The Chapman Commencement weekend will be one you will remember for years to come. We’re excited to have all Chapman graduating students together on Wilson Field at Closing Convocation on Friday, May 17 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Join the Chapman family afterwards at Aitken Arts Plaza in front of Musco Center for the Arts. Closing Convocation will honor your achievements and celebrate the work you have done in your time at Chapman University and Dodge College.

Highlights of Closing Convocation

  • Celebrate with the entire Chapman & Dodge College graduating class
  • Turning of the tassels as President Struppa will officially confer degrees
  • Celebrity keynote speaker – Matt and Ross Duffer, Creators of Stranger Things
  • Collect your graduation medals to wear at your Commencement ceremony
  • Evening closing with a celebratory toast

Dodge Commencement Ceremony, Sunday, May 19, 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Commencement Ceremony for Dodge College celebrates our graduates and your hard work throughout your educational career. Dean Bassett and our guest Keynote Speaker Dean Devlin will give remarks to welcome you as Chapman alumni. Then comes the time for your loved ones to lift cameras and snap photos of you walking across the stage to accept your diploma.

Dean Bassett will then give closing remarks releasing you to rejoin family and friends. Once you exit Wilson Field there will be cheering, laughter, tears, hugs, and oh so many photos. We encourage you to join Dodge faculty and staff at Marion Knott Studios for beverages and light appetizers as a final send off into the world. Introduce your peers to family and use this time to mingle before you head off to your family/friend celebrations. Make sure you are making those dinner reservations soon to avoid long wait times in Orange and surrounding cities.

Additional highlights

Take advantage of your discipline’s end-of-year celebrations they may be holding. Use these opportunities to connect, commend each other on the mutual accomplishments throughout the year, and plan for the future.

Continue monitoring your Chapman email for additional updates about commencement. Keep in touch with Dodge College Alumni Relations and Career Advising for resources available to Dodge graduates and continue building the alumni network.

FAQs

Q: Whom do I contact with questions about commencement?
A: Feel free to contact the Special Events team at 714-997-6740, commencement@chapman.edu or JonHernandez, Career Advisor – jonherna@chapman.edu

Q: Will there be a Dodge College reception after Commencement?
A: Yes, Dodge College will hold a light reception at Marion Knott Studios immediately following the ceremony on Sunday. Please invite your friends and family to join you and faculty for a congratulatory reception with beverages and light appetizers from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Q: Where do my guests park for Commencement if we’re attending the post-ceremony reception?
A: Please have your guests park closer to Marion Knott Studios (West Campus Structure, City of Orange Structure, any local street parking) for easy exit after the reception.

Q: What time will the ceremony end?
A: The ceremony is scheduled to end at 1:30 p.m. but may go over depending on flow of diplomas. The post ceremony reception will end at 3:00 p.m.

Q: How many people can I bring to Closing Convocation? Commencement?
A: Students who RSVP for Closing Convocation are allotted four (4) guest tickets. Commencement is free and open to all guests and family of students.

Q: Do I have to attend Closing Convocation?
A: We strongly encourage all graduating students to attend Closing Convocation. Join Dodge College alumni Matt and Ross Duffer from Stranger Things.

Q: Where can I find more information?
A: https://www.chapman.edu/students/academic-resources/graduation/index.aspx