Commencement exercises are held twice a year – normally in February and June.  The ceremony lasts approximately three hours.

GUEST INFORMATION

The graduation ceremony is a dignified celebration of our graduates' accomplishments.  Help us make it a day your graduate will be proud of by dressing appropriately and observing the following guidelines:

• Due to space limitations, the graduates are asked to limit their guests to no more than 15 people.  Check with your graduate before the ceremony to make sure you are on the guest list and a ticket, if required, has been obtained for you.

• Doors to the auditorium open approximately one hour prior to the start time indicated on the announcement.  Please be present no later than 10 minutes prior to the start time, as access to the auditorium will be restricted during the processional and invocation.  Seating is usually on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Observe signs indicating reserved seating and restricted areas.   

• Do not bring noisemakers or air horns.

• Do not bring large bouquets of flowers, balloons, etc. that would restrict the view of those around you.

• Bringing small children (less than 5 years old) and babies is highly discouraged.  If you do bring them and they begin to fidget or cry, please remove them from the auditorium so as not to disturb the graduates, speakers, and fellow attendees.  Do not leave children unattended.

• Observe instructions and requests from the Wayland staff, security officers, and venue staff.  Non-compliance may result in your being escorted from the auditorium.

GRADUATE INFORMATION

There is no rehearsal prior to the graduation ceremony; however, you will receive an information packet in the mail detailing what to expect at the ceremony.  The information will also be available at the Commencement Instructions link on this site.

Please make arrangements for the securing of personal belongings before the assembling time.  Wayland is not responsible for belongings left unattended.

If you are disabled, we will make the accommodations necessary to ensure your participation in the commencement exercises.  In the weeks prior to the ceremony, call our main center at 826-7595 x 211 and let us know your needs and limitations.  You will be given the name of someone to speak to at the ceremony who will provide you with specific seating and processional instructions.

GRADUATING IN ABSENTIA

If you are unable or unwilling to participate in the commencement exercises, you must complete a Request to Graduate in Absentia form and return it to the IH 35 campus no later than 8 days before the ceremony.  Based on the information you give us on that form, we will either mail your diploma and regalia to the address you indicate or make it available for pick-up at the IH 35 campus in the weeks following the graduation ceremony. 

RECEIVING YOUR DIPLOMA

Diplomas are distributed during or immediately following the ceremony.  Certain circumstances will result in you receiving your diploma at a later date, and you will be informed of this well before the ceremony.  If you are unable to attend the ceremony, diplomas will be available for pick-up or mail-out in the weeks following commencement. 

Only your degree will be printed on your diploma.  Your major field of study will appear on your official transcript.