Commencement is the culminating event of an academic career, perhaps as significant to family and friends as it is to the graduate. As you begin planning for this very special occasion, this page will provide you with the essential information you need to know for the recognition of your success.
Saturday, May 2, 2026 – 10:00 am
If you do not already have the Livesafe app installed, please do so for live updates regarding commencement traffic and parking.
Convocation Ceremony, Ivy Ceremony, Senior Soiree. May 1, 2026
Saturday, May 2, 2026 – 2:00 pm
Commencement ceremonies are held in Cutlip Auditorium located in the McNutt Campus Center and typically last about one hour. Students will assemble in the library auditorium and should be there no later than one hour prior to the scheduled commencement ceremony.
The deadline to Register is April 7, 2026. All students who participate in the May 2026 commencement ceremony must complete requirements prior to their conferral date, or their conferral date will be pushed back.
Register to Attend Ceremony
| Degree | Regalia |
|---|---|
| Associate of Arts | Gray cap and gown with white tassel |
| Associates of Science | Gray cap and gown with gold tassel |
| BA | Black cap and gown with white tassel |
| BAS | Black cap and gown with gold tassel |
| BFA | Black cap and gown with dark brown tassel |
| BGS | Black cap and gown with white tassel |
| BS | Black cap and gown with gold tassel |
| BSW | Black cap and gown with light yellow tassel |
| MA | Black cap and gown with white/green hood and white tassel |
| MBA | Black cap and gown with drab/green hood and drab brown tassel |
| MED | Black cap and gown with blue/green hood and light blue tassel |
| MHA | Black cap and gown with Kelly Green/green hood and Kelly Green tassel |
| MS | Black cap and gown, gold/green hood, gold tassel |
| EDS | Black cap and gown with blue/burgundy hood and light blue tassel |
| EDD | Black tam/gold tassel, black gown/blue chevrons and front plaque, black hood, blue velvet, green/white satin |
| DBA | Black tam/gold tassel, black gown/drab brown chevrons and front plaque, black hood, drab brown velvet, green/white satin bands |
| PHD | Black tam/gold tassel, black gown, dark blue chevrons and front plaque, black hood, dark blue velvet, green/white satin bands |
If you receive incorrect regalia, please call Herff Jones Customer Service at 800.837.4235.
Honor your William Woods family tradition with a commemorative graduation stole. The stole is designed so names can be added as future generations of your family graduate from The Woods!
For the 2026 Spring Commencement, deadline to order is April 1, 2026.
The initial cost of a legacy stole is $75, and includes all initial embroidery. Future Legacy names can be embroidered for $20 per name.
Live video will be available approximately 15 minutes before each ceremony at this link:
There will be designated areas for guests with disabilities, mobility issues, and for deaf/hard of hearing guests. Please notify Janice Tate at [email protected] or 573.592.1174, if you require special seating arrangements.
A non-waivable graduation fee must be paid to William Woods Student Financial Services before your diploma will be released. All graduates must pay this fee, even if they are not participating in the graduation ceremony. The fee will be added to your accounts receivable statement approximately seven days prior to your conferral date. The graduation fee does not cover the cost of your cap and gown. Order your cap and gown through Herff Jones at the link above.
Diplomas are not issued at the ceremony. If you have successfully completed all coursework and your account is clear, your diploma will be mailed to you six to eight weeks after your conferral date. The name on your diploma will be the exact name William Woods has on record. For name changes or personal information updates please contact the Commencement Coordinator, Janice Tate, [email protected]; 573-592-1174, at least one week prior to your conferral date. After that date, there is a $50.00 fee to change your name.
Business casual, no flip-flops or tennis shoes. Please leave all personal belongings with a friend or family member i.e., purses, phones, coats, etc. You will not be allowed to carry anything with you during the procession or as you cross the stage.
A professional photographer will be provided by GradImages. Photographs may be purchased at a cost determined by GradImages. There is no obligation to purchase the photographs, and there is no cost for the service. Proofs from the ceremony will be sent to your email address. Contact information for customer service is 800.261.2576 or [email protected]. Website: https://www.gradimages.com.
For information on area accommodations, please contact the Chamber of Commerce of Callaway County at 573.642.3055
For other questions, please contact Janice Tate at [email protected] or call 573.592.1174.
Although commencement is not a required activity, William Woods University encourages you to participate. Commencement marks a very important step in life as an occasion of celebration and achievement. You have worked very hard, and this ceremony gives the university the opportunity to congratulate you.
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