Search
Menu

Commencement

You did it! Here's everything you need to know to graduate and enjoy the big day.

THE CEREMONY

Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Location – Wicomico Youth and Civic Center
Commencement begins promptly at 7 p.m.

You worked hard to complete your certificate or degree, and now it’s time to recognize your accomplishments. Students who want to participate in the Commencement ceremony must complete an application for graduation. Students are eligible to participate if they have completed the requirements for their degree or certificate at the end of the prior fall semester or if they are completing the requirements for their degree or certificate at the end of the spring semester.

Students completing a program in the summer can also participate in Commencement if they have nine credits or less remaining, they have registered for their remaining course work and they have met all other graduation requirements prior to the ceremony. It is recommended that students meet with their academic advisor to conduct a degree audit to determine graduation eligibility.

Edit Content
Graduating with an associate degree:
  1. Complete the Application for Graduation online through the my.worwic.edu. For assistance, please read Applying for Graduation through Self-Service.
  2. Have at least 60 credit hours with a “C” (2.00) grade point average or better.
  3. Have a minimum of 15 credits completed at Wor-Wic.
  4. Have at least 18 credits in general education courses for an associate of applied science degree and 28 credits for an associate of arts, associate of science degree or associate of arts in teaching.
  5. Have at least 24 credits directly related to the occupation in vocational and technical programs.
  6. Resolve all financial obligations to the college
Graduating with a certificate of proficiency:
  1. Complete the Application for Graduation online through the my.worwic.edu. For assistance, please read Applying for Graduation through Self-Service.
  2. Complete the specific program requirements.
  3. Earn a “C” (2.00) grade point average or better.
  4. Have a minimum of 25 percent of the required courses completed at Wor-Wic.

* All certificates and degrees will be mailed approximately eight weeks following commencement.

Edit Content
  1. All graduates must wear academic apparel which consists of: the mortarboard (cap), gown and tassel. Students may also wear any honor apparel such as an honor cord or stole. 
  2. Veterans and military graduates: The applicable military stole (USA, USMC, USN, USAF, USCG) can be obtained from Jason M. King in veterans services by emailing him at jmking@worwic.edu.
  3. Phi Theta Kappa graduates can wear honor regalia in addition to a cap and gown. Members should contact Dr. Dana Burnside at dburnside@worwic.edu.
  4. Students who hold membership in other campus clubs and organizations should contact that club's advisor to obtain information regarding any stole or cord that they should be wearing.
Edit Content
The following is an example of appropriate clothing to wear with your academic apparel:
  1. Men: solid color dress shirts, dark neckties, dark trousers, black shoes and socks.
  2. Women: skirt or dress with comfortable dress shoes. Stilettos are not recommended.
The following should not be worn:
  1. Jeans, t-shirts, shorts, flip flops, costume jewelry, corsages or political symbols.

Personal items

Please leave all personal items (cell phones, purses, bouquets, etc.) with a trusted family member or friend. There are no storage areas available and Wor-Wic personnel cannot hold personal items.

Edit Content

Commencement packets will be distributed Monday, April 28, 2025 through Friday, May 2, 2025. Commencement packets include graduation announcements to share with friends and family as well as other information you will need before the ceremony. Graduates will be able to obtain their commencement packet from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. from the office of student engagement and belonging, in Hazel Center 215. A valid form of ID is required. If you are unable to make it during these times, please email Leikia Briddell or call her at 410-334-2892 to schedule an alternate pickup time.

Edit Content
  1. While a spirit of joy and enthusiasm is encouraged, commencement is a formal academic event. Students and guests are expected to maintain a measure of decorum consistent with the stately nature of commencement.
  2. The ceremony will last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  3. Graduates are expected to return to their seats after receiving their diploma cover and to remain seated for the rest of the program. Graduates will not be permitted to leave after they’ve received their diplomas. Guests are expected to remain seated for the entire ceremony and refrain from leaving their seats to take pictures or to talk to the graduates.
  4. Students and guests who elect to participate are expected to respect the rights of others and to observe the following guidelines:
    • Guests and students should comply with any requests made by Wor-Wic commencement volunteers and Civic Center event staff.
    • All electronic devices should be turned off.
    • Noise-makers, banners and posters are prohibited as are objects, such as balloons, flowers and stuffed animals, that would detract from the formality of the event. Participants and guests will not be allowed to bring these items into the venue.
    • All aisles must remain clear throughout the ceremony.
    • Applause should be held until all students have received their diplomas. Names will be read quickly, and it is important that every family hear their graduate’s name.
    • Neither Wor-Wic nor the Civic Center will be held liable if a child is injured because of inappropriate or disruptive behavior including, but not limited to, running and jumping.
    • All graduates are requested to refrain from inappropriately celebrating (e.g., dancing, calling out the names of others, loud, offensive noises and gestures) during the ceremony.
    • Candidates should NOT have personal belongings in their possession during the ceremony. These items should be given to their guests. Wor-Wic will not be responsible for these items if they are lost, misplaced, stolen or broken.
    • All participants and guests are subject to the rules of the Civic Center. Graduates and/or their guests may be asked to leave the premises if inappropriate behavior is displayed.
Edit Content

A professional photographer will take a souvenir photo of the graduate. Graduates will receive a link to preview their picture and an order form within one week following the ceremony. Graduates should direct their questions regarding photography to the photographer’s email address or phone number. Guests are not permitted to come out of the stands to take pictures of their graduate, to block the aisles, or come down into the audience or walkway of the graduates to take pictures. If this occurs, they will be promptly asked to return to their seats.

Edit Content

Accommodated seating for your guest(s) will be on the main level of the Normandy Arena. There will be room for those with assistive devices (i.e., wheelchairs, walkers.) You must place a request for your guest(s) to be seated in the accommodated seating area as there is a limited number of seats available. We ask that you limit accommodated seating to the individual(s) who requires accommodations and two family members. To make your request, please contact Karen Mohler via email at kmohler@worwic.edu. Please provide your full name, student ID number, phone number, the number of ADA seats you require within the limit and the type of accommodation (such as wheelchair space). If you require accommodated seating for more than two guests, please let Karen Mohler know.

Edit Content
  • Graduates do not need tickets.
  • Masks are optional.
  • Commencement rehearsal will be announced once the determination has been made.
  • The ceremony will begin promptly at 7 p.m. Check-in begins at 5 p.m. and closes promptly at 6:15 p.m.
  • YOU MUST BE PRESENT NO LATER THAN 6:15 p.m. TO PARTICIPATE.
  • Graduates should enter at the west doors (facing the main parking lot) of the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center. Please look for signage. Please come prepared for the ceremony. You will check in and be directed to your assigned seat. Once you check in, you will not be permitted to walk around, gather in the hallways, or gain entrance into the arena. Please make any last-minute preparations with family members and friends prior to check-in.
  • Your family and friends should follow the instructions for GUEST ARRIVAL and SEATING. They will not be allowed to enter through the graduate entrance with you. They also will not be able to gain access to you once you check-in.
  • You will not be able to leave any personal belongings (e.g. coats, purses, etc.) with a staff member or in the staging room. Please leave all your personal belongings with a trusted friend or family member.
  • If you need any accommodations, please email Karen Mohler at kmohler@worwic.edu immediately. Please provide your full name, phone number, student ID number, and the type of accommodation (such as wheelchair space) you require. 
     
Edit Content
  • Guests do not need tickets.
  • Masks are optional.
  • There is no limit on the number of guests allowed to attend the commencement ceremony.
  • The Civic Center doors will open for guest entry at 5 p.m.
  • A concession stand will be open for a quick snack prior to the beginning of the ceremony. There is a seating area.
  • Items such as balloons, noise makers, confetti, etc. are not allowed inside the arena. These items should be left in the car. Bouquets of flowers are acceptable.
  • Guests are not allowed to leave their seats to take pictures of their student. 
Edit Content

The event will be livestreamed via Facebook and YouTube at the following links:
https://www.facebook.com/PAC14tv/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKXcoeoI-BUmsKkR7FapEjQ

Edit Content

All faculty and staff that intend to attend commencement must RSVP so that seating is reserved accordingly. Please check with your department dean or department head to receive instructions regarding mandatory attendance. The proper regalia is required.

  • The deadline to RSVP is Friday, May 2, 2025. Please send an email to lbriddell@worwic.edu with your name and department information.

General information:

  • Faculty will assemble beginning at 6 p.m. in Flanders Room 3-5 for a pre-ceremony reception. The processional line will form promptly at 6:45 p.m.

Regalia rentals:

  • Regalia is required to attend the ceremony and to sit in the faculty seating area. If you do not have your own commencement apparel, it may be rented through the campus bookstore. 
  • Regalia will be available for pick up the week of commencement and must be picked up by the close of business on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. The bookstore will not be providing any services at the Civic Center prior to the commencement ceremony.
  • The bookstore will email you when your regalia is ready for pick up.
  • All apparel must be returned immediately following the commencement ceremony to the campus bookstore.
  • Nicole Draucker will receive your request and order your apparel. Please contact her at ndraucker@worwic.edu if you have any questions or special requests for your order.
Contact Us
Leikia H. Briddell
Director of Student Engagement and Belonging
410-334-2892
lbriddell@worwic.edu