Commencement Information

FAQ
Registrar Office

Grad Fair Spring 2026

Please join us on March 26th from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on the third floor of Tatum Court, Hattiesburg Campus. Open to all Spring 2026 graduation candidates.

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.

Thursday May 7th 

10:00 AM Ceremony
  • School of Nursing
  • College of Health Sciences
3:00 PM Ceremony
  • School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences
  • School of Arts and Letters
  • School of Mission and Ministry Studies

Friday May 8th

10:00 AM Ceremony
  • School of Education (Undergraduate Programs only)
  • School of Music
  • School of Business
3:00 PM Ceremony
  • School of Education (Graduate Programs)

Each candidate will receive six (6) tickets for family and friends.
  • Students may exchange tickets among themselves.
  • The Registrar’s Office will not redistribute tickets for students.
  • Tickets are available for pickup at:
    • Grad Fair on March 26
    • The week before graduation (pickup times will be announced later)
  • All ceremonies will be livestreamed for family and friends unable to attend.

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.

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 graduation. Your physical copy will be mailed 3 - 5 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.

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.

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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