Helpful Tips for an Enjoyable Commencement Weekend
Commencement Tip #1
To receive your forwarded first class mail, all students must update their address and demographic information. This would include future addresses (if different), phone, email address (non-Wittenberg email), etc. Post graduation, please email any of these changes to alumni@wittenberg.edu or update here!
Commencement Tip #2
The class of 2025 will livestream its Baccalaureate Service in Weaver Chapel (https://www.wittenberg.edu/live) on Friday, May 16, at 4 p.m.
Baccalaureate is an academic and religious tradition that celebrates the upcoming commencement festivities surrounding graduating students. It is a time to reflect on seniors’ time at Wittenberg, and to look to faith as they begin the next step in their journey. Planned with members of the senior class, many graduating seniors will participate in the service through reading scripture, sharing reflections, and taking part in special music.
Commencement Tip #3
In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the Pam Evans-Smith Arena, located inside the HWA. Tickets will be distributed after the Senior Salute picture; please have your student IDs ready. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Brandee Bates Kern at commencement@wittenberg.edu.
Commencement Tip #4
Each year, the University partners with GradImages, a leader in Commencement photography, to take photos for purchase of graduates receiving their diplomas. Visit www.GradImages.com to view and purchase custom photo products like prints, plaques, specialty gifts, and more. For questions or concerns, contact the GradImages Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576 or by email at ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.
Commencement Tip #5
We are planning for traditional Commencement Exercises, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Access to Commencement Hollow will be restricted until 9:30 a.m. All guests must be seated by 11 a.m.
Commencement Tip #6
Wittenberg University will be live streaming the Commencement ceremonies for those who cannot be in attendance. It can be viewed at https://www.wittenberg.edu/live.
Please feel free to share with those that are not able to attend.
Commencement Tip #7
Parking Information
In order to allow guests to gather safely for Commencement Exercises, the University closes East and West Campus Drives at 8 a.m. on the day of the event each year.
- The exit to N. Plum Street (the road behind Koch Hall) will be reversed so that vehicles cannot exit onto N. Plum St. from west campus drive and instead vehicles will be able to enter from N. Plum St. at 8 a.m. to allow easy access to the Recitation Hall and Carnegie Hall parking lots to accommodate parking for only guests with limited mobility.
- To help alleviate traffic congestion, there will be no west bound traffic on West Ward St. between Woodlawn Ave. and N. Wittenberg Ave. Vehicular traffic will be redirected down Woodlawn Ave. to W. College Ave.
- Officers will be at these locations to assist you and your family and friends. Officers will also be at various other locations to assist you with your needs. In the event of inclement weather and Commencement is held at the Health, Wellness & Athletics Complex (HWA), we will not regulate traffic on Ward. Accessible parking for an indoor Commencement is located in the Upper Lot (across from HWA). Guests with limited mobility can enter the HWA via the entrance facing Bill Edwards Drive.
- A shuttle service will be provided prior to and after the ceremony for those with mobility issues.
Commencement Tip #8
For your last minute Wittenberg University apparel and mementos the University Bookstore will be open the following hours over the Commencement Weekend:
- Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Commencement Tip #9
The bell that hangs in the cupola atop of Myers Hall will ring at 8:30 a.m. and again at 10:30 a.m. to indicate that Commencement Exercises will be held OUTSIDE. Please listen closely for the bell...it only rings for four occasions: new student days procession, commencement, the inauguration of a new president, and W Day.
Commencement Tip #10
Graduates are to meet at the designated line-up location NO LATER THAN 10:45 a.m.
If we are outside in Commencement Hollow, please plan to meet at the walkway outside Weaver Observatory and the Barbara Deer Kuss Science Center. If we are indoors, please plan to meet in The Steemer. Please locate the check-in tables at each location. Graduates will be lined up by number for the processional. You will receive this number when you check-in at the registration table.
A photographer will take your picture prior to walking across the stage. You will then receive your diploma cover and cross the stage where you will have another photo taken at center stage with the president.
Diplomas: the official certificate will be available for pick-up after the ceremony at the post-Commencement reception.
Commencement Tip #11
In Ohio, the weather can change on a dime, and we want you to be prepared. Please:
- Bring or Wear Sunglasses;
- Bring or Wear Sunscreen - there is limited shade in Commencement Hollow;
- Hydrate - drink plenty of water prior to the ceremony;
- Umbrellas are NOT permitted to be open in the seating area once the ceremony starts. They block the view of the other guests. You can bring them to shield the sun or in case of rain, however, once the music begins they must be lowered.
Commencement Tip #12
Please CLEAN OUT your campus mailbox and complete an address forwarding form.