Instructions for Degree Candidates

For Undergraduates | For Graduate Students

Additional information is included in the Final Instructions for Degree Candidates (PDF), e-mailed to all graduates in April.

For Undergraduates

Before Commencement:

• Review the appropriate sections of this website for important information and deadlines. 
• If you do not plan to pick up your diploma in person, be sure to provide the Registrar's Office with an accurate physical address where your diploma can be mailed.
• If you are a double-major or if your major is in an interdisciplinary program (e.g., Public Policy, Neuroscience, Women's Studies, etc), you must tell the Registrar's Office which departmental ceremony you want to attend to receive your degree on Commencement Sunday.  Even if your program has a ceremony and/or reception on Saturday, you will not get your diploma until after the main ceremony on Sunday.  For double-majors, your diploma will be sent to your primary major department unless you request otherwise.

Commencement Weekend:

Please remember that Commencement is a ceremony with a long tradition and great dignity.  We ask that you reflect the character of the event in your decorum throughout the weekend.  Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at the Candlelight Ceremony, Walk Across Campus, and the main ceremony at William and Mary Hall.  Your cooperation is much appreciated.

• Dress/Regalia

  With the exception of the Senior Class Officers, academic regalia are not worn to the Baccalaureate Service.  Most students dress for the Baccalaureate as they would for a religous service.  Information about appropriate dress/regalia for other events is included in the paragraphs below.

• Candlelight Ceremony

  The Senior Class Candlelight Ceremony on Saturday night provides a time for celebration and reflection.  Brief comments will be made by the President of the Senior Class and by a selected student, faculty member, and administrator.  The ceremony concludes with the singing of the Alma Mater and the lighting of candles by the graduates.  Families are welcome to attend.  In the event of rain, the ceremony will be held under a tent in the Sunken Garden, with graduates getting first priority for available space under the tent.  Caps and gowns (but not hoods) should be worn to the Candlelight Ceremony. The tassel should be worn on the right side of the mortar board.

• Walk Across Campus

  On Sunday, seniors should gather in front of the Wren Building at 10:45 a.m. for a final walk together across campus.  Class Officers will introduce the three Honorary Marshals who will lead the procession from the Wren Building to William and Mary Hall.  Caps, gowns, and hoods should be worn for the Walk Across Campus.  The tassel should be worn on the right side of the mortar board. Mortar boards may not have objects or inappropriate messages attached.

• Commencement Ceremony

  The undergraduate procession will form on the Lower Level of William and Mary Hall starting at approximately 11:15 a.m. (as students arrive from the Walk Across Campus).  There will be Faculty marshals, staff and signs guiding students to the proper location.  Caps, gowns, and hoods should be worn for the main ceremony.  The tassel is worn on the right side of the mortar board until the degree is awarded.  Mortar boards may not have objects or inappropriate messages attached.

For Graduate Students

Before Commencement:

• Review the appropriate sections of this website for important information and deadlines. 
• If you do not plan to pick up your diploma in person, be sure to provide the Registrar's Office with an accurate physical address where your diploma can be mailed.

Commencement Weekend:

On Commencement Sunday, graduate degree candidates should gather at 11:15 a.m.  in the Wightman Cup Room on the Concourse Level of William and Mary Hall.  Enter the building through the doors that open directly into the Wightman Cup Room (toward the back of W&M Hall, on the side facing the Commons Dining Hall).  Staff members and signs in the Wightman Cup Room will help to organize candidates into the proper order for the academic procession. 

At the appointed time in the ceremony, the candidates for each degree will be asked to rise and the degree will be conferred on each group.  Diplomas for some degrees will be distributed at the departmental ceremonies following the main ceremony.  Other students will receive their diplomas by mail.  Ask your school/department for details about how you will receive your diploma.