When and Where is the 2023 Commencement Ceremony?

Friday, May 26th at 6:30pm in the Coalinga High School Bowl. 

• Address: 750 Van Ness St, Coalinga, CA 93210
• The CHS Memorial Bowl is located on Sunset Avenue between Cambridge Street and Baker Street.
• There is limited parking available on a first come-first served basis near the entrance gate to the CHS Memorial Bowl. Additional parking is available at West Hills College Coalinga, a short walking distance away.
• We recommend car pooling where possible.

When should I arrive?

If you are graduating, please be sure to RSVP at the link in your student email. If you did not receive a link to RSVP contact us at registrar@whccd.edu 

• Graduates should arrive at the Coalinga High School Gymnasium an hour prior to the ceremony at 5:30pm.
• Guests should arrive between 6pm and 6:30pm at the Coalinga High School Memorial Bowl (Gates open at 5:30pm).

What should I wear?

• Graduates should wear their regalia over semi-formal attire and comfortable shoes. The ceremony is held on a grassy surface, so please be cautious in wearing heeled shoes. 
• Guests should wear business casual or semi-formal attire.

Where can I purchase my commencement regalia?

• The deadline to order commencement regalia and receive it prior to graduation was April 24th.
• Regalia is still available to borrow from our office if you would like to participate in commencement but did not purchase regalia in time. We have a limited supply of caps and gowns to lend out. If you are interested, please email registrar@whccd.edu 
• Regalia Pickup for Coalinga home campus:
  • Orders will be available for pick-up on campus beginning on May 18th, 2023 at the Coalinga Campus Library.
  • Library hours are 8am-7pm Monday to Thursday and 8am to 4pm on Friday. 
• Regalia Pickup for Firebaugh Center home campus:
  • Orders will be available for pick-up at the Firebaugh Center beginning on May 18th, 2023 at the Student Services desk.
  • Pickup hours are 8am-5pm Monday to Friday. 
• Please note - the web order form asks for a shipping address. Please enter your home or mailing address there - however - regalia will NOT be shipped to that address. 

Will my family and friends be able to attend?

• Graduates are encouraged to invite all family and friends. There is no specified limit to the number of guests per graduate, and guests do not need to RSVP.
• Seating is available on a first come, first serve basis until filled.

Can I participate in commencement without regalia?

No, the cap and gown are required to take part in commencement. If you aren’t able to get regalia, please contact registrar@whccd.edu for assistance. A stole is not required but can be worn with the regalia.

Can I decorate my grad cap?

Yes! We encourage tasteful decoration.

Will I get my diploma/certificate at the ceremony?

No, you will receive a diploma cover. Your diploma/certificate will be mailed approximately 8-12 weeks after the commencement ceremony.

What happens if I didn’t complete my degree?

Even if you did not complete your program in the 2023 Spring term, you can still participate in commencement. You will be able to celebrate graduation, but you won’t receive a diploma or certificate until your program requirements are complete.