Kepler College will host its Inaugural Graduation Ceremony and the 10th Celebration of Southern New Hampshire University program graduates (Class of 2025) on Wednesday, 12 November 2025 from 09:30 am to 01:00 pm at the Kigali Convention Centre.

Graduation Ceremonial Program 2025

09:00 – 10:00 AM: Arrival of Guests, Faculty, Students & Parents
10:45 – 11:00 AM: Academic Procession
11:00 – 11:10 AM: Arrival of Guest of Honor
                               National Anthem
11:10 – 11:20 AM: Constituting the Assembly & Welcome Remarks
11:20 – 11:25 AM: Traditional Dance
11:25 – 11:35 AM: Chancellor’s Remarks
11:35 – 11:55 AM: Presentation of SNHU Graduands & Conferment of Degrees
11:55 – 12:20 PM: Presentation of Kepler College Graduands & Conferment of Degrees
12:20 – 12:30 PM: Academic Awards for Best Students
12:30 – 12:35 PM: Graduation Oath & Hat Toss
12:35 – 12:40 PM: Valedictory Speech
12:40 – 12:45 PM: Introduction of Guest of Honor
12:45 – 13:00 PM: Address by Guest of Honor
13:00 – 13:05 PM: Dissolving the Assembly
13:05 – 13:15 PM: Group Photos on Stage

Graduands should dress smartly for the event and must wear the graduation regalia (gown, hood, and cap) which should be rented from Graduation Attire in advance of the ceremony.

You can collect your graduation gown for the day of your ceremony from Kepler, Kigali Campus, in Kinyinya on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 09:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Everyone collects their own graduation gown. Exceptions are reviewed case-by-case.

If you have rented your graduation gown, you must return them to Kepler College, Kigali Campus on the week commencing November 25, 2025.

Fees and Fines:

• Gown and Scarf:

  • Late return fee: 2,000 RWF/day

  • Lost or damaged gown: Full cost recovery (60,000 RWF, non-negotiable)

  • If someone else returns your gown, you remain responsible for any damages.

• Degree cases: These are for graduates to keep.

Wednesday, November 12 at 8:00 AM: We invite all graduands to a photo session at the KCC No Man’s Land, Foyer 1C. We’ll have three distinct photo setups:

• Formal picture: Graduands will be arranged by program. This first shot will capture the essence of graduands’ achievement. Stand tall, hold your degree holders, and grace the camera with your proudest smile.

• Spirited picture: We will capture a joyful moment of graduands playfully tossing their hats skyward.

• Formal Group Photo with Guests: After the ceremony, the graduates will assemble on the stage of the auditorium, and once they are in position, they will be joined by invited guests for a final family photograph.

Independent photographers are not allowed inside the auditorium.

During the event, exclusive access to the main stage will be granted only to Kepler College official photographers and videographers.

For those accompanying graduates – parents, guardians, relatives, friends, and other attendees – A branded photowall will be set up at the KCC No Man’s Land, Foyer 1C. It is the perfect backdrop for you to create your own photo memories of this significant day.

• On-stage photographs: Kepler College professional photographers will capture your on-stage moment. You will be able to view and download these photographs from Kepler flickr page.

• Celebration videos: The graduation ceremony will be live-streamed via Kepler College. Our professional videographers will videotape all segments of the ceremony. Edited versions of these recordings will also be accessed on the channel.

Update: 1 November 2025

Graduands must meet the graduation requirements by Wednesday, October 30, 2025, in order to be invited for the 2025 graduation ceremony. Only graduands who have fulfilled all requirements can attend.

Please complete the exit survey, regularly check your Kepler and Kepler College email, and ensure you have marked your attendance.

• Procession tips:

  • Follow the order of entry and walking.

  • Await the Master of Ceremonies’ signal before entering. Staff leading each group will come to the front; ensure graduands follow them in sync with the music.

  • Once graduands at their designated seat, remain standing until everyone has entered.

  • When called for a degree, approach the front promptly. Shake hands, collect your degree holder from the table, and position yourself in front of the VIPs. Prepare for a group photo after every 15-20 names are announced.

  • Once the final name is announced, everyone stands. Together, as a sign of joy, raise the degrees and pronounce in a loud voice, “New Pathways to Employment.”

• Seating Arrangement | Kigali Campus and Kiziba Campus graduands:

  • Kepler College | Bachelor of Arts in Project Management

  • SNHU | Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Concentration in Business

  • SNHU | Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Management, Concentration in Global Perspectives 

  • SNHU | Bachelor of Arts in Management, Concentration in Logistics and Operations

• Dress code: Smart, Professional, and Cultural preserving.

For any questions or clarifications, please reach out to the graduation@keplercollege.ac.rw or registrar@keplercollege.ac.rw.

• When and where will the celebration take place?

Kepler College will hold its Inaugural Graduation Ceremony alongside the 10th Celebration of Southern New Hampshire University program graduates (Class of 2025) on Wednesday, 12 November 2025 from 09:30 am to 01:00 pm at the Kigali Convention Centre.

• Can I graduate under a different name than the one on my degree certificate?

You can only graduate under your legal name, which appears on documents of official academic certification.

• How many guests can I bring, and do I need to pay for tickets?

All registered graduands will be accompanied by two  guests. Anyone unable to attend in person can watch the ceremony live on our YouTube channel.

• Can I bring a young child on that day?

While children are welcome at many events, formal ceremonies can be challenging for those under 10 years old. The extended duration and quiet setting often make it difficult for younger children to remain seated and comfortable for long periods. For this reason, we recommend that only older children attend to help ensure a smooth experience for all guests.

• What to do if I, or one of my guests have accessibility requirements?

The graduation venue is designed to be accessible for everyone. If you experience any difficulties on the day, please alert a member of staff. 

• What is the format of the celebration?

The celebration will last for approximately 3 hours and include the presentation of each graduand on the stage, where names will be called, and handshakes (or equivalent formal gesture) given by a member of the academic platform party. Please note that you will not receive your degree certificate the day of your Graduation; this will be posted to you afterwards.

• Is there a dress code for Graduands and Guests?

Graduands should dress smartly for the event and must wear academic regalia (gown, hood, and cap) which should be rented from Graduation Attire in advance of the ceremony. There is no dress code for guests, although graduation is a formal event. Smart, Professional and Cultural preserving attire is encouraged.

• Where can I pick up my gown?

You can collect your graduation gown alongside a booklet  on Friday, November 7, 2025 between 09:00 am and 05:00 pm from the Kepler College Kigali Campus. Everyone collects their own graduation gown. Exceptions are reviewed case-by-case.

• Where do I need to return my gown?

If you have rented your graduation gown, you must return them to Kepler Kigali Campus on the week commencing November 25, 2025.

Fees and Fines:

• • Late return fee: 2,000 RWF/day.

  • Lost or damaged gown: Full cost recovery (60,000 RWF, non-negotiable).

  • If someone else returns your gown, you remain responsible for any damages.

• Will there be reserved parking spaces at the Kigali Convention Center?

Yes. Onsite parking is available at the KCC complex. Parking is first-come, first-served, so please arrive early and follow directions from security. Accessible parking is available.