Arrival & Timeline
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Graduate Arrival
Check-In
- Graduate check-in time is from 5:30&²Ô²ú²õ±è;– 6:30 p.m. This means you may check in as early as 5:30 p.m. and no later than 6:30 p.m.
- Follow the signage for graduate check-in at the outdoor amphitheater near Entry 1.
- There is NO rehearsal.
- Following check-in, graduates will follow signage to the line-up area in the amphitheater.
Name Cards & Regalia
To participate in the ceremony, your name card and regalia are required.
- Your name card will be used by the name reader when you walk across the stage during the ceremony.
- Keep your name card with you at all times until then.
- Regalia includes a cap, gown, tassel.
6:00 p.m. | Doors open to public
- Public doors will open to guests at 6 p.m. Guests can enter through Entry 4.
- Due to increased security measures, attendees are encouraged to arrive early and well before the ceremony start time of 7 p.m.
6:30 p.m. | Instructions & line-up
- Ceremony instructions and graduate line up will start promptly at 6:30 p.m. to ensure the ceremony begins on time.
- Graduates will not be able to leave any personal items in the graduate line up area; please plan accordingly.
- Enjoy your moment and the festivities as you wait for the ceremony to begin!
- Celebrate with friends, faculty, and a live DJ.
- Take photos at the photo booth.
- Decorate your cap at the alumni table.
7:00 p.m. | Ceremony begins
- The ceremony usually lasts under two hours, ending around 9 p.m.
Academic Regalia
- Full regalia is required for participation in the ceremony.
- Regalia includes a cap, gown, and tassel.
- Purchase your regalia at the CWI Bookstore beginning the last week of March.
- The Bookstore will close at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19; please plan accordingly.
- Regalia will not be available for purchase at the arena the day of commencement.
- Wear your cap flat on your head. The point should be in the front.
- Hang the tassel to the right side of your face.
- Zip your gown.
If you are eligible to wear a cord or stole, please wear accordingly.
- Drape stoles over your shoulders making sure the ends are even.
- Wear cords over stoles.
Parking
Parking is free for both graduates and guests.
Tickets
Tickets are not required for graduates or guests. Feel free to invite as many guests as you would like!
Seating
Ceremony Details
Entering the area:
- Listen to processional instructions in the line-up area at 6:45 p.m.
- Follow your student marshals into the arena as directed.
- Take any personal items with you.
During the ceremony, each graduate will be recognized as they walk across the stage.
- Have your name card with you.
- Hold your diploma cover right-side up for your photo.
- The cover will be handed to you before you go on stage by Provost Denise Aberle-Cannata.
- Shake hands with CWI President Gordon Jones and a CWI Trustee.
- Exit the stage as directed for another photo opportunity.
- Follow the line to return to your seat.
During the ceremony, each graduate will be recognized as they walk across the stage.
- Have your name card with you.
- Hold your diploma cover right-side up for your photo.
- The cover will be handed to you before you go on stage by Provost Denise Aberle-Cannata.
- Shake hands with CWI President Gordon Jones and a CWI Trustee.
- Exit the stage as directed for another photo opportunity.
- Follow the line to return to your seat.
Arrangements have been made for a professional photographer to take a picture of each graduate in a standing pose. Passport-size, color proofs will be emailed approximately one week after the ceremony. There is no obligation to purchase, and graduates will have the option of ordering several enlargement packages at reasonable prices.
Family members and friends are encouraged to remain in their seats and enjoy the ceremony. No one will be allowed to block aisles to photograph any portion of the ceremony.