All degree requirements for graduation must be completed before a student is allowed to participate in commencement exercises. Dates and times for graduation ceremonies will be released soon. Please check back soon.
Graduates are expected to participate in the appropriate commencement to recognize this milestone in their scholastic achievement unless they submit the approved ‘Absentia Form.’ Doctoral students must participate unless excused by the VP of Academic Affairs.
The ceremony will be held in Thomas Fine Arts Building. For those unable to attend the event, the ceremony will be webcast live on William Carey’s website. The seating capacity of the auditorium is limited to 1,000 with doors opening one hour prior to each ceremony. Seating is open on a first-come, first-served basis and guests are encouraged to arrive in time to be seated 30-45 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Once the seating capacity has been reached, fire codes require that no additional guests are allowed entry or re-entry if exiting even momentarily. All guests wanting to enter (or re-enter) once the ceremony has started will be redirected to overflow seating in other buildings on campus where the ceremony is shown via webcast.
A rehearsal is not possible; therefore, it is IMPORTANT for graduates to report to Room 226 in the Thomas Fine Arts Building at least 1 hour before the scheduled ceremony. Graduates will receive name cards, lineup locations and additional ceremony instructions at check-in. Only graduates are allowed in the Check-in area. Professional photos will be taken near check-in prior to the ceremony.
Commencement programs will be placed in the chairs on stage. All purses, keys, belongings, etc., should be left with family or friends prior to checking in. The university will not be responsible for items lost or stolen during the commencement exercises.
The Administration and faculty begin the processional to the stage and students follow afterwards. Graduates should keep an even walking pace and keep approximately 6 feet between each person. Students will follow the processional line to their seats on stage and stand at their seats until instructed to sit.
During the ceremony, degrees will be awarded in college and degree order. Please pay attention to the marshals during the ceremony for the appropriate times to stand and move forward. As students cross the stage and names are announced, the President will present the students with diploma covers. Actual diplomas will be distributed by the Registrar’s Office staff in a designated area in Thomas Fine Arts Building on the 2nd floor immediately after the ceremony. All accounts must be paid in full, all library books returned, and all fines paid to receive your diploma.
The ceremony is a respectful ceremony and students are expected to wear the appropriate attire. Any regalia that has been altered will be replaced temporarily for the ceremony. Men should wear a white shirt, dark tie, dark trousers, dark socks, and dark shoes. Women should wear appropriate dark dresses or slacks and dark shoes. Due to the stairs and walking pace during the processional, women should wear low heels or flats to avoid falling.
