Graduation and Commencement Ceremony

Day of Ceremony

photo of graduates at commencement

On this page:

Fall 2024 Dates and Times

Graduate Ceremony (Doctoral and Master's): Friday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m.

Undergraduate Ceremony (Bachelor's): Saturday, December 14 at 10:00 a.m.

Graduates

  • Enter at McLin Gym entrance (graduates only) and park in Lot #9
  • Doors open 90 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony
  • Ceremonies will last approximately 2 hours.
  • Must have registered to walk.
  • Must have the appropriate cap/gown
  • Check-in at your college table in McLin Gym
  • After check-in, proceed to your college line-up area
  • Graduates will have no access to the guest seating area
  • Graduates must see their faculty marshal to exit the arena floor.
  • When your ceremony ends, please exit through Gate #9
  • Please contact the Office of Disability Services for any specific accommodations
     

Guests

  • Doors open 90 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.
  • Ceremonies will last approximately 2 hours.
  • Guests will not have access to the arena floor
  • Guests should enter at Gates #2, #3, and #4
  • When the ceremony ends, please proceed to the nearest door to exit the arena
  • All disability seating is at the top of the arena
     

Faculty, Staff, and Platform Party

  • Faculty/Staff/Platform Party representing their college should enter at Berry Room entrance
  • Must be registered to attend (registration is open October 28 - November 25), please check the Provost's weekly newsletter for links to register.
  • Faculty must check in prior to the start of commencement.
  • Have your ID ready
  • Proceed to McLin Gym or Berry Room for robing
  • After robing: please proceed to the faculty/staff line up area or platform party line up area
  • Faculty and Staff are required to wear the appropriate academic attire reflective of their degree to participate in the ceremony. Cap, gown, and hood can be rented from the University Bookstore. Please check with University Bookstore for more information and timeline for rentals.
  • If registered by deadline, Faculty/Staff/Platform Party will receive an email prior to commencement with additional details
     

Parking

There will be specific traffic flow and parking patterns around the Wright State Nutter Center for the Commencement Ceremony

Parking and Traffic Flow Map (PDF)
 

Clear Bag Policy

Wright State University's Nutter Center has a clear bag policy that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought to Commencement. Guests are limited to one clear bag per person and a small clutch bag for privacy. Please review Figure 1: Clear Bag Inspection Graphic (at the bottom of this page) for sizes and clarification. All bags are subject to security personnel searching them upon entering the arena.
 
No bags are permitted on the arena floor. Graduates, please give all clear bags over 6 by 9 inches to family or friends to hold until commencement has ended. 
 

Photos

Professional photos will be taken by GradImages in the McLin Gym before the ceremony, and a photo will be taken as you receive your presentation folder. GradImages will contact you at your Wright State email and by mail to your permanent residential address. If you need assistance, you can contact their customer service department at 800-261-2576 or by email at ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.
 

    Seating Arrangements

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

      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 on Facebook and YouTube.

      Watch On-Demand

      In addition to live streaming, you can watch the recorded video on our YouTube channel after the ceremony.
       

      Etiquette

      A 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 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.
      • Graduates must see their faculty marshal to exit the arena floor.
         

      Commencement Ceremony: Disability Services and 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 three (3) companion seats is available on the concourse level. Depending upon availability, guests will be located as close as possible to the accessible space.There is limited wheelchair-accessible floor seating that requires advanced registration (minimally two weeks); more information can be found on the Office of Disability Services website. This policy ensures we are able to accommodate all who require accessible seating.

      Commencement ceremonies will run with closed captioning on the jumbotron and side screens. For those requiring ASL interpreters services, please email graduation@wright.edu a minimum of 5 days prior. 

      If you have questions please contact 937-775-5680 or disability_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 and 2 are designated for our patrons with disabilities. In addition, extra disability spaces in the designated lots and surrounding lots for patrons with disabilities may be held for this event. To park in these areas, it is necessary to display an official state disability parking permit or disability 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 disability parking. For special arrangements, please contact Wright State Nutter Center Event Services at 937-775-4743 or nutterguest@wright.edu.

      Entry to the Arena

      There are access ramps for our guests with disabilities directly in front of the Box Office (near Gate 4).

      Wheelchairs

      Wright State University's Nutter Center has a limited number of 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

      Accessible restrooms are located throughout the concourse.

      Food and Drink

      Vending machines are located throughout the Nutter Center. Additionally, limited concessions are available at the concourse level.

      Figure 1: Clear Bag Inspection Graphic 

      Clear Bag Inspection Graphic
      Figure 1: Clear Bag Policy Graphic

          Graduation and Commencement Ceremony