A guide to graduating

This information is for students graduating in person. There is different information for students graduating in absentia.

The graduation ceremony

There are things you need to do before, during and after your graduation ceremony. You will be reminded of what you need to do again before the ceremony. 

Before the ceremony

Graduating students must submit the Application to Graduate no later than one week prior to graduation but applications to wear personal and/or cultural items beneath their school-issued, academic gown must be approved no later than two weeks prior to graduation (see What to Wear).

The Retrospective Video and the Speeches from the Student Council representative, Salutatorians and Valedictorians are due Monday, the week before graduation.

At 2pm the Friday before the graduation ceremony, all graduating seniors will participate in a Flag Lowering Ceremony. This is the traditional farewell of your time as students at school.

At 9am on the morning of your graduation, all students will report to the graduation site where they will rehearse the ceremony and be reminded of important details.

Your graduation ceremony will begin at 5:30pm.

You should arrive at the ceremony no later than 5:00pm in your approved graduation garb. Find out about the dress code for graduating students, including the sash you are authorized to wear.

During the ceremony

The Faculty will begin the processional in their earned academic regalia. The graduating students will follow and take their place on stage.

If your name is called for and exemplary award, you should walk from your seat to the center of the stage where you will be presented with the award.

When the Counselor calls your name to receive your diploma, you should walk from your row to the center of the stage, receive your diploma and shake hands with all dignitaries on stage. Students will shift in their rows so that they are at the front of the row when their name is called.

You will then walk off stage where you will be presented with a lei as an SIS graduate.

Once all students have received their diplomas, they will present their video retrospective to the community.

Graduation is officially over once the Counselor instructs all students to “Turn their tassels.” At this point, the Counselor will present the new graduates to the community and they are welcome to throw their caps in celebration.

After the ceremony

Graduates will circulate within the hall for photographs with family, friends and faculty.

Graduates must return their borrowed sashes, and all SIS graduation material before their final transcripts can be cleared.