Commencement Details At-A-Glance
Review a quick summary of details ahead of the 2026 commencement.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Memorial Field (Chester Campus) |
| Ceremony Dates and Times | Tuesday, May 12
Wednesday, May 13
Thursday, May 14
*Graduates from the School of Business Administration and the Center for Continuing Studies will combine for a single ceremony on Tuesday, May 12 at 10 a.m. on Memorial Field |
| Ceremony Arrival Windows | Based on ceremony times, graduates and guests must arrive for check-in, line-up, and/or seating as follows:
|
| Ceremony RSVP by Graduate Required? | Yes, via the Tassel commencement portal. Details explaining what Tassel is can be found in the FAQ’s. |
| RSVP Process Opens | Tuesday, Feb. 3 by 5 p.m. EST |
| RSVP Process Closes | Wednesday, March 4 at 5 p.m. EST |
| RSVP Confirmation | Participation in your assigned commencement ceremony is confirmed upon submission of your RSVP in the Tassel system. You will receive an auto-generated confirmation email for your records. |
| # of Guests per Graduate | No limit Any guest age 17 or younger MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times |
| Guest tickets required? | No |
| Processional March | Yes, weather permitting |
| Walk Across Stage | Yes |
| Name and Degree Announced | Yes |
| Receive Diploma | Yes Graduates will receive an empty padded folder symbolizing receipt of diploma. Actual diplomas will be mailed in early summer. |
| Wear Cap and Gown | Yes, required. Regalia should be purchased through the Widener/Herff-Jones website. Purchase link will be available by Feb. 3. |
| Faculty Attendance | Yes |
| Professional Photography | Yes, via Legacy Photographics Please note that graduates/families are not permitted to hire their own professional ceremony photographers. |
| Livestream/Recording of Ceremony | Yes, via Pro Audio. Access the livestream at widener.edu/watchcommencement Please note that graduates/families are not permitted to hire their own professional ceremony videographers. |
| Length of Time on Campus | 2-2.5 hours |
| Ceremony Length | Ceremony length will vary by college/school based on the number of graduates participating in each, but we anticipate all ceremonies falling within 60-90 minutes. |
| Weather | Rain or shine! However, in the event of severe inclement weather that poses a danger to all participants, we have reserved time on Friday, May 15 for make-up options. |