Graduation Information & Requirements

Congratulations on nearing your graduation! Please review the following appropriate checklist and forms for your graduation requirements and deadlines.

Graduation Requirements

Apply to Graduate

Complete the “Apply to Graduate” task in Workday.

Thesis/Dissertation Information

• Electronic Thesis/Dissertation (ETD)
• Student-Advisor Agreement on Electronic Release of Thesis
• Thesis & Dissertation Instructions
• Thesis & Dissertation Title Page Template

Graduation Checklists

• Checklist for August & December 2025 Graduates Attending May 2026 Graduation

May 2026 Graduation

• May 2026 Checklist: Non-Thesis
• May 2026 Checklist: Project
• May 2026 Checklist: Thesis/Dissertation

Other Links and Forms

• Survey of Earned Doctorate – PhD Candidates ONLY
• Name Pronunciation Form
• Name Pronunciation Guide (to aide in filling out pronunciation on Workday)

Ceremony Instructions for Students and Faculty

• Instructions for Students
• Instructions for Hooding Faculty
• Instructions for Non-Hooding Faculty

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Hooding and Commencement Ceremony

Family & Guest Information

• Doors will not open until 3:30 pm
• Tickets and parking passes are not required for this event

• A reception will immediately follow the ceremony in the first floor of Reynolda Hall
• Please limit 6 guests per graduate
• Due to security measures, there will be lines to enter Wait Chapel 
• Please limit the number of items you bring; a clear bag policy will be in place.
• Bags will be checked outside Wait Chapel’s entrance for the graduate school hooding and commencement ceremonies
  • Prohibited Items/Conduct:
    • Air Horns
    • Alcohol
    • Coolers
    • Mace/Pepper Spray
    • Oversized bags (please see the clear bag policy)
    • Pets
    • Pocket knives, firearms, or weapons of any kind
    • Signs of any kind, including signs on sticks, flags and fatheads
    • Tripods
    • Umbrellas
    • Wrapped Gifts (gift bags are allowed)
    • WFU Staff reserves the right to remove any item that impedes guests’ views and/or experience
• Restrooms will be available in Wait Chapel. Executive portable restrooms will also be available.

Parking Information 

• Guests may enter campus through the Reynolda, Polo Road, or University Parkway entrances. Lots Q and Lot W1will be open for general parking and are centrally located for those attending events in Wait Chapel.
• WFU Campus Map
• Please allow time to find parking.

Other Helpful Information to Note

• There is no shuttle service available on Saturday, May 16th from parking areas.
• The doors will not open for our ceremony until 3:30 pm, please note: the line to enter Wait Chapel is located in the sun (standing room only) 
• There is another ceremony before our ceremony. Please be prepared to wait in line while the guests exit Wait Chapel and the space can be tidied up and prepared.