A Guide to College Graduation Announcements

Sending out college graduation announcements might seem like a simple task, but it can actually be more complicated than you might think. And of course, while you're trying to figure out the ins and outs of the announcements, you still have to focus on finishing your classes and planning for life after college. This guide will help you through planning, organizing, and sending your college graduation announcements.

Invitations vs. Announcements

Unlike high school graduation, not everyone is going to attend your college commencement ceremony or go to a party. It's very common for college graduates to skip the date and location information and use their announcements as just that, an announcement of academic achievement.

If you do plan to send invitations for the actual ceremony, you should do so separately, and be sure to include all the pertinent details as well as a method for potential guests to R.S.V.P.—either online or via the mail. Seating for commencement is usually limited, so you will need to know who is coming and who is not.

The Logistics

Coordinating the logistics behind announcements can be a serious pain in the brain. With a little help, however, it can also be taken care of with a few quick steps.

• The Why: 8 Reasons to Send Graduation Announcements
• The Who: To Whom Should I Send My Graduation Announcements?
• The Where and How: Where to Get Graduation Announcements
• The When: When to Mail Your Graduation Announcements

The What: The Announcements Themselves

Wording announcements can seem so easy...that is until you actually sit down and try to write them. To get you started, peruse this variety of announcement styles you can use—or change a bit—to create your own, personalized graduation announcement. Just remember that no matter which type of announcement you send, the following information is vital:

• Your name
• The college or university
• The degree you earned (e.g., B.A. in Political Science)
• The commencement ceremony (or party) date and time
• The location of the ceremony or party

Formal Announcements, Traditional Language

Traditionally, a college graduation announcement uses formal language such as "The President, Faculty, and Graduating Class..." in the opening lines before giving the details in equally formal terms. Spelling out dates and avoiding abbreviations for degrees are just some of the features of formal announcements.

Casual and Informal Announcements

Maybe you're more of a casual graduate who wants to drop all formality and enjoy the celebration. If so, there are endless ways to begin your announcement and you can have as much fun as you like.

Here are a few examples—just don't forget to include the details.

• Education, Dedication, Jubilation, Graduation!
• Call the neighbors around, Raise a glass of Chablis,
  [Tasha] has earned [her] college degree!
• [She's] Graduating!

Announcements Mentioning Family or Friends

Yet another approach to the announcement is to include the support of your family and friends. This is a nice way for the people who care about you most and helped you through school to acknowledge how proud they are of you.

Announcements With a Religious Theme

Whether you're graduating from a faith-based college or simply hope to acknowledge how your faith helped you in this great achievement, adding an inspirational verse is a fine idea. No matter which religion you follow, you should be able to find an appropriate inspirational verse or inscription that pertains to learning and knowledge to quote at the top of your announcement. Again, don't forget the details!