Graduate Commencement

GradFest is your one-stop shop for all of your Commencement needs! You’ll have the opportunity to pick up your cap and gown if you ordered them online. At the event, you can also order a class ring, meet with the Career Center and Alumni Engagement teams, and possibly win a prize in the raffles. 

GradFest will take place in the St. Germain Campus Center on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 from 2:00–6:00 p.m. and Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 12:00–4:00 p.m.

• Students graduating should plan to arrive at the MassMutual Center for robing and processional between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
• There is no secure storage for valuables.
• Look for signs directing you to the correct entrance for students located on the corner of Main Street and Bruce Landon Way.
• Guests will enter the MassMutual Center at the Main entrance on Bruce Landon Way.
• Once inside students will be directed to the Exhibition Hall. Just inside the Exhibition Hall, check in to receive your name card.
• Please remain on the arena floor until the recessional at the end of the ceremony and help assure the appropriate decorum to mark this important event in your life.

• Tickets for families, friends, and guests will be issued electronically from the MassMutual Center during the week of April 22. You will have until Friday, May 10 to claim your issued tickets.
• Each graduate will be provided with fifteen (15) guest tickets for Commencement.
• Students graduating do not need a ticket.
• Information will also be provided in the MassMutual Center email on how to transfer the tickets to each of your guests.
• All guest seats are General Admission.
• Tickets will be scanned at the entrance.
• Each ticket has a distinct access code and may only be used once.
• The tickets are non-replaceable and do not have monetary value.
• The University does not support or condone the selling of guest tickets.
• WNE is not responsible for lost, stolen, or destroyed guest tickets.
• Extra tickets will be available to graduates/participants on a first-come first-serve basis beginning Wednesday, May 15 through Friday, May 17, and can be picked up at the Enrollment Services office front desk located in the bottom floor of the D’Amour Library between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Extra tickets will be paper tickets, not electronic. Please bring your student ID.
• Graduate Commencement guests should arrive at 2:00 p.m. and will enter at the box office located on Bruce Landon Way.
• Guest tickets are free of charge.
• Guests are prohibited from bringing balloons, food, or beverages into the MassMutual Center.

In order to participate in ceremonies during Commencement Weekend, you will need University-approved regalia. Herff Jones, in conjunction with the WNE Bookstore, is the approved supplier for caps and gowns to graduates.

All orders for regalia must be made online. (Please see below for more information regarding Honor Cords.) Ordering options include home delivery and campus pickup options. It is highly recommended that all orders are placed as soon as possible to avoid processing and transit delays.

Cap and Gown Deadlines

March 13: Order your cap and gown by March 13 for campus pickup option. Campus pickup orders will be available beginning April 16 at the WNE Bookstore.

April 18: Order your cap and gown by April 18 for ship to home option and receive your cap and gown for Commencement Weekend. (Cap and gowns will not be available to order after April 18.) Shipping fees do apply

Note about Honor Cords: Honor cords cannot be purchased. They are distributed to the appropriate students at Commencement check-in.

For further information regarding cap and gowns and announcements, contact the WNE Bookstore.

The deadline for settling all accounts at Enrollment Services in order to receive a digital and paper diploma after Commencement is Monday, May 20, 2024.

All August 2023, October 2023, December 2023, and May 2024 graduates are eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony. Graduates are asked to notify Enrollment Services at 413-796-2080 immediately if they change their mind about participating in the Commencement ceremony.

Graduates who will be within six credits of graduation as of May 19, 2024, may be eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony. A Participation Request Form must be sent to the Dean's office prior to April 30, 2024.

Graduates will receive a digital download of their official diploma within a few days of the ceremony, as well as a diploma cover on stage. Paper diplomas will be mailed to the graduates’ address on file within 5-6 weeks.

To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for all our graduates, we will be providing complimentary shuttle service to and from the event.

Please note: Detailed information regarding the shuttle service schedule, pick-up and drop-off locations, and how to reserve your spot on the shuttle will be made available shortly. We are currently finalizing the logistics to offer you the best possible service.

We recommend checking this page regularly for updates. Rest assured, we are committed to making your commencement day as memorable and convenient as possible.

Photographs will be taken of each graduate as they receive their diplomas.

As soon as your Commencement photos are processed, graduates and their families will be able to view and purchase their photos online.

The Commencement ceremony will be streamed live on the University website starting at 3:00 p.m. on May 19, 2024 at wne.edu/commencement.