Commencement FAQs

Widener University is excited to host commencement festivities for Chester and Delaware graduates on the Chester campus in Chester, PA! A series of school/college-based outdoor ceremonies will take place over several days during the week of May 12 under a tent on Memorial Field.

• Tuesday, May 12 at 10 a.m. – School of Business Administration and Center for Continuing Studies
• Tuesday, May 12 at 3 p.m. – Dwyer School of Nursing
• Wednesday, May 13 at 10 a.m. – School of Engineering
• Wednesday, May 13 at 3 p.m. – College of Health and Human Services
• Thursday, May 14 at 10 a.m. – College of Arts and Sciences
• Thursday, May 14 at 3 p.m. – Delaware Law School

While ceremonies will take place rain or shine, we have reserved time on Friday, May 15 for make-up options in the event dangerous weather forces a change in plans. 

Visit the program finder and filter by Colleges & Schools to see what college your program is in. 

Weather – With May weather being unpredictable, we want to be able to tent Memorial Field to allow us to proceed rain or shine.  It is not realistic to tent a space large enough to accommodate the entire graduate population and their guests without greatly restricting the number of guests each graduate can bring. 

Ceremony Length – By hosting multiple ceremonies, we are able to have much shorter ceremonies – usually between 60 and 90 minutes. Additionally, the smaller ceremony format provides a more intimate and personalized experience for both graduates and guests! 

No. Graduates are never required to participate in a commencement ceremony.  

Yes.  Graduates wishing to attend their assigned ceremony MUST RSVP through Tassel, our commencement planning portal.  The RSVP portal will open on Tuesday, February 3 by 5 p.m. EST. You will have the opportunity to change your RSVP as many times as you like until the portal closes on Wednesday, March 4 at 5 p.m. EST. At that time, all decisions are final and we will be unable to accept changes or new RSVPs.

See the Tassel section for more information on how to RSVP.

Technically no, but if you would like to stop receiving RSVP reminders, simply log into your Tassel account between Tuesday, February 3 and Wednesday, March 4 and select “no” as your RSVP response. 

Yes. While graduates earning degrees from more than one school/college will be honored for all of their degrees at their primary ceremony, they are welcome to attend any additional ceremony they are eligible for. See details and exceptions in the question directly below.

Your assigned ceremony is pre-populated into your Tassel account (our online commencement portal) and available to view when the system opens on Tuesday, February 3.   

Additionally, most graduates can easily determine their ceremony assignment based upon the school/college they are earning their degree from. (Not sure which school/college your program is in? Visit the program finder and filter by Colleges & Schools.)

For graduates earning more than one degree, the following exceptions apply:

Graduates earning multiple degrees from different schools/colleges 

If you are earning degrees from more than one school/college, you will have the opportunity to RSVP in Tassel for one or both ceremonies. All of your degrees will be announced in any ceremony you attend, so participation in multiple ceremonies is only necessary if you want to extend the fun! (Example: A graduate earning a bachelor's degree from the College of Arts and Sciences and a master's degree from the School of Business can attend the College of Arts and Sciences ceremony, the School of Business ceremony, or both! Regardless of selection, both degrees will be announced at any ceremony the graduate attends.)   

Graduates earning multiple degrees from same school/college

You will be assigned to the school/college ceremony where you have earned all of your degrees.  (Example – A graduate earning both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the Dwyer School of Nursing will attend the nursing ceremony. Both degrees will be announced at the ceremony.) 

If you still have confusion regarding which ceremony you are assigned to, please email gradpetitions@widener.edu.
 

No. We are unable to accommodate requests for specific dates and/or times as ceremonies are segmented by school/college.

As information becomes available, it will be posted on the university's events calendar as well as the commencement website. You may also contact your specific program or department for more information. 

Widener University’s Commonwealth Law School will hold a commencement ceremony separate from the Chester and Delaware Law campus celebrations. Graduates from Commonwealth Law School should watch their school website for more information to be posted.

Commonwealth Law School
 

The ceremony details below are provided for reference only and are subject to change at any time. 

For quick a quick summary of details, check out our Commencement Highlights At-A-Glance chart!
 
We are excited to host commencement for Chester and Delaware graduates on the Chester campus under a tent on Memorial Field for a series of school/college-based ceremonies!  Arriving to campus 30-60 minutes prior to the ceremony start time, graduates and their guests (no tickets/no limit on guests) will park and be directed to Memorial Field for graduate check-in, music, candid photos, and more under the welcome tent.  Approximately 30 minutes prior to the ceremony start time, guests will be asked to take their seats in the ceremony tent while graduates line up for the processional march. (For those who prefer to watch a live-stream of the ceremony in a climate-controlled environment, additional seating will be available inside Alumni Auditorium.) Ceremonies will begin promptly at their start times, with faculty processing first and graduates following. Brief opening remarks will be followed by graduates crossing the stage to have their names and degrees announced while receiving a symbolic representation of their diploma.* The ceremony will conclude with closing remarks, followed by a faculty and graduate recessional out of the ceremony tent. Guests will then recess at their leisure to reunite with their graduate(s). Approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates and their guests will exit the venue to allow for preparations of the next ceremony and/or clean-up.

Ceremony running time = 60 – 90 minutes (depending on the number of graduates participating from each school/college)

Total time on campus = 2 – 2.5 hours 

*Graduates will receive a commemorative padded folder as a symbolic representation of receiving a diploma when walking across the stage. Actual diplomas will be mailed to graduates at the address provided on their petition to graduate after all degree requirements have been confirmed.

While we anticipate the ceremony itself to be 60-90 minutes (depending on the number of graduates participating from each school/college), we encourage all graduates and their guests to plan for a total of 2 – 2.5 hours to account for parking, check-in, ceremony, and departure. 

Yes! Weather permitting, graduates will line up next to the welcome tent and process behind Old Main, under the dome, and into the ceremony tent.

Yes, brief opening and closing remarks will be made by select campus leaders. 

Yes – and we’re ready to cheer for you!

Yes. We will have professional photographers from Legacy Photographics capturing the moment a graduate crosses the stage and is honored for their achievements. (Graduates/families are not permitted to hire their own professional photographers for the ceremony). Information will be emailed to graduates over the summer when their photos are available to view and purchase online.  

While families are welcome to take their own photos from the audience, for everyone’s safety and to maintain the best view for all guests, we ask that you remain seated and not attempt to crowd the graduate/stage area.  

Drones are not permitted on campus or at ceremonies at any time.

Yes, faculty will be in attendance.

No. Graduates receive a commemorative padded folder as a symbolic representation of receiving a diploma when walking across the stage. Actual diplomas are mailed by mid-July after all degree requirements have been confirmed.  Graduates will receive their diploma at the address provided on their petition to graduate. 

No. We ask all graduates to remain seated after their names and degrees have been called in order to be respectful of the graduates who follow them, and those graduates’ families who are trying to watch and listen. Once the ceremony has concluded, all faculty and graduates will recess together out of the ceremony tent.  Guests will then recess at their leisure to reunite with their graduates. 

No, this is a non-ticketed event.

Graduates may bring as many guests as they like as this is a non-ticketed event.

In addition to the seating under the ceremony tent, limited supplemental seating will be available in the climate-controlled Alumni Auditorium where a live stream of each ceremony can be enjoyed.  Please note the ceremony is live streamed so loved ones can also choose to watch online from the comfort of their own homes anywhere in the world. 

Yes.  Any guest age 17 or younger MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times. 

No. This is prohibited for the safety of the child and the graduate.

Graduates expecting international guests at their ceremony can request the appropriate documentation needed to secure visas through the Office of International Student Services. To do so, email iss@widener.edu with answers to the following questions:

1. Student's government name
2. Student's degree program
3. Government names of all international guests that you wish to attend
4. Embassy or consulate where the guests will apply for the visa. City name will suffice
5. Explanation of each guest's relationship to you. If the guest is related to you, a description of your relationship such as "parent" or "sibling" will suffice. If the guest is not related to you, please explain how you know them and why it is important to you that they attend your commencement ceremony.

Yes. Visit widener.edu/watchcommencement to access the live stream. The live feed will launch a few minutes before each ceremony allowing anyone around the world to be part of the celebration!

A copy of each ceremony live stream will be available to view on the university’s YouTube page within 2 weeks after commencement. (Graduates/families are not permitted to hire their own professional videographers for the ceremony.)

In most cases, ceremonies will take place rain or shine; graduates and guests are asked to dress accordingly. In the event of severe inclement weather that could impact the safety of all involved, plans will be adjusted.

We have reserved time on Friday, May 15 to make-up deferred ceremonies, but depending on the severity/duration of the situation, ceremonies could be canceled without the ability to reschedule.

For the safety and comfort of all our attendees, pets and emotional support animals are not permitted to attend commencement ceremonies. Trained service animals are welcome, which are defined by the ADA as a dog or mini-horse that is specifically trained to perform a task for a person with a disability. 

Yes! Light refreshments will be available for purchase through Savor the Moment, a concession-style food truck featuring a fun variety of soft drinks, chips, cookies, candies, and more! Savor the Moment will be located under the welcome tent on Memorial Field and gladly accepts cash, credit cards, Cash App, and Apple Pay.  

Looking for something simpler?  Visit our Info Tents, located near both Freedom Hall and Alumni Auditorium, for complimentary water stations.  

Yes. Campus Safety will perform security bag checks. There is no bag size limit. All prohibited items, including, but not limited to, weapons, disruptive noise makers, and alcohol (even if unopened), will be confiscated.

Gifts containing a prohibited item (ex: champagne, liquor, etc.) should be left in your vehicle. 

Official Widener-branded academic regalia is required for all ceremonies and is available for purchase through the Widener/Herff-Jones website (link will be available no later than Feb. 3). We also recommend graduates dress for the weather underneath their academic attire, as well as plan for appropriate shoes – there will be significant walking on paved, stone, and grassy surfaces!

Where to Purchase & Pricing

Graduates can purchase regalia and browse pricing at the Herff-Jones – Widener Ordering Site (link will be available no later than Feb. 3).

Regalia Styles

• Standard Regalia – An affordable option available for graduates at all degree levels (bachelors/associate, masters, and doctoral). You do not need to be measured for standard regalia. This will be the selection for the vast majority of graduates!
• Custom Doctoral Regalia – Available exclusively for doctoral degree candidates, two custom options are available for purchase: The classic doctoral package ($910.85) and the deluxe doctoral package ($1,224.85). It is strongly recommended that individuals take accurate measurements or visit a local tailor before ordering. While custom regalia represents a significant investment, it offers exceptional quality and style—ideal for those who anticipate wearing it multiple times throughout their career or who wish to commemorate their achievement in a distinctive way.

Delivery Options

• ✅ Purchase Online – Pick-Up at Widener Bookstore on the Chester Campus
  (Recommended)
  • By purchasing early (see deadline in chart below), this cost saving option allows you to have your regalia shipped for FREE to the Widener Bookstore for pick-up.
  • Size/degree level GUARANTEED.
  • Available for standard style regalia only.
• ✅ Purchase Online – Ship to Preferred Address 
  (Recommended)
  • For a minimal fee, this option offers the convenience of having additional time to purchase (see deadline in chart below) and brings your regalia right to your door!
  • Size/degree level GUARANTEED.
  • Available for both standard and custom styles of regalia.
• ❌ Purchase In-Store at the Widener Bookstore on the Chester Campus 
  (NOT Recommended)
  • This should only be used as a last resort if the deadlines have passed for the options above.
  • Inventory is EXTREMELY limited; size/degree level NOT guaranteed.
  • Available for standard style regalia only.

Deadlines and Details

Please refer to the table below for complete information.

Widener’s regalia has not changed since last year. If you purchased a cap and gown for 2025 and intend to be recognized for the same degree level, ie: associates, bachelors, masters or doctoral, then you can wear the same regalia. 

You only need to purchase new regalia if you are earning a higher degree in 2026.

Please review the campus-specific answers below: 

CHESTER CAMPUS GRADUATES 

Latin Honors 

Baccalaureate students who earn Latin Honors are recognized with a gold and white cord that can be worn with their regalia. Latin Honors, also known as academic honors, are also acknowledged in the digital program and verbally during the ceremony as the graduate crosses the stage. The minimum grade point averages for honors are:

• Cum Laude (with distinction)—3.50
• Magna Cum Laude (with high distinction)—3.70
• Summa Cum Laude (with highest distinction)—3.85

Students who achieve Latin Honors will be contacted via email by the Office of the Registrar in late April with information on how to pick up the cord ahead of commencement week.  

If you have questions about the status of your Latin Honors, please contact gradpetitions@widener.edu. 

Honor Societies 

For students who participate in honor societies, some societies recognize their membership with cords. If you are a member of any honor society, you should hear directly from them regarding distribution of cords and/or how to purchase them.  

DELAWARE LAW CAMPUS GRADUATES 

Latin Honors

Delaware Law students who earn Latin Honors are recognized with a cord that can be worn with their regalia. Latin Honors, also known as academic honors, are also acknowledged in the digital program and verbally during the ceremony as the graduate crosses the stage. The minimum grade point averages for honors at Delaware Law are:

• Cum Laude —3.15
• Magna Cum Laude —3.50
• Summa Cum Laude —3.75

Students who achieve Latin Honors will be contacted via email by the Office of the Registrar in late April with information on how to pick up the cord ahead of commencement week.

If you have questions about the status of your Latin honors, please contact DelawareLawReg@widener.edu.

Honor Societies

For students who participate in honor societies, some societies recognize their membership with cords. If you are a member of any honor society, you should hear directly from them regarding distribution of cords and/or how to purchase them.
 

Widener does not recognize participation in extracurricular activities through its regalia. However, some groups produce their own stoles and distribute them to their graduates or offer them for purchase. Please reach out to your group leader/coach with questions or for more information. 

Yes! Commencement is a joyous time to celebrate you and all of your accomplishments, so we want to see your Pride! 

Any and all decoration, whether through messaging, art, or otherwise, must be respectful as outlined in the university’s Student Code of Conduct, which (in part) states, “University students must show positive regard for each other, for property, and for the community.” Any items that are inappropriate, offensive, vulgar, may incite or illicit violence, or are otherwise not approved by the university will be removed.

Tassel is an online commencement portal that supports various functions in the planning process for commencement celebrations. Widener uses the Tassel platform to confirm graduate data and name pronunciation, share ceremony assignment information, collect ceremony RSVPs, and to send graduate communications via text and email.  

Petitioned graduates will get an email with a personalized link to activate their Tassel account on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 by 5 p.m. EST.

If you are unable to log-in or have difficulty completing items in Tassel, please email gradpetitions@widener.edu for assistance. 

Widener University seeks to ensure that each participant can equally access, and engage in, all commencement festivities.

Examples of accessibility accommodations include (but are not limited to):

• American Sign Language Interpretation
• Programs or Written Materials in Alternative Format
• Live Captioning
• Assisted Listening
• Alternate Seating

To request an accommodation for your ceremony, please indicate your needs – and/or the needs of your guest(s) – by answering the required questions during the ceremony RSVP process in Tassel. Requests will be accepted at any time during the RSVP period (Tuesday, February 3 through Wednesday, March 4). All reasonable accommodations solicited in this manner prior to Wednesday, March 4 will be provided to the fullest extent possible. 

No later than the second week of April, a representative from the Office of Student Accessibility Services will contact you to confirm plans and convey any important details to you. Should you have questions in the meantime, please contact the office directly at disabilities@widener.edu or 610-499-1266.

Vehicles WITH Disability Parking Placards

All vehicles with an official government issued “Disability Parking Placard” (formerly known as a “Handicap Parking Placard”) will be granted access to the Wolfgram Lot on 17th Street, which is being reserved as our designated ADA lot closest to the ceremony site. Walking distance will vary depending on where in the lot you are parked, but you can anticipate traveling approximately 300-600 feet from lot to ceremony site, which is the equivalent of 1-2 football fields; please note there are no stairs from the lot to the ceremony site. (Before pulling into a space, cars may drop loved ones off in an area of the lot that is closest to the ceremony site, which will reduce the walking distance to approximately 200-300 feet.) 

Vehicles WITHOUT Disability Parking Placards

Vehicles traveling with individuals who are unable to walk extended distances, but do NOT have an official government issued Disability Parking Placard are invited to drop loved ones off in the ACN/Library Lot parking lot on 17th Street, which will reduce the walking distance to the ceremony site to approximately 200-300 feet; please note there are no stairs from the lot to the ceremony site. After drop-off, drivers will be directed to the closest available parking.   

All guests are asked to come prepared with their own mobility devices that work for their specific needs. Any mobility devices or transportation onsite are reserved for cases of emergencies only. 

No. Any mobility devices or transportation onsite are reserved for cases of emergencies only. Given this advanced notice on what to expect for walking and terrain, graduates and guests should prepare accordingly to bring the mobility devices that work for their specific needs.

The ceremony will be held on Memorial Field, which is a grassy surface. While relatively flat, it is known to significantly puddle during and after rainfall, even when covered by a tent. Limited pathways will be installed to ease crossing the field. These pathways require individuals to be able to navigate a 1-inch change in elevation when transitioning from the pathways into the rows of guest seating.

Yes!  Visit widener.edu/watchcommencement on the day of your ceremony and scroll to ‘live webcast.’ The live feed will launch a few minutes before each ceremony allowing anyone around the world to be part of the celebration!

Graduates seeking a religious and/or cultural accommodation will be able to indicate the need during the ceremony RSVP process in Tassel. All reasonable requests submitted in this manner by the RSVP deadline will be accommodated to the fullest extent possible as space, time, and resources allow. 

Please contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services at disabilities@widener.edu or 610-499-1266 and our team will be happy to assist you!

The commencement website at widener.edu/commencement provides the latest plans and information. We encourage all graduates and their families to make the website their primary source for current information.  

All students who anticipate graduating in May 2026 should have petitioned to graduate in order to receive commencement-related emails. All graduates were required to petition to graduate no later than Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. 

If you missed the deadline, please log in to myWidener immediately to complete your graduation petition. Once logged in, go to Student Planning > Home > Graduation Overview > Graduation Application > Apply.  

For questions or support, please contact gradpetitions@widener.edu. 

Use #Widener2026 as the hashtag. Everyone is encouraged to tag the university in their Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram messaging. We enjoy being part of your celebratory posts!

E-mail gradpetitions@widener.edu with your updated information. You will receive a response once your information is updated, which generally takes 1-3 business days.

Graduation is the successful completion of all major/minor/concentration requirements AND the awarding of a degree. Students who successfully petition can graduate during one of three terms per year – May, August, or December. 

Commencement is the voluntary celebration that occurs once a year in May. Participation in a commencement ceremony is not required and does not guarantee the awarding of a degree.

In order to receive commencement related emails, all graduates were required to petition to graduate no later than Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.

If you missed the deadline, please log in to myWidener immediately to complete your graduation petition. Once logged in, go to Student Planning > Home > Graduation Overview > Graduation Application > Apply.  

For questions or support, please contact gradpetitions@widener.edu.  

Diplomas will be mailed to graduates at the address provided on their petition to graduate after all degree requirements have been confirmed.  We anticipate all May 2026 graduates will receive their diplomas no later than mid-July 2026. 

All August 2025 and December 2025 graduates should have received their diplomas by this time. If not, please contact gradpetitions@widener.edu.

Transcripts can be ordered at www.getmytranscript.com. Please be sure to choose “hold for degree notation” when ordering your transcript if you would like your degree noted. These transcript orders will be processed once degrees are conferred. 

Please review the campus-specific answers below:

CHESTER CAMPUS GRADUATES

Latin honors are calculated on all work completed in the baccalaureate programs at Widener, including original grades in the case of substitute courses. A minimum of 45 credits of registered coursework must be taken at Widener to be eligible for honors. Original grades from courses that are changed to retroactive pass/no pass will be included in the calculation for honors. 

For May graduates, honors are calculated at the end of the final fall semester and will be included in the commencement program and announced during the commencement ceremony as graduates cross the stage. After commencement, honors will be recalculated based on final spring grades and will be printed on official transcripts and diplomas. 

The minimum grade point averages for honors for baccalaureates on the Chester Campus are:

• Cum Laude (with distinction)—3.50
• Magna Cum Laude (with high distinction)—3.70
• Summa Cum Laude (with highest distinction)—3.85

If you have questions about the status of your Latin honors, please contact gradpetitions@widener.edu. 

DELAWARE LAW CAMPUS GRADUATES

Latin honors for Delaware Law students are calculated on all work completed in the program at DLS, including original grades in the case of substitute courses.

For May graduates, honors are calculated at the end of the final fall semester and will be included in the commencement program and announced during the commencement ceremony as graduates cross the stage. After commencement, honors will be recalculated based on final spring grades and will be printed on official transcripts and diplomas.

The minimum grade point averages for honors at Delaware Law are:

• Cum Laude —3.15
• Magna Cum Laude —3.50
• Summa Cum Laude —3.75

If you have questions about the status of your Latin honors, please contact DelawareLawReg@widener.edu.

Academic minors are recognized on your final official transcript. They are not announced at commencement, nor are they notated in the commencement program or on your diploma.

In addition to petitioning and submitting an RSVP through Tassel, graduates must complete the following checklist in order to graduate/participate in commencement:

• Complete degree requirements. Contact your adviser or program director to verify completion of degree requirements.
• Satisfy all financial and library obligations. Degree candidates who have balances due at the Bursar's Office or books due at the library must satisfy these obligations before they can receive diplomas.
• All students who borrowed a Federal Perkins and/or Federal Direct Student Loan while enrolled at Widener University must complete an online exit counseling session to review their rights and responsibilities. Information about how to access the online sessions will be sent by e-mail
• See the Regalia section for ordering link and deadlines.
• If you or a guest require an ADA accommodation, see the Accessibility section for more information on how to do so. 
   

Please review the campus-specific answers below: 

Chester Campus Graduates

Appointments with Lifetouch Photography are available for portrait sittings in the Legacy Lound in the University Center. Dates for initial sittings and/or retakes are currently available Tuesday, Feb. 3 through Thursday, Feb. 5, and Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 20. If additional dates become available later in the semester, they will be updated here.  

• Graduate portraits offered on-campus are for all undergraduate and graduate students studying through the Chester Campus. (Delaware Law students should refer to the information below specific to them.)  
• Please be prepared to provide the photographer with your major/program at the time of your sitting. There is no sitting fee.
• Sitting will include head and shoulder poses in your own business attire, as well as studio supplied cap and gown!
• Nursing students will have their own nursing regalia portraits scheduled by the Dwyer School of Nursing. However, nursing students are welcome to partake in the Lifetouch Photography sessions on the dates above for business wear and standard cap/gown photos.

Appointments should be scheduled through the Prestige Registration Portal (link coming soon!). All graduates who are unable to make an on-campus date are welcome to schedule their graduate portraits at a local Prestige Portraits by Lifetouch photography studio– or with another photography studio of their choosing – if they desire.

General portrait questions? Please contact Lifetouch Photography directly at 1-800-687-9327. Representatives are available Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Chester Campus portrait questions? Please contact Victoria Fine at vnfine@widener.edu.  

Delaware Law Campus Graduates

Portrait information coming soon!

Delaware Law Campus portrait questions?

Please contact Joseph Farris, associate dean of Student Academic Affairs, Inclusion and Belonging at jdfarris@widener.edu.

 

Both are available for purchase online through the Herff-Jones – Widener Ordering Site (link coming no later than Feb. 3). Additionally, a Herff-Jones representative will be on the Chester campus in the University Center Atrium on Tuesday, Feb. 3 and Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. for onsite ring sales.

No, drones are not permitted on campus during commencement week.

The health landscape is always evolving, and outbreaks of communicable illnesses could require the university to make adjustments to commencement plans. Widener will always comply with government requirements and prioritize the well-being of our community.

While guidelines may change, at this time we ask all participants to follow CDC and local government recommendations. If you feel unwell, have tested positive for a contagious illness, and/or are experiencing any symptoms, please stay home. Thank you for helping us keep everyone healthy and safe.

Possibly. As the health and safety of all participants is our top priority, we reserve the right to modify ceremony plans, as needed, to ensure those priorities are honored. Modifications could include, but are not limited to, requiring masks, proof of vaccination, testing, ticketing to limit the number of guests per graduate, transitioning to drive-through or virtual options, or cancellation without the option to reschedule.

Email us at commencement@widener.edu and we will be happy to assist you.