Logistics

• Where is Commencement?  Commencement will take place on the Webster University Main Campus, with ceremonies being held in the Loretto Hilton Center and Grant Gymnasium. Check the schedule here to find out where your school/college ceremony will take place.

• What time do I need to be there?                                                            

Please reference the "Check-in Info" tab for check-in times and locations. Undergraduate students taking part in the 9:00am Main Ceremony should check-in with their respective school/college beginning at 7:30am.

• How long is the ceremony?

The general Webster University undergraduate ceremony usually takes about an hour. 

Individual school and college ceremonies can take anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours.

• What time do guests need to arrive?

Due to limited parking, we ask that you and your guests arrive together. Check-in times and locations for each ceremony are posted here.

• Where do I park?                                                                                                                                                         

Our main parking garage on Garden Ave. will be our largest source of parking during commencement. A map of campus, including parking lots can be found here. We also ask that you carpool or use transportation services like Uber and Lyft, as our parking is limited and will be congested. The designated ride share drop off and pick-up area is located on Garden Ave. in front of the East Academic building.

• I or one of my guests have/has a disability requiring accommodations. What provisions are provided? 

• For those graduates/guests who require assistance walking, it is strongly recommended that you bring a wheelchair.
• Special seating for guests using wheelchairs will be available in various areas of campus. Please note: Due to limited availability, wheelchair seating areas allow for one (1) guest in a wheelchair along with (1) additional guest only.  
• Graduating students should indicate special accommodation requests for themselves when they register to participate. 
• Accessible parking will be available near Grant Gym and the Loretto Hilton Center in Lots J, I and H ; see campus map here. Cars must have the proper disabled access license plate or window tag to park in these areas.
• Captioning for hard of hearing will take place at all ceremonies. 
• If you have questions regarding special accommodations needed for the Commencement ceremonies, please contact specialevents@webster.edu 

• Will I receive my diploma at the Commencement ceremony?

No, diplomas are mailed out by the Registrar’s Office 10-12 weeks after the May graduation date. If you have moved recently, please ensure that the Registrar's Office has your current mailing address. The Registrar's Office information can be found here.

• When will I receive my diploma?                                                            

Diplomas are mailed out by the Registrar’s Office 10-12 weeks after the May graduation date.

Eligibility, Tickets & Registration

• I didn’t RSVP for the Commencement ceremony; can I still attend?   You will need to contact the Office of Special Events at specialevents@webster.edu to see if tickets are still available for your ceremony. 

• Do graduates need tickets?                                                                                                                                                        

Yes, all students and their guests MUST HAVE A TICKET. Due to the limited seating we must ensure that all guests have a space and the only way to do this is to make sure each student and guest has a ticket. PDF tickets can be printed from your confirmation email after you register.

• How many guests am I allowed to bring?                                                  
  At this time, students can register for 4 guest tickets.  After all graduates have been notified and time allotted for them to get tickets, we may open up the system for those that need more than 4.  All those who have already registered or on our list of area and online graduates will receive an email if/when this happens.  We will also make an update to webster.edu/commencement. If someone attends without a ticket, they may be required to watch the ceremony from one of our live streaming areas.

• Do I need to print out my tickets?

You must have printed tickets or be able to show your tickets on your phone when you arrive. 

• Can I walk/participate in the graduation ceremony if I still have classes left to complete in the Summer?

Please contact your School or College directly to seek approval. In general, requests are not approved if a student has more than six (6) credit hours remaining.  Keep in mind, if your request to participate is approved, your name will NOT appear in the Commencement program. Only the names of those who have completed their programs in the current academic year will be listed.

• I am earning two degrees from two different schools/colleges, can I participate in both ceremonies?  

Yes, you are welcome to participate in each of your ceremonies as long as they are not scheduled for the same time.  Just make sure you 'purchase' tickets for both ceremonies. 

• How do I know if my name is on the list for graduation?                                                                                                                                             

If you are completing your degree in May and intend to participate in the May Commencement ceremony, you must submit your Petition to Graduate electronically by February 17, 2023, to ensure your name is listed in the Commencement program booklet. Keep in mind that submitting your Petition to Graduate is NOT the same thing as submitting your RSVP for the Commencement ceremony.

You must also RSVP and 'Purchase' tickets (all tickets are free) on this website if you will be participating in the Commencement ceremony.   This will ensure you are on our list as attending and that your name will be called during your school's individual ceremony.  

General Questions

• If I bring guests who don't have a ticket, where can they watch my graduation ceremony?                                              
  We will have viewing areas on campus for any additional guests who don't have a ticket. All Loretto Hilton ceremonies will be streamed in the ISB Auditorium, and all Grant Gymnasium ceremonies will be streamed in the Winnie Moore Auditorium. All ceremonies will also be live streamed online here for friends and family to watch at home.
  
  
• What happens if it rains?                                                         

Commencement is "rain or shine" since all ceremonies will be held indoors on the main campus. Tents will be located throughout campus at check-in locations. Participants and guests are advised to be prepared for inclement weather.

• Is there an event for students who graduate mid-year?

A December Toast celebration is held for students who graduate in August, October and December each year. These students are also invited to participate in the May Commencement ceremony.

• Can my family/friends bring signs, balloons, etc?

We kindly ask that guests refrain from bringing any type of signs, balloons, confetti/glitter, noisemakers or anything else that might disrupt the commencement ceremony. Balloons will not be permitted in either venue. 

• Where is Lost and Found?

Lost and Found will be at the Public Safety office, located in the parking garage on Garden Ave. 

• Where can I find the graduate photos taken at Commencement?  

           Photos of each graduate were taken by Grad Images and can be found on their website once posted.

Attire, Honors & Regalia

• Do I have to wear a cap and gown to Commencement?

Yes, a cap and gown must be worn to walk in the Commencement ceremonies. The exception is current or former military personnel, who may elect to wear their dress uniform. Information on purchasing your cap and gown can be found here.

• How do I know if I qualify for departmental honors?

Your school or college will let you know if you qualify. If you have questions about this please contact their designated office or your advisor. 

• How do I know if I quality for University Honors?                                                                                              

Undergraduate Students:  

University-wide academic honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, cum laude) are awarded to students who have achieved a high grade point average across the curriculum. 

All undergraduate students whose transcripts include the following will be awarded honors:
(Note: In the following, 'graded hours' excludes grades of 'pass' or 'credit'; 'cumulative grade point average' includes all Webster University courses plus any transfer courses being used by the student to attain his/her 128 credit hours.)

• A minimum of 45 graded credit hours at Webster University.
• A minimum of 90 graded credit hours accumulated in the entire college career
• A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.7.

The type of honor awarded will be determined on the basis of the following GPAs:

• Those with a minimum cumulative GPA between 3.70-3.79 will be awarded their bachelor's degrees with the distinction of cum laude.
• Those with a minimum cumulative GPA between 3.80-3.89 will be awarded their bachelor's degrees with the distinction of magna cum laude.
• Those with a minimum GPA between 3.90 and higher will be awarded their bachelor's degrees with the distinction of summa cum laude.

Graduate Students (excluding doctoral programs):

A student who completes a graduate degree (including all required, elective, prerequisite, and transfer courses) while maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.950 receives Graduate Academic Honors. Accelerated sequential degrees are excluded from this designation.

• I am eligible for University or Departmental honors. What color honor cord do I wear?

The bookstore can help you on the proper color for your department. 

• Are honor cords supplied by the department?

Each school and college is different so you will want to check with them on if they supply these cords or not. 

• What color hood do I need?                                                                           

The color of your hood is determined by your degree type. You will automatically be provided with the correct color for your degree when you order your cap and gown.

• What color tassel do I need for my degree program?                                   

The color of your tassel is determined by your degree type and will match your hood. You will automatically be provided with the correct color for your degree when you order your cap and gown.

• If I am a double major what color hood and tassel do I need?                                                                         

If you are a double major, the degree which is listed first on your Petition to Graduate determines the color of your hood. 

• If I borrow a gown, can I still purchase the hood, tassel and cap separately?                                                     

Yes, each part of the regalia is available to purchase separately.

• What happens if I forget my graduation cap, gown, tassel or hood on Commencement day? 

          We strongly advise that you not let this occur. The Webster University Bookstore will be present at Commencement with a limited number of these items for sale, however, the items’ availability cannot be guaranteed.