Commencement

Information for graduates

Congratulations on your graduation from Goodwin University. Commencement is a University-wide celebration to honor your accomplishments. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Event overview:

12:30 p.m.	Master’s Hooding Ceremony (check-in: Community Room)
1 p.m.	Master’s Hooding Ceremony (Auditorium)
2 p.m.	Graduate (check-in: Community Room)
3 p.m.	Tent opens for guest seating
4 p.m.	Ceremony begins

Parking

Graduates and guests will park in the lot at the main campus building on One Riverside Drive and will be directed by our security team.

Entry

Each student is allowed to bring up to four guests to the Commencement Ceremony. Children 2 years of age and under do not need a ticket and must sit on a lap. They cannot take up a seat. All guests will receive a wristband after checking in with their ticket.

Students will receive four tickets at the Regalia Distribution event (or at a prearranged alternative time if not attending the event). Students are responsible for providing their guests with tickets in advance. Guests will not be allowed into the Commencement Ceremony without a ticket, and tickets will not be distributed at the event.

You are not permitted to bring more than four guests. Students participating in the ceremony do not need a ticket.

Caps and gowns

Caps and gowns must be picked up at the Regalia Distribution Event on Thursday, May 14, 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Riverside Drive.

If you are unable to make it to the event, please contact the Registrar’s Office at to schedule a time to pick up your regalia. In-office pickups will only be available between Monday, May 18 to Friday, May 22, and Tuesday, May 26 to Friday, May 29. No regalia pickups will be available after Friday, May 29.

Graduates must arrive at Commencement already dressed in their regalia. Extra regalia will not be available. Without proper regalia, you will not be able to participate in the ceremony. You will be taking your caps, gowns, and/or master’s hoods home with you after the ceremony.

Photography

GradImages is the official photographer for the 2026 Commencement. A package with proofs and order information will be mailed to graduates’ homes after Commencement.

Please be sure to stop at the GradImages photo station after you walk across the stage to have your pictures taken.

Printed Commencement programs

Printed programs will be available and will include a QR code which will direct you to the list of graduates.

Check-in and lineup

Graduates are expected to arrive by 2 p.m. Check-in begins at 2 p.m. You will check in at the Community Room. At check-in, volunteers will provide graduates with name cards and assist with the lineup. Please be sure you are in the correct line for your program.

Please keep the card with you at all times. You will need to bring it with you to the stage. You will hand your name card to a member of the administration before walking across the stage.

Complimentary water and snacks will be available to graduates.

Master’s hooding

Master’s students will be receiving their hoods from their program directors before participating in the formal ceremony. The Master’s Hooding Ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. in the auditorium. Check-in for the Hooding Ceremony will begin at 12:30 in the Community Room. Please check in before entering the auditorium.

Following the Hooding Ceremony, Master’s students will remain in the auditorium to line up for the Commencement Ceremony with the rest of the graduating students. Your guests will not be allowed into the tent until 3 p.m.

Procession

The ceremony begins with the Board of Trustees, administration, honorary degree recipients, and faculty taking their seats on stage and in other designated areas. Once they are in their locations, graduates will begin a formal procession and be seated.

This will be done in order by department, with master’s degree recipients first, bachelor’s degree recipients second, associate degree recipients third, and collegiate certificate recipients fourth.

Presentation of degrees

Graduates will be directed, row by row, to the stage. Before approaching the stage, a photo will be taken. Once on stage, graduates will present their name card to a member of the Administration, who will announce their name and degree information. After being introduced, each graduate will walk across the stage to shake hands with President Mark Scheinberg. GradImages will take your photo as you’re exiting the stage.

Diplomas will not be distributed at Commencement, but you will receive a complimentary diploma frame. Graduates will receive an email to their Goodwin University account and to the personal email address on file when diplomas are processed and sent.

End of ceremony and recessional

At the end of the ceremony, President Mark Scheinberg will deliver closing remarks, and tassels will be turned. Graduates are expected to remain in their seats until all of the Board of Trustees, honorary degree recipients, and administration have left the stage. Class marshals will direct graduates to the exit.

Out of respect for all graduates, you are required to stay for the entire ceremony. All graduates must return to their seats immediately after leaving the stage. Graduates are expected and required to remain in their seats until after the closing remarks and tassels are turned. You will then exit together in line.

Commencement do’s and don’ts

Congratulations to Goodwin University’s Class of 2026 — we can’t wait to celebrate you at Commencement!