May Commencement

May 15-17, 2020

New Clear Bag Policy

To provide a safer environment for guests and to ease entry into event venues, a Clear Bag Policy has been implemented beginning in December 2019.

Learn more about the policy.

December Commencement

December 21, 2019
WVU Coliseum

Details Morning Webcast Afternoon Webcast

New Clear Bag Policy

To provide a safer environment for guests and to ease entry into event venues, a Clear Bag Policy will be implemented beginning in December 2019.

Learn more about the policy.

Steps to Graduate

You must complete the following steps before you are allowed to graduate:

Apply to graduate

All students must first apply to graduate. Follow the instructions on how to apply to graduate on the Registrar’s website.

After you’ve applied to graduate, tell us if you would like to participate in the graduation ceremony.
- May graduates – Register to walk through your college’s website.
- August and December Graduates – Register on this website. You will receive more information through the email address you provided on your graduation application.

Order required cap, gown and other optional graduation products (announcements, invitations, etc.)

Official WVU regalia is available at the two WVU Bookstore locations and online at Herff Jones. Please purchase all caps, gowns, tassels, and hoods prior to the day of your ceremony as no regalia will be sold at the venue. See our Commencement Attire page for more information about attire requirements.

Check for any outstanding fees and holds (unpaid parking tickets, overdue library books, fees, etc.)

Students are not allowed to graduate if there are any unpaid fees. Make sure you are set to graduate by following these steps:
1. Navigate to portal.wvu.edu
2. Log in with your WVU ID and Password
3. Select the “STAR” tab from the home screen
4. Click on “Student Services and Housing”
5. Click on “Student Records”
6. Select the “View Holds” option
*To resolve holds, students will need to contact the office, the “Originator” listed, who has placed the hold on their account.

Check your Mountie Bounty balance

If you still have a Mountie Bounty balance 125 days after you graduate, you will be charged a $10 account processing fee. To avoid this, check your balance and either spend those funds or request a refund.
1. Go to mymountaineercard.wvu.edu.
2. Enter your WVU username and password.
3. View your balance from the main page.
4. If you have a balance, you can either spend it at participating locations or request a refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need tickets?

For December and May commencement, family and guests of a graduate do not need tickets. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis.

Where do I register and check in?

For December graduation graduates must report to the Coliseum's 3rd level Country Roads gate one hour before the ceremony to check-in and receive instructions for line-up.

For May graduation details on check in will be announced based on your college's assigned date, time, and location of graduation. Please visit the May Ceremony page for the date, time, and location of your graduation ceremony.

What is the appropriate graduation attire?

All graduates must wear academic regalia (cap and gown). The only substitution for the cap and gown is military dress.

Official WVU regalia is available at the two WVUBookstore locations and online at Herff Jones. Please purchase all caps, gowns, tassels, and hoods prior to Commencement. No regalia will be sold at the venue.

View all Frequently Asked Questions