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.  

Commencement Events

GRADFest (Student-only event)
April 25, 2025, 12pm-6:30pm: pick up your regalia from the bookstore 4:30pm-6:30pm: socialize, enjoy a drink, food and live music in the Odeum
Senior Week May 7-12
Convocation & Earle Bridge Crossing (Student-focused events)
May 13, 2025, at 1:30 PM in Harrington Auditorium (Rain date: May 14, 2025, at 12:30 PM) 
ROTC Commissioning
May 14, 2025, at 4:30 PM in Alden Hall
May 15, 2025 at 5:00 PM

Graduate Ceremony

Processional begins at 4:45pm
May 16, 2025 at 2:00 PM

Undergraduate Ceremony

Processional begins at 1:45pm

Complete Commencement Tasks by May 9

Complete your required commencement tasks. Log into your WPI Hub Account and click the “My Commencement” icon to complete the required tasks below. 

  • Complete the Career Development Center (CDC) Survey.
  • Update your Lifetime Engagement Information.
  • Request ADA Seating (optional).
     

All tasks must be completed by May 9 at 11:59pm. 

Complete your Selfie Check-in by May 15

Every graduate will be photographed 2–3 times as you are recognized across the stage and return to your seat. To ensure you receive your free commencement day proofs quickly and accurately, you must complete this Selfie Check-in

Photo packages start at just $7.95, with no obligation to purchase. 

Complete your check-in below:

• Undergraduate Ceremony
• Graduate Ceremony
• ROTC Commissioning

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
  • All graduating students will receive 8 tickets to assign to family, friends, and guests. 
  • 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)
  • If you have guests who require accessibility accommodations, you may request ADA seating through the Commencement Hub. Tickets are pre-assigned and are not in addition to your 8 allotted tickets. Each ADA ticket allows up to one companion and both tickets must be assigned to someone within your original 8-ticket allotment.
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 honor the tradition of the Earle Bridge Crossing and Convocation, which will occur on May 13, 2025.
  • 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.