Commencement Information

FAQ
Registrar Office

Fall Grad Fair

Join us for the Fall 2026 Grad fair on Tuesday, November 3rd from 12pm - 5pm on the 3rd floor of Tatum Court. Come celebrate, prepare and get excited for graduation!

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.

All ceremonies will be held in Thomas Fine Arts on the Hattiesburg campus. Candidates should arrive at least one hour early for check‑in and lineup in the King Student Center.

If you have questions about which ceremony you need to attend, please give us a call at 601-318-6195.

Thursday, December 10th 

10 AM

  • School of Nursing - Hattiesburg Undergrads and Masters

2 PM

  • School of Business
  • School of Music
  • School of Arts and Letters
  • School of Mission and Ministry Studies
  • School of Natural and Behavioral Sciecne

4PM - Select Tradition AND Baton Rouge Programs

  • School of Nursing - Tradition AND Baton Rouge Undergrads
  • College of Education - Tradition Undergrads

Friday, December 11th

10 AM

  • College of Education - Hattiesburg Undergrads
  • College of Health Science -All Undergrads and Masters

2 PM

  • College of Education - All Masters of Eduation

4PM - All Advanced Degrees

  • Specialist of Education
  • Doctor of Education
  • Doctor of Arts
  • Doctor of Philosophy

William Carey University does not permit decorated caps or gowns of any kind. Those with decorated caps will be instructed to remove the decorations or purchase a new cap from the Bookstore on site.

*Each candidate will receive nine (9) tickets for family and friends.

*Ticket allotment is subject to change as ceremony details are finalized.

  • Students must present a valid photo ID to pick up tickets.
  • All guests, regardless of age, are required to have a ticket to comply with building safety guidelines.
  • Students who are unable to pick up tickets during the allotted times may pick up their tickets at check‑in on the day of the graduation ceremony. This is recommended for Baton Rouge students.
  • Students may exchange tickets among themselves.
  • The Registrar’s Office will not redistribute tickets for students.
  • All ceremonies will be livestreamed for family and friends unable to attend.

Hattiesburg & Baton Rouge Students

Tickets may be picked up from November 30th to December 9th at the Registrar’s Office, located in Tatum Court, Room 116, during normal office hours:

  • Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Tradition Campus Students

Tickets may be picked up from November 30th to December 9th at the Registrar’s Office on the Tradition Campus, following normal office hours.

  • Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

William Carey University launched a new regalia design beginning with the Spring 2023 commencement ceremonies. This regalia is exclusive to WCU and may only be purchased through the William Carey University Bookstore (Barnes & Noble).
Only official WCU regalia is permitted at commencement.

Ordering Academic Regalia

Students may order caps, gowns, and hoods in one of the following ways:

Online:
Order through Oak Hall by clicking the link provided. Click here to order online. Ordering for Fall 2026 commenement is not yet open, stay tuned for updates!

In-Store:
Visit the William Carey University Bookstore on the Hattiesburg campus.

Bookstore Hours:

  • Monday–Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Questions?
Call the bookstore at 601-318-6123 for assistance.

Diploma Frames

Diploma frames are available:

Graduation Announcements

Official William Carey University graduation announcements with matching envelopes may be ordered:

Please allow at least three weeks for delivery.

Contact Information

For questions about regalia, diploma frames, or announcements, contact:

William Carey University Bookstore: 601-318-6123
Email: bkswmcarey@bncollege.com

Digital diplomas will be sent out 15 - 20 business days after degree conferral. Your physical copy will be mailed 3 - 5 weeks after degree conferral.

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.

Please wear your Sunday best under your regalia

  • Slacks with a collared shirt and tie.
  • A modest, knee length dress or skirt.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking a lot and surfaces may be slick from inclement weather.

William Carey University does not permit decorated caps or gowns of any kind. Those found with decorated caps will be instructed to remove the decorations or purchase a new cap from the Bookstore on site.
Please note, flowers and balloons are not permissible at graduation.

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