Graduating Students
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! Both Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies will be held at the DCU Center in Worcester.
Here you will find information regarding the tasks you’ll need to complete throughout the spring. Check your email and this site often to make sure you don’t miss any important deadlines.
All graduates are expected to wear WPI Commencement Regalia in order to participate in the ceremony. You can purchase your regalia at the Bookstore.
Information about the Ceremonies
Date/Time of Ceremonies
Thursday, May 15: Graduate Ceremony @ 5:00 pm, DCU Center, Worcester, MA (Students arrive and check-in at the DCU Center by 4:00 pm)
The ceremony will last approximately two hours.
Friday, May 16: Undergraduate Student Ceremony @ 2:00 pm, DCU Center, Worcester, MA (Students arrive and check-in at the DCU Center by 1:00 pm)
The ceremony will last approximately three hours.
The Ticketing Process
- After winter break, students will receive information regarding ticketing and tasks to complete on the Hub.
- While there is no charge for tickets, all guests must have a ticket to enter the arena.
- Students do not need a ticket to participate in the Commencement Ceremony (although all guests must have a ticket to enter the DCU Center)
Student Line-up Process
- Students may only enter the DCU Center through Door 2.
- Students will line-up in the Exhibit Hall, which will feature music and staff to help you line up in the correct order.
- You will check-in and then receive your name reader card.
- You will not have access to the arena (guest seating) during line-up.
- Your guests will not have access to the Exhibit Hall during line-up.
- Students who (might) need seating or mobility accomodations should contact commencement@wpi.edu so we can adjust seating as needed.
Our Traditions
- We are working with a group of Class of 2025 students to plan the Earle Bridge crossing and Convocation.
- On your Commencement day at the DCU Center, after student line-up, the Processional will proceed into the DCU Center, past the 3D-printed Gompei Goat statue, and onto the carpet runner, complete with the WPI Seal.
- While the Processional is occurring, a video from the Class of 2025 Earle Bridge Crossing (recorded in early May) will be played on the arena monitors.
Receiving your Diploma
- You will be handed a diploma case when you cross the stage and pose for a photo with the President during the commencement ceremony.
- After the ceremony you will receive your official diploma through the mail.
After the Ceremony
- Students and their family & friends should plan to meet at a pre-determined location outside the DCU Center.
- Many students and family members will choose to go out to dinner or head back to campus to meet friends and/or take photos.
Settling Obligations
We highly recommend that all students check their accounts to make sure there are no outstanding financial obligations with any University departments, as these may result in holds being placed on grades and transcripts after graduation.
- Check at the Gordon Library circulation desk to make sure that you are not being held accountable for overdue books or late return fees.
- Check with Campus Police on unpaid parking tickets.
- Check with the Dean of Students Office for any outstanding Hull Loans.
- Check with your department on the return of equipment, keys and materials.
- Bottom line: check your Workday account to make sure you don't have an outstanding balance or hold on your personal WPI account.