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Commencement

Commencement

Spring 2024 Commencement: Saturday, May 4

Baldwin Wallace University proudly celebrates the many accomplishments of its 2024 graduates.

It's Time to Celebrate!

BW will host spring commencement on Saturday, May 4. The conferring of degrees ceremony for students receiving a master's degree and students receiving a bachelor's degree will be held at 2:00 p.m., in Ursprung Gymnasium, Lou Higgins Recreation Center.


Watch Commencement Ceremony

The commencement ceremony will be livestreamed for family and friends unable to attend. The live video stream will be added to this page on commencement day.


Preparing for Commencement Day

Caps, Gowns and Hoods

Bachelor’s degree students are required to wear a cap and gown. Master's degree students are required to wear a tam, hood and gown. (Note: Nursing graduates will receive their regalia through their department.)

Those who reserve their regalia through the Bookstore website can pick up their order in the Bookstore on the lower level of Strosacker Hall. The cost is $53.50 for undergraduate regalia and $145.50 for master's regalia. You can purchase regalia at the Grad Fair, at the Bookstore or online.

Purchase at the Bookstore or Online

You can place your order for regalia in person at the Bookstore or online with the links below. You will receive an order confirmation email and an "order ready for pick up” email when your order is ready. Pick-up hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the Bookstore on the lower level of Strosacker Hall. Call the Bookstore at (440) 826-2205 with any questions.

Tickets

Graduating students may invite up to six (6) guests each to commencement day events. Tickets are available online. Please follow the directions for a secure download of tickets. Guests will be asked to present printed tickets or show their tickets on their phones at the commencement site entrance. Unused tickets may be shared with other families.

Virtual Rehearsal and Procession Lineup

All graduates will receive email communications from the Marshal of Commencement to confirm their participation and provide information on arrival times, lineup and procession. Please look for emails from marshal@bw.edu a few weeks before commencement. If you need special accommodations to participate in commencement, please notify the marshal. It is important that you watch the rehearsal instruction video to find out where, when and how to process into commencement. The rehearsal instruction video will be shared the week of April 22.


Commencement Day, May 4, 2024, Celebration Events

Parking

Almost all parking on campus is open on the day of commencement. No parking is allowed in fire zones. The BW parking lot located immediately west of the Lou Higgins Recreation Center is designated for accessible parking to accommodate any graduates, families, or guests with a disability placard and those with limited mobility. Accessible parking is also available in every lot on campus. Contact Parking Services at (440) 826-2410 if you have questions prior to the day of commencement. Contact Safety and Security at (440) 826-2336 if you have questions on the day of commencement.

Baccalaureate Service

10:00 a.m., Gamble Auditorium, Kulas Musical Arts Building, 96 Front St., Berea
Baccalaureate is a non-denominational service that gives thanks for the achievements of the graduates, celebrates the completion of their academic careers, and asks for God's blessings on their futures. Rev. C.J. Harkness will preside. Faculty and student leaders will conduct the ceremony. All students and families are invited to attend.

President's Reception

11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Strosacker Hall Ballroom, 125 Tressel St., Berea
The President's Reception welcomes all graduates and their families and guests to celebrate their achievements together with President and Mrs. Helmer. This informal event features light refreshments. Formal dress is not required, and reservations are not necessary. Caps and gowns are not worn at this time. (Individual academic departments may host receptions for graduating students and parents. Contact departments directly for information.)

White Rose Ceremony

12:00 p.m., Strosacker Hall (front steps), 125 Tressel St., Berea
Rain location: Sandstone 3, Strosacker Hall (lower level)
The White Rose Ceremony is held annually during spring commencement weekend in memory of Philura Gould Baldwin. An oration is given by one of the selected women, and a portion of the White Rose song is sung. A white rose serves as a memorial to the honoree.

Philura Gould Baldwin, 1886, was the granddaughter of John Baldwin, founder of Baldwin University. As an undergraduate, Philura collected books, cataloging them according to Dewey’s new decimal system, to begin a library. The traditional colors of brown and gold, which carried over from Baldwin University, had been Philura’s suggestion. Following her death from consumption at age 26, Philura's parents donated funds for a library that was dedicated in her memory in June 1894. The building still stands today as part of the Malicky Center.

Conferring of Degrees Ceremony

2:00 p.m., Ursprung Gymnasium, Lou Higgins Recreation Center, 136 E. Bagley Rd., Berea
The conferring of degrees ceremony for students receiving a master's degree and students receiving a bachelor's degree will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

Arrival time:

  • Graduates are to arrive early and report to the Lou Higgins Recreation Center by 1:15 p.m.
  • Guests should be seated in Ursprung Gymnasium by 1:45 p.m. Tickets are required for guests.

Accessible seating:

Accessible seating is available on the floor of Ursprung Gymnasium. Please see an usher for assistance.


After Commencement Day

Graduation Photos

BW has partnered with GradImages to provide graduate photos. All graduates will be directed to a photo station immediately after exiting the commencement stage and have a photo taken. For information about ordering photos, visit GradImages online, contact their customer service department at (800) 261-2576 or through email. Students who register with GradImages before Commencement Day at gradimages.com/preregistration can receive a 20% discount on their entire order.

Graduation Mailing

Once final grades are recorded (in late May 2024), you will receive a mailing with your official diploma. If you have changed your address in the last year, please complete the request for change of record form. If you are having trouble accessing the form, or no longer have access to your BW login, address change requests can be emailed to webregis@bw.edu.


Future Commencement Dates*

Fall 2024: December 14
Spring 2025: May 10
Fall 2025: December 13
Spring 2026: May 9
Fall 2026: December 12
Spring 2027: May 8
Fall 2027: December 11
Spring 2028: May 6

*Subject to change