Commencement Details At-A-Glance

Review a quick summary of details ahead of the 2025 commencement.

TopicDetails
LocationWidener University, Chester Campus
Memorial Field
1 University Pl, Chester, PA 19013
Ceremony Dates and Times

Tuesday, May 13

  • School of Engineering – 3 p.m.

Wednesday, May 14

  • School of Business Administration – 10 a.m.*
  • Center for Graduate & Continuing Studies – 10 a.m.*
  • School of Nursing – 3 p.m.

Thursday, May 15

  • College of Arts & Sciences – 10 a.m.
  • College of Health & Human Services – 3 p.m.

Friday, May 16

  • Delaware Law School - 3 p.m.

*Graduates from the School of Business Administration and the Center for Graduate & Continuing Studies will combine for a single ceremony on Wednesday, May 15 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:

  • 10 a.m. Ceremony Arrival Window = 9 – 9:30 a.m.
  • 3 p.m. Ceremony Arrival Window = 2 – 2:30 p.m.
Ceremony RSVP by Graduate Required?Yes, via the Tassel (formerly Marching Order) commencement portal. 

Details explaining what Tassel (formerly Marching Order) is can be found in the FAQ’s.
RSVP Process OpensMonday, February 3 by 5 p.m. EST
RSVP Process ClosesMonday, March 3 at 5 p.m. EST
RSVP ConfirmationParticipation in your assigned commencement ceremony is confirmed upon submission of your RSVP in the Tassel (formerly Marching Order) system. You will receive an auto-generated confirmation email for your records. 
# of Guests per GraduateNo limit
Any guest age 17 or younger MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times
Guest tickets required?No
Processional MarchYes, weather permitting
Walk Across StageYes
Name and Degree AnnouncedYes
Receive DiplomaYes
Graduates will receive an empty Widener branded diploma cover symbolizing receipt of diploma. Actual diplomas will be mailed in early summer.
Wear Cap and GownYes, required. Regalia should be purchased through the Widener Bookstore.
Faculty AttendanceYes
Professional PhotographyYes
Livestream of CeremonyYes
Length of Time on Campus1.5-2 hours
Ceremony LengthCeremony length will vary by college/school based on the number of graduates participating in each, but we anticipate all ceremonies falling within 45-75 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 16 for make-up options.

 

Widener reserves the right to modify ceremony and celebration plans as necessary. All details are subject to change.