West Virginia University
College of Human Resources & Education
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Graduation Information

  • Who:
    • Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts graduates
    • Five-Year Teacher Education graduates
    • Master of Science/Master of Arts graduates
    • Doctor of Education/Doctor of Philosophy graduates
  • What:
    • 140th Commencement of WVU for the College of Human Resources & Education
    • Reception for attendees will immediately follow the Commencement ceremony
    • Formal invitations will be mailed to permanent home addresses, and RSVPs are required.
    • Student passages for the Graduates’ Acknowledgments Booklet are due by Friday, April 17, 2009.
  • Where:
    • WVU Coliseum
    • Graduates should report to the second floor Green Gate area no later than 8:30 a.m.
    • To access the Green Gate second floor, enter through the Coliseum Green Gate and follow the signs to the stairs or elevator that will take you to the second floor check-in area.
    • Once upstairs, go to the appropriate check-in table to receive your name card. You must have your name card to process.
  • When:
    • Commencement will be held on May 16, 2009, 9:30 a.m.
    • Graduates must report to the Green Gate no later than 8:30 a.m.
  • Reception Information
    • Graduates and their friends and families are invited to the HR&E Commencement Reception.
    • The reception will be held in the Shell Building, located adjacent to the Coliseum, immediately following the Commencement ceremony.
    • Individual locations for the six departments and the five-year teacher education program will be clearly marked.
    • This should be a wonderful opportunity for pictures with faculty, friends, and family.
  • Academic Regalia for Graduates FAQs
    • Academic regalia is one of the time-honored traditions of higher education institutions around the globe, including West Virginia University. With its roots in Medieval Europe, the guidelines for American academic dress were outlined in 1895 by representatives from Columbia, Princeton, Yale and New York. As the land grant institution of West Virginia, WVU proudly upholds these traditions for its graduation ceremonies.
    • Must I wear regalia for Commencement?
      Yes. Regalia is required for participation in each of the Commencement ceremonies. Graduates of the Honors College should wear their customized gold gowns for their individual school/college ceremonies.
    • Is there a difference between the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral gowns?
      Yes. The doctors’ gowns fall approximately 6 inches above the wearer’s ankle and have distinctive billowy, bell-shaped sleeves. The doctors’ gowns also have a front velvet facing and three colored velvet bars on the sleeves.
      The gowns for master’s candidates should also fall to 6 inches above the ankle, but the sleeves bear a unique rectangular shape that hangs below the hand.
      The bachelor’s gown is a simple pleated gown that falls to just above the ankle.
      Please note that West Virginia University graduates wear a customized blue gown with a gold university seal. The Honors College graduates don a customized gold gown.
      The hood also accompanies the attire of master’s and doctoral degree candidates.
      It is strongly recommended that you wear the appropriate gown for your level of degree. You have worked hard and earned the right to wear the regalia that matches your achievement!
    • I am a double major. Which color accessories should I wear? Can I wear more than one tassel?
      You should wear the color (and gown) of the highest level degree you are receiving. If they are of equal ranking (i.e. two bachelor’s degrees) wear the color of the group with whom you are seated. You may not wear more than one tassel.
    • Where can I find honor cords, stoles, medallions, etc.? Latin honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude) will be recognized by the University with the presentation of honor cords. The cords are a double braid of gold and blue and will be distributed through the schools and colleges prior to Commencement exercises. Any adornments given by academic organizations will be distributed by those organizations.
      Please remember that Commencement exercises are a celebration of academic achievement. Any stoles, medallions, or cords should represent an academic honor, not cultural heritage or religious affiliation. Unapproved adornments and those not University-related are not permitted.
      Sources: Academic Ceremonies: A Handbook of Traditions and Protocol by April Harris An Academic Costume Code and An Academic Ceremony Guide by Eugene Sullivan, American Council on Education; Reprinted with permission from American Universities and Colleges, 15th edition © 1997 Walter de Gruyter, Inc.