Graduating Students

Thursday, May 14: Graduate Ceremony @ 5:00 pm, DCU Center, Worcester, MA (Students arrive and check-in at the DCU Center by 4:00 pm)

The ceremony will last approximately two hours. 

Friday, May 15: Undergraduate Student Ceremony @ 2:00 pm, DCU Center, Worcester, MA (Students arrive and check-in at the DCU Center by 1:00 pm)

The ceremony will last approximately three hours. 

• All graduating students will receive 8 tickets to assign to family, friends, and guests.
• While there is no charge for tickets, all guests must have a ticket to enter the arena.
• Students do not need a ticket to participate in the Commencement Ceremony (although all guests must have a ticket to enter the DCU Center)
• If you have guests who require accessibility accommodations, you may request ADA and/or limited mobility seating through the Commencement HUB. Tickets are pre-assigned and are not in addition to your 8 allotted tickets. Each ADA ticket allows up to one companion and both tickets must be assigned to someone within your original 8-ticket allotment.

• Students may only enter the DCU Center through Door 2.
• Students will line-up in the Exhibit Hall, which will feature music and staff to help you line up in the correct order.
• You will check-in and then receive your name reader card.
• You will not have access to the arena (guest seating) during line-up.
• Your guests will not have access to the Exhibit Hall during line-up.
• Students who (might) need seating or mobility accomodations should contact commencement@wpi.edu so we can adjust seating as needed.

• We honor the tradition of Convocation and the Earle Bridge Crossing, which will occur on May 12, 2026.
• On your Commencement day at the DCU Center, you will line up in the Exhibit Hall in the order you will be seated, the Processional will begin 15-20 min prior to ceremony start time.  At this time, you will move 2 by 2,  past our Commencement Gompei statue, and onto the carpet runner, complete with the WPI Seal.
• Prior to the Processional, a video from the Class of 2026 Earle Bridge Crossing (recorded in early May) will be played on the arena monitors. 

• You will be handed a diploma case when you cross the stage and pose for a photo with the President during the commencement ceremony.
• After the ceremony you will receive your official diploma through the mail.

• Students and their family & friends should plan to meet at a pre-determined location outside the DCU Center.
• Many students and family members will choose to go out to dinner or head back to campus to meet friends and/or take photos. 

We highly recommend that all students check their accounts to make sure there are no outstanding financial obligations with any University departments, as these may result in holds being placed on grades and transcripts after graduation.

• Check at the Gordon Library circulation desk to make sure that you are not being held accountable for overdue books or late return fees.
• Check with Campus Police on unpaid parking tickets.
• Check with the Dean of Students Office for any outstanding Hull Loans.
• Check with your department on the return of equipment, keys and materials.
• Bottom line: check your Workday account to make sure you don't have an outstanding balance or hold on your personal WPI account.