Commencement Information

Commencement Ceremonies

Graduation exercises for William Carey University  degree candidates will take place according to the following schedule. The times set for each ceremony are subject to change as conditions require. All plans are contingent upon health and safety guidelines leading up to the commencement dates.

Commencement dates and times

Commencement will take place at:

William Carey University,
Thomas Fine Arts Auditorium,
Hattiesburg, MS 39401

Candidates will need to check in an hour before their ceremony on the first floor of the Student King Center. 

Friday, December 12th- 10 AM

• Cooper School of Mission and Ministry Studies
• Noonkester School of Arts and Letters
• School of Business
• School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences
• Winters School of Music
• College of Health Sciences
• Fail School of Nursing

Friday, December 12th- 2 PM

• School of Education

TICKETS

Each graduate will receive five (5) tickets for guests. Please note that we do not have extra tickets available. Students are welcome to exchange tickets among themselves, but the Registrar’s Office will not track or facilitate redistribution. Everyone—regardless of age—will need a ticket to attend the graduation ceremony. Due to limited seating and safety regulations, we must account for every person in the venue, including infants and small children.

Pickup Locations & Times:

• Hattiesburg Campus:
  Tickets will be available for pickup in the Registrar’s Office from Monday, December 1 through Thursday, December 11 during regular office hours:
  Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Tradition Campus:
  Tickets will be available in the Tradition Registrar’s Office from Monday, December 1 through Thursday, December 11 during regular office hours:
  Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

If you are unable to pick up your tickets during these office hours, you may pick them up during check-in at the graduation ceremony. 

ID Requirement:
To receive your tickets, you must present either your student ID or a state-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license).

LIVESTREAM

The livestream link will be available on December 12, 2025.

Commencement Program

 Archived: 2025 - August Commencement

 Archived: 2025 - May Commencement

 Archived: 2024 - August Commencement

DIPLOMAS

Digital diplomas will be sent out 15 - 20 business days after graduation. Your physical copy will be mailed 4 - 6 weeks after graduation.**

If you have a hold on your account, you will not be able to receive your diploma until the hold is released. Please contact the Office of the Registrar once your hold has been removed.

** Due to holidays and office closures, digital and physical diplomas will be delayed an additional four weeks.

DRESS CODE

Please wear your Sunday best under your regalia

REGALIA & DIPLOMA FRAME INFORMATION

William Carey University has launched a new look for our regalia starting with our Spring 2023 commencement ceremonies! This regalia is unique to William Carey, and it can only be purchased through the WCU bookstore, Barnes and Noble. Only WCU regalia will be allowed at the commencement ceremony.

Cap and gown orders are ordered through Oak Hall or processed by the William Carey Bookstore at the Hattiesburg campus. Call 601-318-6123 for more information.

Diploma frames are available in the William Carey Bookstore or online at Barnes and Noble at WCU or online at Framing Success.

Official William Carey University announcements with matching envelopes will be available for sale online or by phone (1-800-225-3687). Please allow at least three weeks for delivery.

For questions or more information, contact the William Carey Bookstore at 601-318-6123 or e-mail bkswmcarey@bncollege.com