Baldwin Wallace University Commencement
Congratulations Graduates!
BW's Fall Commencement Ceremony will be held SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Mainstage Theatre in the Kleist Center for Art and Drama.
Tickets for Guests
Each graduate may invite two guests to attend the Commencement Ceremony.
To claim your tickets, you will use your student ID number (do not enter the beginning zeros) as your passcode. Your ID number is a single-use passcode. Please claim the number of tickets you need.
Please note: You will NOT be able to claim tickets multiple times. You can also claim your tickets through the HomeTown Fan app. If you are unable to claim your tickets, please contact info@bw.edu.
Please claim your tickets by November 24. Any unused tickets will be made available to graduates who would like to invite additional guests.
While seating at the Commencement Ceremony is limited, an unlimited number of family members and guests are invited to join graduates for the President’s Reception following the ceremony, from approximately 12 noon – 2:00 p.m. in the Austin E. Knowlton Center lobby. Light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Commencement Weekend Schedule
Friday, December 11 | 7:00 – 8:00 PM | Baccalaureate Service
Lindsay-Crossman Chapel, 56 Seminary St.
Baccalaureate is a nondenominational service that gives thanks for the achievements of our graduates and celebrates the completion of their academic journeys. Rev. C.J. Harkness will preside, with faculty and student leaders participating in the service. All graduates and their families are invited to attend.
Saturday, December 12 | 11:00 AM | Conferring of Degrees Ceremony
Mainstage Theatre, Kleist Center for Art and Drama, 95 E. Bagley Rd.
The ceremony will recognize students receiving bachelor's and master's degrees.
- For guests: Doors open at 10:15 a.m.
- For graduates: Please arrive by 10:00 a.m. for lineup in the Black Box Theatre, located across the lobby from the Main Stage Theatre. Graduates will receive a separate email with procession and lineup information.
Saturday, December 12 | Approximately 12 Noon – 2:00 PM | President's Reception
Austin E. Knowlton Center Lobby, 370 Front St.
Following Commencement, President Lee Fisher welcomes all graduates and their families and guests to celebrate together. This informal reception will feature light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres. Reservations are not required.
Livestream Video
The Commencement Ceremony will be livestreamed for family and friends who are unable to attend in person. The livestream will be available on this webpage on Commencement Day.
Parking
All campus parking lots will be open on Commencement Day. Parking is not permitted in designated fire zones.
Accessible parking: Designated accessible parking is available in the BW parking lot immediately behind the Kleist Center for graduates, families and guests with disability placards or limited mobility. Accessible parking is also available throughout campus. Passenger drop-off is available from the Kleist Center driveway off Bagley Road.
For parking questions before Commencement Day, contact Parking Services at (440) 826-2410. On Commencement Day, contact Safety and Security at (440) 826-2336.
Preparing for Commencement Day
Caps, Gowns and Hoods
Students receiving a bachelor's degree are required to wear a cap and gown. Students receiving a master's degree are required to wear a tam, hood and gown.
Order Regalia
Regalia may be ordered online through Jostens, a partner of the BW Bookstore. Orders must be placed by Tuesday, November 24, 2026, to ensure delivery before Commencement.
Pick Up Regalia
Pre-ordered regalia may be picked up at the BW Bookstore on the lower level of Strosacker Hall beginning December 1, 2026. The deadline for pickup is 4:00 p.m. Friday, December 11. For questions, contact the BW Bookstore at (440) 826-2205.
Cords and Stoles
Students earning a bachelor’s degree with honors — a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher — will receive Honor Cords from the University. Qualifying students will receive an email with instructions for obtaining their cords.
Stoles and other types of cords are distributed by their sponsoring organizations. Please contact the appropriate organization for information.
Graduation Photos
BW has partnered with GradImages to provide professional graduation photography. After crossing the Commencement stage, graduates will be directed to a photo station for an individual photograph. Information about purchasing photos is available from GradImages online or by calling customer service at (800) 261-2576.
Graduates who preregister with GradImages before Commencement Day may receive a 20% discount on their photo order.
Diplomas
Once final grades have been recorded in January 2027, graduates will receive their official diplomas by mail.
If your mailing address has changed within the past year, please complete BW's Request for Change of Record form. If you have difficulty accessing the form or no longer have access to your BW login, address changes may be emailed to registrar@bw.edu.
Congratulations from BW
Once again, congratulations on this important achievement. Your degree represents years of learning, hard work, perseverance and growth, and the entire Baldwin Wallace community is proud to celebrate this milestone with you.
As you take your next steps, remember that your connection to BW does not end at Commencement. You are now and always will be a Yellow Jacket for Life — YJ4L.
We look forward to celebrating with you on December 12!
Future Commencement Dates*
- May 8, 2027
- May 6, 2028
- May 5, 2029
- May 11, 2030
*Subject to change