Graduation

May 2025 Commencement

WVU College of Creative Arts and Media
May 17, 2025
9 a.m. (graduates must arrive at 8 a.m.)
WVU Coliseum

Steps to Graduate

1. Complete all Graduation Requirements

   Review the requirements for your specific degree program in the academic catalog, and work with your advisor to confirm you've met all requirements for graduation.

2. Apply for Graduation

   All students must first apply to graduate through the Office of the University Registrar in STAR. Students need to apply during the semester that they will be graduating. Students intending to graduate with multiple degrees or certificates must apply for each degree or certificate separately.

   Follow the instructions on the Registrar's web page: registrar.wvu.edu/graduation-diploma. Students must apply for graduation regardless of whether they plan to attend the ceremony - a separate RSVP is required for the ceremony.

   If you anticipate graduating in a particular semester but do not graduate, you must reapply the following semester. If you are completing your course requirements in the summer term and are therefore an August graduate, you will be notified at a later date to apply for graduation.

   If you find an error, contact your advisor. Do not apply for graduation if everything is not correct, your application will be denied. If you have already applied and things are wrong contact your advisor immediately.

3. RSVP to Participate in the Commencement Ceremony

   The Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony for the College of Creative Arts and Media is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, at 9 a.m. at the WVU Coliseum. If you plan to participate in the ceremony, you must complete the Commencement RSVP Form by Friday, May 9.

Important Ceremony Information

Arrival and Procession: Graduates must arrive at 8 a.m. for check-in and lineup in the Basketball Practice Facility (BPF) just behind the Coliseum; only graduates are permitted in the check-in area. There are limited restrooms and no seating in the BPF. At about 8:40 a.m., University Marshals will escort the line of graduates over to the Coliseum, which includes a few flights of steps. Please keep this in mind when choosing your footwear. Staff will be on hand to assist those who need accommodations.

You will be led to seats on the Coliseum floor for the ceremony. At the appropriate time, you will be escorted toward the stage where your name will be read, and you will receive a commemorative diploma cover, featuring the seal of the University, before returning to a seat on the floor (it may not be the same seat) for the remainder of the ceremony.

Clear Bag Policy: You may NOT leave any items in the basketball practice facility, and there is a clear bag policy for the Coliseum. We recommend using just a wallet or small cross-body clutch (these are allowed under the clear bag policy) that will fit under your graduation gown. 

Parking: Parking is free and tickets are NOT required for families and friends; please be sure to communicate about the clear bag policy for any guests who may attend.

Attire: Graduates must wear regalia; master’s and doctoral degree candidates should have hoods. Be sure to review these guidelines and the tassel/hood color guide.  Caps, gowns and hoods can be purchased online from  Herff Jones  or in person from one of the WVU Bookstore locations - next to the Mountainlair on the Downtown campus or on Patteson Drive near the Evansdale Campus .  Honor cords will be available for bachelor’s degree candidates who have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher. If you qualify, you will receive an email with pick-up details. Note: Latin Honors are only designated at the undergraduate level.

Diplomas: Official diplomas are not awarded at the ceremony but are mailed once all grades are certified by the WVU Office of the Registrar.

Outstanding Fines/Fees: Candidates should check with Admissions and Records at (304) 293-2124 to be certain that they do not owe any fines or fees. Outstanding dues may result in a delay in diploma mailing.

Photography: A professional photographer will take photos of graduates as they cross the stage. An email will be sent to the address provided on the photo/name card completed at the ceremony. Graduates will be able to order these photos immediately following the ceremony.

Program: Embracing our digital world and our commitment to sustainability, we are transitioning to an online Commencement program. Students, families and friends may access the online program by scanning the QR code, which will be displayed at the venues during Commencement ceremonies, or by visiting the graduation website at  graduation.wvu.edu.

Accommodations for Guests and Graduates with Disabilities: Commencement volunteers will be on hand to assist as needed.

General WVU Information: Additional information regarding graduation is available at WVU’s Commencement website at  http://graduation.wvu.edu. For questions related to participation in the commencement ceremony, contact the Erica Lindsay at 304-293-7016 or  erica.lindsay@mail.wvu.edu.

Please note: Invitation to or participation in the ceremony is not confirmation that the student is certified to graduate. Graduation certification is completed after final semester grades are released.