Ceremony Information

On this page:

• Apply for graduation
• Deadlines to apply for graduation
• Ceremony length
• Etiquette
• Disability accommodations
• Seating arrangements
• Backpacks and bags policy
• Graduating with honors
• Academic attire
• Getting your diploma (Conferral of Degrees)
• Caps and gowns, announcements, and invitations
• Photos
• Tickets
• International students
• Broadcast information

Apply for Graduation

Follow these steps:

1. Log into WINGS Express.
2. Select Apply for Graduation.
3. Select your Degree. For dual degrees, you must apply separately for each one.
4. Indicate whether you will attend the Commencement ceremony. You can change this later if needed.

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Deadlines to Apply for Graduation

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Ceremony Length

• The December ceremony lasts approximately 90 minutes.
• The May ceremony lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. 

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Etiquette

The commencement ceremony is a special event for all involved. It commemorates the completion of an educational goal by the graduate and allows family and friends to participate in a celebration of that completion. Please show respect for everyone who has come to share in the experience.

• During the reading of graduate names, we ask graduates and their guests to be considerate in their applause so that all names are heard clearly and the ceremony is not disrupted. 
• Please return to your seat after you have been recognized and remain for the entire ceremony. 
• Turn off or place your phone in silent mode to ensure that all guests may hear and enjoy the ceremony, including the processional and recessional. 

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Disability Accommodations

Graduates with Disabilities

Graduates requesting assistance who are participating in the Commencement Ceremony should contact the Office of Disability Services or call (937) 775-5680.

Guests with Disabilities

Seating for guests with disabilities and up to two members of their party is available on the floor level. Additional seating for guests with mobility impairments is also available on the concourse level.  All seating is first-come, first-served and reservations are not accepted. Seats are also reserved for those requiring Interpreter Services in Section 204.

If you have questions please contact the Student Union Administrative Office at (937) 775-5512 or event_services@wright.edu.

Wright State University's Nutter Center recognizes the needs of guests with disabilities as defined by the American Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. We continue to make every effort to comply with state and federal accessibility regulations and make reasonable accommodations for guests with disabilities.

Parking

Portions of Lots 1, 2, and 9 are designated for our patrons with disabilities. In addition, extra handicap spaces in the designated lots and surrounding lots for physically challenged patrons may be held for this event. To park in these areas, it is necessary to display an official state handicap parking permit or handicap license plate. To ensure you are able to get to the appropriate location, it is very important that you speak with the parking attendants and tell them you require handicap parking. For special arrangements, please contact Wright State Nutter Center Event Services at (937) 775-4743 or at nutterguest@wright.edu.

Entry to the Arena

There are access ramps for our physically challenged guests at Gate 9 and directly in front of the Box Office (near Gate 4).

Automatic Doors

Automatic door openers are located on the first floor at Gate 9 and at every gate on the concourse level (except at Gate 5).

Wheelchairs

Wright State University's Nutter Center provides wheelchairs at Guest Services. You may also ask a Wright State Nutter Center staff member for wheelchair assistance. Reservations are not required.

Handrails

Wright State University's Nutter Center provides handrails on each stairway between all arena seating sections.

Restrooms and Drinking Fountains

Accessible restrooms and drinking fountains are located throughout the concourse. 

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Seating Arrangements

Seating arrangements for the ceremonies are developed based upon the population of the ceremony participants, including the graduating students, faculty, and staff.

• Seating Arrangements Map — will be posted closer to event

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Backpacks and Bags Policy

All backpacks are subject to search by security personnel upon entering the arena.
 
No backpacks are permitted on the arena floor. Graduates, please give all backpacks, satchels, purses, and any bag over 8 inches to family or friends to hold until commencement has ended. 

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Graduating with Honors

Latin Honors

Undergraduate students with outstanding academic records are recognized at commencement. Latin Honors are based on the achievement of high grades. Three distinctions are noted:

For Students First Enrolled PRIOR to Fall 2006:

• Summa Cum Laude indicates a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.8
• Magna Cum Laude indicates a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.6
• Cum Laude indicates a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.4

For Students First Enrolled DURING or POST Fall 2006:

• Summa Cum Laude indicates a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.9
• Magna Cum Laude indicates a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.7
• Cum Laude indicates a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5

Undergraduate 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. The above information applies to undergraduate students only. Graduate students are required to maintain a certain grade point average, and Latin Honors do not apply to them.

Latin Honor cords for the 2020 Spring (May) commencement will be available April 13, 2020, in the Student Union Administrative Office (210 Student Union).

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 30 semester hours at Wright State University. Please keep in mind that transfer credits from other colleges and universities are also used to calculate the grade point average in determining Latin Honors.

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 the program are based upon the student’s grade point average at the end of the semester preceding the semester 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 (transcript) is the official record.

university Honors Program

Students who have successfully completed one of the curricular tracks in the University Honors Program will receive an Honors medallion. Please contact honors@wright.edu for more information on the medallion. 

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Academic Attire

Candidates for graduation are required to wear the appropriate academic attire (cap, gown, and hood, if applicable) 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:

• Graduate School, graduate-level – Black
• Post-Graduate School, 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

*NOTE: The proper color for all "Sciences" is Golden Yellow, with the exception for engineering students, for whom the proper color is Orange.

You should wear the color (and gown) of the highest level degree you are receiving. If they are of equal ranking (i.e. two bachelor's degrees), wear the color of the group with whom you are seated. You may not wear more than one tassel. 

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Getting Your Diploma (Conferral of Degrees)

Since our commencement ceremonies immediately follow final exams, we are not able to certify the completion of graduation requirements prior to commencement. Therefore, Wright State University does not distribute diplomas at its ceremonies.

Diplomas

Students who are graduating during the Fall and Spring Semesters will receive their diploma cover during the commencement ceremony. Summer graduates will receive their diploma in the mail. (Please note it may take 6–8 weeks to receive your diploma.)

Visit the RaiderConnect website to learn more about receiving your diploma. 

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Caps and Gowns, Announcements, and Invitations

The Wright State Bookstore holds a Graduation Fair prior to the December and May commencement ceremonies where patrons may purchase a range of supplies for their graduation needs, including announcement cards, banners, gifts, etc.

The Graduation Fair for the 2020 Spring Commencement will be held in the Bookstore on February 19 and 20, 2020, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  There will be several vendors present for you to speak with; Framing Success, and Herff Jones.  If you are unable to attend the fair, you may order graduation announcements and class rings online.

Keepsake caps and gowns will be available in the bookstore up to the day before the Commencement Ceremony. The gowns are black for graduate students and green for undergraduate. To ensure availability and correct fit, you are encouraged to purchase yours early. Please note: if you do not purchase your cap and gown from the WSU Bookstore, please be sure you obtain the correct color for your gown, tassel, and/or hood. If you are participating in the Dayton Campus ceremony and live near Lake Campus, please call the WSU Bookstore on the Dayton Campus to place your order.

Please contact the bookstore directly with questions (937) 775-5600 or go to www.wright.bncollege.com.

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Photos - Company subject to change

Wright State University works with Graduation Foto, a leading commencement photographer. Prior to the start of the ceremony, Graduation Foto will be available for pre-commencement photographs on the upper-level concourse, gate 2, and in the McLin Gymnasium. During the ceremony, Graduation Foto will take one additional photograph.

Following the commencement ceremony, the photographer will mail no-obligation proofs within a week of the ceremony. Please remember: family and friends will not have access to the arena floor during the ceremony.

For additional information, please contact Graduation Foto at 1-800-482-0321 or visit their website at www.graduationfoto.com

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Tickets

All graduates and their guests must have a ticket to enter the Wright State University Nutter Center for Saturday, May 2, 2020, commencement. Tickets are given to graduates and their guests at no charge. Graduates can pick up their one (1) Graduate Ticket for their own entry into the arena and up to four (4) General Admission Guest Tickets.

Distribution of tickets will begin on Monday, April 6, 2020. Location of pick-up is the Wright State University Nutter Center Box Office (located on the outside of the building between Gates 4 and 5), during normal business hours.

The graduate must present their photo ID when picking up tickets. Alternatively, someone other than the graduate may pick up the tickets; however, they must present both the student’s photo ID as well as their own photo ID.

Initial Tickets Pick-up Dates and Times:

• Monday, April 6, through Thursday, April 23, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Tickets not picked up by Thursday, April 23, will be returned to the pool of tickets and will be distributed as described below.
 

Extra Ticket Availability

Beginning Monday, April 27, graduates may pick up additional tickets (amount TBD) for their guests. All pick-up procedures still apply. Tickets are first-come, first-served. Once the current supply is exhausted, we will not produce more.

Pick-up Dates

Monday, April 27 thru Friday, May 1
10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Monday through Friday only)

If you are a graduate and you did not pick up tickets by Friday, May 1, you will be permitted to walk at commencement (please enter through Gate 9). For guest tickets, please escort your guests to the box office, the day of commencement, to confirm if extra tickets are available. If no tickets remain, your guests will be directed to our remote viewing site at the Student Union.

All Ticket Pick-up

Tickets are not mailed. There are several options for ticket pick-up shown above.

Please have your ID ready. If you are picking up for someone else, please have your ID as well as the graduate's ID or a legible copy of the graduate’s ID. Once they are gone, no more guest tickets will be dispersed.

Guests without tickets can watch commencement remotely in the Student Union or from anywhere on the live stream.

Graduating students please note: in order to attend the commencement ceremony, you must indicate that you are participating on your Graduation Application in WINGS Express. Your status to walk at graduation can be updated and/or changed until Friday, March 27, 2020.

Lost Tickets

In the event that you lose your tickets, duplicate tickets are not an option. You may go to the Wright State University Nutter Center Box Office on Monday, April 27, 2020, when the surplus tickets will be available. You will only be able to collect the number of tickets that are announced on/after Friday, April 24. Distribution begins on Monday, April 27.

Ticketing Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Tickets?
  Fall graduation applications (and the application fee, which is not related to Commencement) are due Friday, January 24, 2020. Graduates have until April 16, 2020, to decide if they are going to attend Commencement. There is no charge to attend Commencement.

  Because the number of graduates attending Commencement fluctuates for each ceremony, we estimate the number of graduates that will walk at Commencement. For the first round of ticket distribution graduates are eligible for one (1) ticket for themselves and four (4) tickets for their guests.
  
  Beginning the Monday before Commencement, the second-round of ticket distribution will begin. (NOTE: The original four tickets are no longer available for distribution)

• Ticket Pick-up
  The graduate must present a photo ID when picking up their tickets. Alternatively, someone other than the graduate may pick up the tickets, however, they must present both the student’s photo ID as well as their own photo ID.

• Ticket Exchange
  The Student Government Association has organized a ticket clearinghouse to distribute any unneeded tickets to other students at https://www.facebook.com/groups/158269524843760/about/

  Money cannot be charged or received for tickets traded on this exchange.

• Does my 3-year old need a ticket?
  Children three and under do not need a ticket as long as they sit on a lap.

• Study Abroad/Internships
  If you are currently in a study abroad program or working your internship out of town, please contact graduation@wright.edu.

• Remote Viewing
  We will have remote viewing. Watch online at wright.edu/streaming
  
  We will also have remote viewing in the Student Union on the Dayton campus. Campus map of Student Union

• Seating
  Guest seating is General Admission. 

• Where is the Wright State University Nutter Center?
  See Nutter Center map and parking information. 

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International Students

Obtaining a Letter of Invitation

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 office to secure a letter of invitation for your family members. If you are not on a Visa and in the Graduate School please contact Erika Gilles at erika.gilles@wright.edu. If you are an undergraduate student, you should contact the Deans Office for your college 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 one embassy address for all names.  Multiple letters cannot be provided.  It is the responsibility of the recipient of the letter to process the invitation appropriately with the proper government officials. 

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Broadcast Information

There are several options for watching our commencement ceremonies without physically being there, including online options.

Live Streaming

Wright State will provide a live stream of the ceremony as it occurs.

Watch On Demand

In addition to live streaming, Wright State will also keep the broadcast saved on its website for up to one year after the ceremony. These videos are available in the Commencements playlist in the On Demand Videos Player. Select the link and then browse to the desired video.

Live Broadcast

For the city of Fairborn, the live broadcast of our ceremonies is also streamed to the local cable networks and is available to watch on channel 21.