Graduation Information
Commencement 2025
Thursday, May 9 • 7pm
WesBanco Arena
Doors open at 6pm. Students must arrive by 6:40pm.
Reception for gradutes and guests immediatley following.
Commencement will be livestreamed on our YouTube page.
Additional Information
Parking
Ample parking is available next to WesBanco Arena at the Intermodal Transportation Center, 14th and Main Streets, for $5. Limited street parking is also available around the arena. Alternatively, you are welcome to park at the College and walk over.
Schedule
Graduates should arrive by 6:30 pm. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Students will robe and line up in the west hallway. Use the main entrance and proceed up the stairs on your right. Signs will be posted, and staff will be available to direct you. Please pick up your name card at the top of the stairs before lining up.
Family members and guests may proceed directly to the main arena, where musical entertainment will begin at 6:00 pm.
A Few Tips
Graduates should not carry items onto the floor except for their name cards. Programs will be placed on your seats. There is no secure storage, so please leave personal items, such as purses and flowers, in your vehicle or with family members.
The loose sleeves of gowns can sometimes get caught. Be mindful of this as you approach the stage stairs to avoid catching sleeves on the railing. Don’t forget to bring your tassel, any honor cord, cap, and gown.
Photographs
A professional photographer from GradImages will take pictures of each graduate. You will receive a notification through your Northern email when your proofs are available. Orders may be placed directly with GradImages.
Family members may take pictures from the floor or from their seats as graduates approach or return from the stage.
Line of March
Graduates will march in alphabetical order by degree. The order is as follows: Certificates (CAS), Associate in Applied Science (AAS), Associate in Arts (AA), and Associate in Science (AS). Staff will be on hand to assist with lining up graduates.
Caps and Gowns
Caps should be worn flat on top, with tassels on the right. All graduates should wear their caps during the conferring of their degrees, while crossing the stage, and during the recessional.
The Ceremony
The ceremony begins promptly at 7 pm. Graduates will be led onto the arena floor by Staff Marshals. The first person in each degree group (CAS, AAS, AA, AS) will start a new row.
Platform guests, faculty, and staff will enter the arena, led by Staff Marshals.
After entering, please remain standing until after the Star-Spangled Banner. Graduates should be seated once the program begins.
As you walk up to the stage, Division Chair Mr. John Lantz will collect your name card and announce your name. You will receive a diploma cover while a professional photographer captures your photo. Ensure your tassel is on the right to avoid blocking the photo. Continue across the stage and return to your seat.
Once all graduates have received their certificates and degrees, you will be asked to stand. At this time, you’ll move your tassel from right to left as your degree is conferred by the Board of Governors.
The Marshals will then direct graduates to exit the arena from both sides. Platform guests, faculty, and staff will exit from the front.
Reception
A reception for graduates and guests will be held in the East Meeting Room immediately following the ceremony.
Transcripts
Diploma
Diplomas are not included in the covers given at Commencement. Final grades and program requirements must be verified.
If your diploma mailing address has changed, please notify the Registrar’s Office at registrar@wvncc.edu.
Congratulations Graduates!
