Advanced Degree Graduation Faculty & Staff Information

Dear Faculty and Staff,

We are very excited to celebrate this year's candidates for advanced degrees on May 14, 2026, at 5:30 pm in the Recreation Center on our beautiful campus. We are anticipating over 200 graduate students and over 1,500 family and guests to participate in this year’s ceremony. For our students, this day marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. We know you understand how important your attendance is at this event to show your support for the class of 2026.

Thank you for your continued hard work!

Your Participation in Commencement

Campus community members help run the ceremony smoothly and serve in critical Marshal roles, such as check-in, leading in students, and other operational support. If you wish to attend the ceremony, in any capacity, please register by May 8.

Ph.D. and DNP Faculty Advisors

You will receive special instructions on accompanying your candidates. You will be seated with your candidates and will accompany them onto the stage to be hooded.

Marshals/Volunteers

Marshals and Volunteers will assist with the pre-ceremony line-up of the graduating candidates for the processional, during the diploma distribution, and at the recessional. All Commencement Marshals will be required to attend a briefing on May 13 at 10 am. Marshals and Volunteers will be required to be at the Recreation Center on May 14 from 3:30–7:30 pm. You will receive refreshments during your service. For additional information related to Marshal duties, contact Faculty Lead Marshal, Dr. Charlie McLaughlin. 

Ceremony Timeline for Participating Faculty & Staff

On Thursday, May 14 please park behind Building 6, in P28. You must enter through Parking Lot B.

• 3:30 pm –  Marshals Arrive
• 3:45 pm – Speaking Roles Check in
• 4 pm – Doors Open 
• 4:45 pm – Platform Party and Faculty arrive
• 5:30 pm:
  • Candidates Process in
  • Faculty/Staff Process in
  • Platform Party Processes in
  • Ceremony Starts
• 7:15 pm(~):
  • Last Diploma Distribute
  • Recess Out
  • 7:30 pm – Reception Outside to Follow^*

^*This is an opportunity to meet with students and their families! Light refreshments will be provided.