2023 Commencement

2023 Commencement Announcements/Activities

Commencement 2023 Schedule

114th Commencement Weekend: May 12-13, 2023

Baccalaureate
Baccalaureate will take place on Friday, May 12, 2023 at 7 p.m. in Harper McNeeley Auditorium in the Myles Center for the Arts.
Graduates should arrive at the library bridge no later than 6:15 p.m. to line up for the processional.  (Rain Location: Glass wall in the Myles Center for the Arts.)

Commencement
Commencement will take place on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 10 a.m.  in Harper McNeeley Auditorium in the Myles Center for the Arts.
Graduates should arrive at the library bridge no later than 9:15 a.m. to line up for the processional.  (Rain Location: Glass wall in the Myles Center for the Arts.)

Please note:

  • Countdown to Commencement will be held on  March 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and March 22 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Senate Commons in the Myles Center for the Arts.
  • Rehearsal for both Baccalaureate and Commencement will be on Friday, May 12 at 1 p.m. All graduates are required to attend.
  • The services and ceremonies will be streamed and overflow seating will be available in Senate Commons.
  • Guests may enter the auditorium one hour in advance of the service or ceremony.
Countdown to Commencement

Countdown to Commencement will be held on  March 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and March 22 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Senate Commons in the Myles Center for the Arts. Please plan to attend one of these sessions.

You will take care of multiple, important, pre-graduation tasks at this time. These tasks included identifying the faculty or staff member you would like to hood you at the Baccalaureate Service; identifying the faculty members you would like to sign your diploma; informing the College regarding how many family members and guests will be attending the Baccalaureate and Commencement Services; and completing your exit counseling with the Office of Financial Aid.  

Nurses Pinning

Nurses Pinning

The nurses pinning is on Friday, May 12 at 4 p.m. in th Senate Commons in the Myles Center for the Arts. For information, contact Brenda Miller at (304) 637-1314 or millerb@dewv.edu

Academic Regalia / Cap and Gown

Academic Regalia / Cap and Gown

Graduates are required to wear their Academic Regalia for  Commencement.  Caps and gowns were ordered by each graduate at Countdown for Commencement.

Cap and Gown Pick Up

Graduates may pick up their cap and gown at the following locations and times.

  • Office of the Registrar (LA 103)
    • April 24 to May 5 during business hours (M-F 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).  Please note that cap and gowns not picked up by end of the day on May 5 will have to be picked up at rehearsal! 
  • Commencement Rehearsal
    • May 12 between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m.

    Proper Attire for Baccalaureate

    Graduates are required to wear their Academic Regalia at Baccalaureate. Please remember to wear the following.

    • Black Graduation Gown
    • Mortar Board with Red and White 2023 Tassel

    Proper Attire for Commencement

    Graduates are required to wear their Academic Regalia at Commencement. Please remember to wear the following.

    • Black Graduation Gown
    • Mortar Board with Red and White 2023 Tassel
    • D&E Hood (Received at Baccalaureate)
      Rehearsal

      Rehearsal

      Rehearsal for both Baccalaureate and Commencement will be on Friday, May 12 at 1 p.m. Please meet in Harper McNeeley Auditorium.  All graduates are required to attend.

      Honor Cords

      Honor cords worn during Commencement designate academic achievements of special merit. The colors specify the nature of the achievements. Academic honor cords will be handed out at the rehearsal.

      • White, red, and gold cord: Summa Cum Laude
      • White and red cord: Magna Cum Laude
      • White cord: Cum Laude
      • Red and gold cord: Honors Program

      Departmental honor cords will be handed out by departments in advance of Commencement.

      Live Stream of 2023 Commencement Weekend

      Please click on a link below to view the live stream of the ceremonies. The links will be active one hour in advance of the event.

      Baccalaureate Livestream on Friday, May 12, 2023 at 7 p.m.

      Commencement  Livestream on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 10 a.m.

      Parking Information

      Parking will be available in the McDonnell Center lot accessible off Harpertown Road. Parking will not be available on the front of campus.

      The Myles Center for the Arts is now accessible on all levels by elevator.

      Ticket Information for 2023 Commencement

      Ticket Information 2023 Baccalaureate Services and Commencement Ceremonies

      At this time, tickets are not required. Doors will open one hour before the service or ceremony.

      Commencement Photographs

      Baccalaureate and Commencement Photographs

      As each graduate crossed the stage to receive their diploma, they will be photographed by a professional photographer from Sam Santilli Photography.

      • Each graduate will receive a copy of their photo by mail, as a gift from the National Alumni Council in late May.
      • Images from Commencement Weekend will be available on the Davis & Elkins College website.

      Please note:

      To limit distractions and to observe social distancing, please do not approach the stage to photograph or film the Commencement ceremony.

      FAQs for Day of Commencement