Commencement
Spring 2026 Commencement — Saturday, May 9
Baldwin Wallace University proudly celebrates the many accomplishments of its spring 2026 graduates.
BW will host spring commencement on Saturday, May 9. 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.
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.
Purchase Regalia
Regalia can be ordered online through Jostens — a partner of the BW Bookstore. Orders must be placed by Sunday, March 15 to ensure delivery before commencement.
Pre-ordered regalia can be picked up at the Bookstore in the lower level of Strosacker Hall, beginning Monday, April 27. The deadline for pick up is before 4 p.m. on Friday, May 8. View Bookstore hours. Call the Bookstore at (440) 826-2205 with any questions.
Cords and Stoles
Students earning a bachelor's degree with honors (cumulative GPA of 3.6 or above) will be issued Honor Cords by the University. Qualifying students will receive an email with instructions for obtaining their cords.
Stoles are distributed by the sponsoring organization. Contact the appropriate organization for information.
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 (including a rehearsal video that you will need to watch). Please look for emails from marshal@bw.edu the week before commencement. If you need special accommodations to participate in commencement, please notify the marshal. It is important that you watch the following rehearsal video to find out where, when and how to process into commencement.
Commencement Ceremony and Celebration Events
Parking
Almost all parking on campus is open on the day of commencement.
- Accessible parking: 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.
- No parking is allowed in fire zones.
- Parking questions? 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., Lindsay-Crossman Chapel, 56 Seminary 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, and 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. 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., Lindsay-Crossman Chapel, 56 Seminary St., Berea
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 participants, 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 Philur'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 (Doors open at 12:30 p.m.)
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. The ceremony typically runs less than two hours.
Arrival time for ceremony:
- 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. Information on tickets for guests will be emailed to graduates in March.
Accessible seating:
Accessible seating is available on the floor of Ursprung Gymnasium. Please see an usher for assistance.
Provide an Update on What's Next for You
Please take two minutes to complete BW's First Destination Survey and share your post-graduation plans — whether you're starting a job, going to graduate school, serving in the military, or still exploring. We'd love to know.
Your response helps the Baldwin Wallace understand where our graduates are headed. The survey also ensures that BW can strengthen academic programs and career support for future Yellow Jackets.
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.
Diploma Mailing
Once final grades are recorded (in May 2026), 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 registrar@bw.edu.