It’s time to celebrate!
Congratulations!
The Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremonies will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026, in the Russell and Martha Wehrle Innovation Center Sports Arena.
Ceremony Schedule:
- 10:00 AM Ceremony – All Charleston & Beckley Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor’s and Associate Degree students)
- 1:00 PM Ceremony – All Charleston and Online Graduate Programs (Master and Doctoral students) & Online Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor’s and Associate Degree students)
If uncertain of the ceremony to attend, please email solutions@ucwv.edu to confirm!
No Longer Attending: If you no longer plan on attending the ceremony, please email solutions@ucwv.edu to confirm the change in status.
Programs
Grad Salute
Grad Salute ensures graduating students have completed all required steps to avoid delays in receiving their diploma. This process is now an email checklist rather than an in-person event.
- Grad Salute email will be sent: March 20, 2026
- Deadline to complete items: March 27, 2026
- Sent to: your ucwv.edu email address
Checking In for the Ceremony
Check-in takes place in the Auditorium on the 2nd floor of Riggleman Hall. Students will be lined up and seated by volunteers before processing to the Arena.
10AM Ceremony (All Charleston & Beckley Undergraduate Programs):
- All students must be checked in and seated between 8:30 -9:00 AM.
- If you are not checked in by 9:00 AM, you will be removed from ceremony.
1PM Ceremony All Charleston and Online Graduate Programs & Online Undergraduate Programs:
- All students must be checked in and seated between 10:30 -11:00 AM.
- If you are not checked in by 11:00AM, you will be removed from the ceremony.
Guests
The Arena doors open one hour prior to each ceremony. All guests must use the main entrance; ADA access is located to the left of the main door.
Recommended Guest Seating Times
- 10:00 AM Ceremony: 9:00–9:45 AM
- 1:00 PM Ceremony: 12:00–12:45 PM
Wristbands
Due to capacity limits, wristbands are required for all guests, including children and infants. Children must occupy their own seat—no lap or aisle seating permitted.
- Each student receives six (6) wristbands.
- To join the waitlist for extras, email virginiamoore@ucwv.edu.
- Wristband pickup: April 27 – May 1, 2026 at the Student Solutions Center.
- Unclaimed wristbands will be available at the Arena will-call booth one hour before the ceremony.
ADA Access & Seating
Signage will direct guests to ADA-accessible entrances. Accessible seating is in the upper portion of the arena near the main doors. Guests needing assistance should speak with an event volunteer.
Regalia
All students must wear full regalia (cap and gown) at check-in and for the ceremony. Gowns must be zipped before leaving the Auditorium to process to the Arena.
- Regalia order deadline: March 26, 2026
- Ordering instructions are included at the end of this document.
- Cap decorations are allowed but must be neat and family-friendly.
Personal Belongings
Please leave personal items with a guest or someone you trust. UC is not responsible for lost or misplaced belongings.
Notecards
You will receive a notecard at check-in.
You must keep this card with you throughout the processional and ceremony.
- Hand the notecard to the Provost as you go onto the stage.
- Some cards may include phonetic spellings to ensure correct pronunciation. Do not alter or add any additional writing to your printed notecard!
Conferring of Degrees
When the Provost begins the conferral, please stand when instructed.
- Associate degrees = two-year programs
- Bachelor degrees = four-year programs
If you are unsure of your degree type, email solutions@ucwv.edu.
Campus Navigation & Parking
Maps, parking information, and Charleston area details.
Virtual Livestream
The ceremony will be livestreamed on:
- UC Facebook
- UC YouTube
- UC website
A virtual recognition video will remain available on YouTube after the event.
UC Gear
The University Bookstore will be open Friday afternoon and Saturday after the ceremony.
If you have already ordered from Jostens, do not place a second order.
1. Order here: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1118083/University-of-Charleston/
2. Create a Jostens account using the Sign In link.
3. Click My School Store.
4. Select Graduation Products → Graduation Caps & Gowns.
5. Choose your student level:
- Associate/Bachelor → Undergrad 2026
- Master → Masters 2026
- Doctor of Executive Leadership → D.E.L. 2026
- Doctor of Pharmacy → Doctor of Pharmacy 2026
6. Select the cap and gown.
7. Enter height and weight.
8. Master’s students must complete the Major/Curriculum field.
9. Add to cart.
10. Enter your name.
11. Checkout.
12. Enter contact and shipping information. (If living on campus, enter your dorm address.)
13. Review and submit your order.
14. Save your confirmation email—Jostens will need your order number for any issues.
For regalia questions, contact solutions@ucwv.edu.
Bruce Heflin Photography will offer professional photos:
- Individual photos available in the Rotunda before and after the ceremony
- On-stage photos taken as you cross the stage and pose with President Roth
- Photos will be available for purchase later
- No purchase is required to register or view photos
You’re just steps away from joining a powerful network of UC alumni. Here’s how to get connected:
1️⃣ Stay in Touch
Didn’t attend the in-person Grad Salute? No worries — you can still share your permanent (non-UC) email and contact info here:
2️⃣ Follow the Alumni Community
Stay in the loop with UC updates, alumni events, and stories of fellow Golden Eagles:
3️⃣ Represent with Pride
The UC Alumni Association is your link to exclusive events, connections, and Golden Eagle swag. Don’t miss out:
🎓 Congratulations, Golden Eagle — you’re this close to becoming an official alumnus!
We’re so proud of you. Now go finish strong — and don’t forget, once a Golden Eagle, always a Golden Eagle
Contact Information
For questions, email:
Contact Information
For questions, email:
The Student Solutions Center (SSC) is the home of the university’s Registrar.
Commencement Memories
Commencement Memories
