com.
UH Hilo Diploma frames are also available at the bookstore.
For further information, contact the Commencement Committee at commence@hawaii.edu or (808) 932-7840.
10. At what age does a child need to be registered as a guest, versus a lap-seated child?
Children ages 2 and under that can sit on a lap do not have to be on the guest list.