Winter Graduates

Event Program

Welcome and Congratulations

Senior Class President

Congratulations from the Graduate Council

Graduate Council President

President’s Remarks

Katherine A. Rowe

Greetings from a Recent Graduate

Recognition of Degree Candidates

Virginia M. Ambler ’88, Ph.D. ’06
Vice President for Student Affairs

Alumni Induction

The William & Mary Alumni Association

Alumni Induction Creed

As a graduate of William & Mary
and as a new member of the
William & Mary Alumni Association,
I pledge to uphold the university's values of
Belonging, Curiosity, Excellence,
Flourishing, Integrity, Respect, and Service.

With pride, I will support and cherish
the ideals of William & Mary,
encouraging others to do so as well,
no matter how far from Williamsburg life takes me.

About the Event

This is a celebration to recognize winter graduates before departing William & Mary, but it is not a graduation ceremony.  Winter graduates are invited to attend the formal graduation ceremony in May. The winter recognition lasts about 45 minutes and includes remarks from the Graduate Council President, Senior Class President, a young alum and the President of the university. It also includes an alumni pinning ceremony. Each winter degree candidate is recognized by name, at which point the degree candidate crosses a small stage to receive a "stage diploma" (actual diplomas are mailed out in January).

What to Wear

Business attire is appropriate for graduates and guests.  This is not a formal ceremony. Graduates do not wear academic regalia (caps and gowns) at this event.

Inviting Guests

To ensure seating, guest tickets are required. At this time, each winter graduate is limited to a maximum of two (2) guests to this event. The number is based on the anticipated number of winter graduates and the space limitation of the room. Limited tickets for overflow seating will be available.

Bag Policy

Clear bag protocol is in effect for this event and regulates the size and type of bag that may be brought into the ceremony venue. 

Bags that are approved include:

• Clear tote bags made of plastic, vinyl or PVC that do not exceed 24″ x 12″ x 24″
• One-gallon clear plastic zip-style bags
• Small purses or clutch bags that do not exceed 6.5″ x 4.5"
• Medical or diaper bags – diaper bags must be accompanied by a child

Bags that are not permitted include:

• Backpacks 
• Printed or tinted plastic bags
• Cinch or drawstring bags
• Fanny packs
• Camera or binocular cases
• Large purses or bags

Official Degree Conferral

The "degree conferral" date listed in the Academic Calendar is the date when a student's official academic record will indicate that the degree has been earned. There are no formal Commencement exercises mid-year, which is why we host the Winter Graduates Reception in December and why we encourage those completing degrees mid-year to return for their formal Commencement celebration the following May.

Returning for the May Ceremony

William & Mary does not hold a mid-year Commencement ceremony for several reasons. Because final grades are not calculated until late December, degree eligibility cannot be confirmed in time to plan a formal ceremony for January. Additionally, relatively few students complete their degrees mid-year.  

Although your degree will be officially conferred in January, you and your family are warmly invited to return to Williamsburg to participate fully in the May Commencement weekend and celebrate this milestone with the William & Mary community.

Please be sure you maintain and updated mailing address with the Registrar's Office. 

How You Will Be Contacted

Commencement information is sent to your W&M email account. You will continue to receive Commencement updates after leaving campus, provided this email account remains active. If you use an alternate email provider, please forward your W&M email to that account to ensure you receive important information. 

Students who wish to participate in the May ceremony must complete the online Commencement Registration form. Information about registration will be emailed after the university's winter break. Only graduating students participating in the main ceremony may request guest tickets.

Important: If you plan to return for the May ceremony, you are responsible for notifying your department chair that you will be in attendance. Your department can advise on their procedures for returning graduates and ensure your name is included in the departmental diploma presentation.

Winter Graduate Bell Ringing

2026 Bell Ringing Date - Dec. 4, 2026
12 noon - 2:00 p.m.

Ringing the Wren Bell at the end of one's academic journey is a cherished William & Mary tradition! Winter graduates are encouraged to join us at the Wren Building on their last day of Fall Semester classes.

View 2026 Winter Graduate Bell Ringing Details