Commencement Ceremony
Graduation is a big deal. Let's celebrate!
Join us for the HCC Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony!
All students who have completed a degree or certificate during the 2025-2026 academic year are invited to participate in the spring Commencement ceremony. After completing your application for graduation, you will be asked to confirm your attendance in your student center.
If you graduated in summer or fall and missed signing up for Commencement but wish to participate in the Spring ceremony, contact the Records Office at 309-268-8071, or records@heartland.edu for next steps.
We will be hosting our Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 15th at the Grossinger Motors Arena in downtown Bloomington. Commencement will begin promptly at 5:00 pm.
Graduates will be allowed to invite friends and family to this milestone.
As always, the safety and health of our students is our top priority. We will be continually assessing the current situation and guidelines. If there would be any changes in our event planning, we will keep you updated.
Friday, May 15, 2026
5:00 p.m.
- Graduates can pick up their cap and gown from May 11th to 14th, 2026. More information will be shared as the date approaches.
- On May 15, graduates are to arrive at Grossinger Motors Arena by 4:00 pm.
- The Arena has a clear bag policy, and only see-through bags with personal belongings will be admitted.
- Parking in Arena lots will be free for Commencement attendees.
- Graduates are to enter on the south side of the Arena at the Pepsi Ice Rink entrance.
- Inside the Arena, Heartland staff will direct you to the check-in area where you will be seated.
- Guests can enter through any open doors and will be directed to guest seating
- Ceremony duration will be approximately 2 hours; students are expected to stay for the entire event. If you initially indicated you were not planning to participate in the Commencement ceremony and later decide you would like to participate, contact HCC Records Office.
Accommodations
For Guests:
Guests
There are plenty of seats at Grossinger Motors Arena for your guests. At this time, there is no limit to how many guests you can bring to celebrate with you
Program
Programs will be available at the ceremony on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program is also available to view or print online. Heartland graduates who participate in the commencement ceremony are listed online. This list of graduates is accurate as of May 14. Graduates who indicated their participation in the ceremony after that date will be added to the list the week of May 18.
You may also view an accessible version of the program and list of graduates.
Livestream
Join us virtually by viewing the livestream!
Clear Bag Policy
More information about the clear bag policy here.
Photography
All Heartland graduates will be professionally photographed during the ceremony through Photography by Kent. Pictures will be available to view/purchase online Saturday, May 17 at 5 pm. on the following website:
Enjoyphotos.com
Username: HCC2026
password: 48068
Photography by Kent can be reached at (309) 454-1967 or at photobykent@yahoo.com.
Receiving Your Diploma
A few things to keep in mind:
- Participation in the commencement ceremony does not automatically ensure you have earned a degree, certificate or diploma.
- Graduation audits are completed as soon as possible following the ceremony for spring and summer candidates.
- Diplomas will be mailed to you approximately 3-5 weeks after degrees are conferred.