Frequently Asked Questions
When Are the Graduation Ceremonies Held?
Wright State University holds two commencement ceremonies each year. The first ceremony of each academic year is the Fall commencement. The Fall commencement is always held the Saturday before the Thanksgiving holiday. August and November graduates may participate in this ceremony.
The Spring commencement is held in June and is always on the second Saturday in June. March and June graduates may participate in this ceremony.
The ceremonies begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. in the Nutter Center Arena.
Where is the Ceremony Held?
All ceremonies are held at the Ervin J. Nutter Center. The doors usually open to the public at 8:30am.
When Should I Participate in Commencement?
March Graduates – Students who complete their requirements in March may participate in the June (Spring) commencement ceremony. These students must apply to graduate between August 22 and December 7.
June Graduates – Students who complete their requirements in June may participate in the June (Spring) commencement ceremony. These students must apply to graduate between December 8 and March 1.
August Graduates – Students who complete their requirements in August may participate in the November (Fall) commencement ceremony. These students must apply to graduate between March 2 and May 25.
November Graduates – Students who complete their requirements in November may participate in the November (Fall) commencement ceremony. These students must apply to graduate between May 26 and August 21.
What Happens During the Commencement Ceremony?
The purpose of a Commencement ceremony is to publicly recognize the accomplishments of those students earning their undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate degrees. The order of the ceremony is: Processional, Welcoming Remarks, Commencement Address, Conferral of Degrees and Distribution of Diplomas, Presentation of Ceremony participants, Closing Remarks and Recessional.
How Long Is the Ceremony?
The November ceremony is approximately an hour and a half, the June ceremony is approximately two hours and fifteen minutes.
When Will I Receive Information on the Commencement Ceremony?
Approximately six weeks before commencement each eligible student who has applied for graduation will receive a letter containing brief information about the upcoming ceremony. Included with the letter is a yellow participation card that must be completed and returned to the Office of Event Services by a specific date. Those students completing the card and returning it by the specified date will receive a second letter with more specific details approximately three weeks before the ceremony.
What is the Proper Attire for Commencement?
Candidates for graduation are required to wear the appropriate academic attire (cap, gown, and hood, if required) to participate in the ceremony. The academic robe is different for each of the awards presented: undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate. The hoods or tassels represent the college, school, or major field in which the student is receiving the degree. Following are the color designations for each college, school or discipline:
- School of Graduate Studies, graduate level - Black
- School of Graduate Studies, postgraduate level – Gold
- Boonshoft School of Medicine – Green
- School of Professional Psychology – Royal Blue
- College of Engineering and Computer Science – Orange or Yellow
- College of Science and Mathematics – Yellow
- Raj Soin College of Business – Drab
- College of Liberal Arts – White
- College of Education and Human Services – Light Blue
- College of Nursing and Health – Apricot
Are Tickets Required to Attend Graduation?
The determination as to whether tickets are required for admission into a graduation ceremony is based solely on the total number of eligible students who specifically register to participate in the ceremony. Fewer students complete their graduation requirements in August and November. As such, tickets are not usually required for the November (Fall) ceremony.
Since the Spring (June) commencement is the traditional quarter for graduation, the number of eligible candidates is much greater than those for the Fall ceremony. Therefore, it may be necessary, due to fire code regulations, to require seating tickets for each person entering the Ervin J. Nutter Ceremony for the June ceremony.
In order to keep the graduation exercises open to as many family and friends as possible, Wright State University is not able to make this determination until after the deadline has passed for receipt of the yellow participation card. Whether tickets will be required is based upon the total number of eligible graduates who wish to participate in the ceremony. Generally, tickets are not required if less than 1,400 students will participate.
What are Latin Honors?
Undergraduate students with outstanding academic records are recognized at commencement.
There are two distinct kinds of honors—those based on the specific course work in the
University Honors Program and those based on the achievement of high grades (Latin honors).
Three kinds of Latin Honors distinctions are noted:
Summa Cum Laude indicated a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.8.
Magna Cum Laude indicated a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.6.
Cum Laude indicates a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.4.
Students who have earned these distinctions wear white cords in recognition of their achievements and have their level of distinction noted by their name in the printed program. Students in the Honors Program also receive an Honors Medallion, in addition to their cords and the honors distinction by their name.
What are the Requirements to Attain Latin Honors?
Latin Honors are based on meeting the minimum honors grade point average requirements for work attempted at Wright State University and for all college work attempted as of the end of the term in which the student graduates (that is, by the day on which term grades are due). In calculating cumulative grade point averages for honors, only the first grade earned for a course will be counted. To be eligible for academic honors at graduation, students must have earned at least 45 credit hours at Wright State University.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the printed program with respect to
degrees awarded and honors conferred. The honors indicated in this program are based upon the student’s grade point average at the end of the quarter preceding the quarter of graduation. The appearance of a name in the list of degree candidates is not to be regarded as conclusive since some final grades are not submitted until after commencement. The student’s permanent academic record is the official record. Note: please refer to your catalogue for a more complete explanation of the Latin Honors requirements.
How Do I Obtain a Letter of Invitation for My Family?
International students who wish to invite members of their family to the graduation ceremony may request a “letter of invitation.” Usually, this letter is used by the family to secure Visas for entry into the United States.
If you are an international student on a Visa, you should go to the University Center for International Education to secure a letter of invitation for your family members. If you are not on a Visa, you should go to the Student Union & Event Services office for a letter of invitation. In both cases, please be prepared to provide the full names of those to be invited, the familial relationship and an address. Ordinarily, the letters are addressed to the family and it is the responsibility of the recipient of the letter to process the invitation appropriately with the government officials.
Where Do I Get Announcements or Invitations?
The WSU Bookstore holds a Graduation Fair prior to the November and June commencement ceremonies. Representatives of the various vendors (invitations, class rings, etc.) attend the Fair and will provide assistance as you prepare for your graduation day. You will receive notice of the Fair in the first informational letter about the ceremony (during the quarter of your graduation).
Who Do I Call for Accommodations?
Students with disabilities should contact the Office of Disability Services to secure appropriate accommodations during the Commencement ceremony. Guests with disabilities should contact the Nutter Center. Further information, including phone numbers, will be provided in the final letter of information on the ceremony.
Will There Be a Photographer?
Yes, we contract with a professional photography studio to photograph our commencement ceremonies. The photographers will be on hand to take portrait-style photos prior to the ceremony. They will also photograph each graduate as he or she shakes hands with the dean of the college/school. Each graduate will receive a no-obligation proof within three weeks of the ceremony. Further information will be provided in the final information letter. Note: family and friends will not have access to the arena floor during the ceremony.
Questions?
If you have questions about the ceremony, please contact Event Services (937-775-5512). All questions about graduation requirements or your graduation status should be directed to your college or academic advisor. Please contact the Office of the Registrar (937-775-5588) to confirm your eligibility for Latin honors.
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