Graduation Events

The following information pertains to graduation events at Widener's Main Campus:

Commencement Rehearsal—May 1, 4:00 p.m., Founders Hall, Room 109
ROTC Commissioning—May 16, 1:30 p.m., Veterans Memorial in front of Old Main
Nightingale Ceremony—May 17, 11:00 a.m., Alumni Auditorium
Graduate Student Awards—May 17, 2:00 p.m., Kapelski Learning Center
Undergraduate Academic Awards—May 17, 3:30 p.m., Alumni Auditorium
Graduates' Reception—May 17, 4:45 p.m., University Center Atrium
Commencement Ball—May 17, 7:00 p.m., Springhaven Club, Wallingford, PA
Commencement—May 18, 9:45 a.m., Memorial Field

Important New Security Precaution: No Backpacks, Large Purses, Bags, Etc., at Graduation
The safety of our students, staff, faculty, and guests is important. In light of recent national events, we are requesting that all graduates and their guests refrain from bringing bags, backpacks, large purses, or containers to graduation events. Please leave these items at home or in your vehicle. Diaper bags are an exception, but are subject to search. For the safety and security of our community, Campus Safety officers may search any bags and containers that are brought to graduation events. Please do not leave your belongings unattended at any time. Report any unattended bags or suspicious packages to a Campus Safety officer. These security precautions are for your protection.
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COMMENCEMENT REHEARSAL
The commencement rehearsal will be held in Founders Hall, Room 109, at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2013. It is important to attend if at all possible.

ROTC COMMISSIONING
The commissioning ceremony will be held at the Veterans Memorial in front of Old Main at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2013. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will move to Alumni Auditorium. A reception will follow in the Alumni Auditorium Lobby. For information, call Army ROTC at 610-499-4098.

NIGHTINGALE CEREMONY
The Nightingale Ceremony is held for School of Nursing undergraduates, families, and friends. It begins at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2013, in the Mustin Theatre, Alumni Auditorium. For more information, call 610-499-4212.

GRADUATE STUDENT AWARD CEREMONY
This ceremony honors master's and doctoral recipients of Commencement awards. Award recipients, donors, family members, friends, faculty, and fellow graduates are invited to attend this special event. It begins at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2013, in the Kapelski Learning Center, Lecture Hall 1.

ACADEMIC AWARDS CEREMONY
Recipients of undergraduate Commencement awards, donors, family members, friends, and faculty are invited to this special ceremony. An invitation to attend will be sent to awards recipients. The ceremony begins at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2013, in the Mustin Theatre, Alumni Auditorium.

GRADUATES' RECEPTION
All graduates and their families and guests are invited to attend the graduates' reception. The reception is from 4:45 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2013, in the University Center Atrium.

COMMENCEMENT BALL
Undergraduate students and up to three guests per student are invited to this semiformal dinner and dancing event, which will be held at Springhaven Club, Wallingford, PA, on Friday, May 17, from 7 to 11 p.m. Student Life will send a letter with ticket pricing and other information to students and parents after March 11.

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
This main event celebrates the achievements of the graduates of August and December 2012 and May 2013. The ceremony will take place May 18 from 9:45 a.m. to noon on Memorial Field behind Old Main. Degree candidates, wearing caps and gowns, will form the processional line no later than 9:00 a.m. In the event of inclement weather, there will be no student procession. Students should go directly to the Field House at Schwartz Athletic Center and take their assigned seats by 9:15 a.m. Guest tickets are not required unless the ceremony is moved to the Field House. With the exception of Seeing Eye dogs, please do not bring animals to the ceremony. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on Memorial Field or in Schwartz Athletic Center. Please be courteous and remain until the end of the ceremony. For planning purposes, do not expect to leave before 12:15 p.m.