Undergraduate Commencement on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at the MassMutual Center will begin at 10:00 a.m. and last until approximately 12:00 p.m. Join us as we celebrate the academic accomplishments of our undergraduate students!
GradFest is your one-stop shop for all of your Commencement needs! You’ll have the opportunity to pick up your cap and gown if you ordered them online. At the event, you can also order a class ring, meet with the Career Center and Alumni Engagement teams, and possibly win a prize in the raffles.
GradFest will take place in the St. Germain Campus Center on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 from 2:00–6:00 p.m. and Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 12:00–4:00 p.m.
In order to participate in ceremonies during Commencement Weekend, you will need University-approved regalia. Herff Jones, in conjunction with the WNE Bookstore, is the approved supplier for caps and gowns to graduates.
All orders for regalia must be made online. (Please see below for more information regarding Honor Cords.) Ordering options include home delivery and campus pickup options. It is highly recommended that all orders are placed as soon as possible to avoid processing and transit delays.
Cap and Gown Deadlines
March 13: Order your cap and gown by March 13 for campus pickup option. Campus pickup orders will be available beginning April 16 at the WNE Bookstore.
April 18: Order your cap and gown by April 18 for ship to home option and receive your cap and gown for Commencement Weekend. (Cap and gowns will not be available to order after April 18.) Shipping fees do apply.
Note about Honor Cords: Honor cords cannot be purchased. They are distributed to the appropriate students at Commencement check-in.
For further information regarding cap and gowns and announcements, contact the WNE Bookstore.
The deadline for settling all accounts at Enrollment Services in order to receive a digital and paper diploma after Commencement is Monday, May 20, 2024.
All August 2023, October 2023, December 2023, and May 2024 graduates are eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony. Graduates are asked to notify Enrollment Services at 413-796-2080 immediately if they change their mind about participating in the Commencement ceremony.
Graduates who will be within six credits of graduation as of May 19, 2024, may be eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony. A Participation Request Form must be sent to the Dean's office prior to April 30, 2024.
Graduates will receive a digital download of their official diploma within a few days of the ceremony, as well as a diploma cover on stage. Paper diplomas will be mailed to the graduates’ address on file within 5-6 weeks.
Western New England University (WNE) will provide continuous shuttle service between WNE and MassMutual Center (MMC) on Commencement Day, Sunday, May 19 between 7:15 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
WNE Drop-off/Pick-Up: The shuttles run approximately every 30 minutes from WNE’s Welcome Center parking lot located at 1215 Wilbraham Road. Large signs will indicate drop-off/pick-up zone.
MMC: The shuttles will stop in front of MMC on the corner of Bruce Landon Way and Main Street for drop-off. The shuttles will be on the Dwight Street side of MMC for pick up and return to WNE after the ceremony.
The first shuttle will leave WNE at 7:30 a.m. The second shuttle will leave at 8:00 a.m. running throughout the day until 6:00 p.m.
The final shuttle departs MMC at approximately 6:00 p.m.
Shuttles are available for everyone including students, faculty, staff, family, and friends attending the event.
Note that traffic conditions on Commencement Day may cause delays in shuttle service.
REMINDER: Graduates, if choosing shuttle transportation, check-in at the MassMutual Center for robing and processional is between 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. for the undergraduate ceremony and 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. for the graduate ceremony. Please plan accordingly.
Photographs will be taken of each graduate as they receive their diplomas.
As soon as your Commencement photos are processed, graduates and their families will be able to view and purchase their photos online.
To view your Commencement Photos from Lifetouch: Text 403582GY24 to 90738 or visit https://galleries.photoday.io/ and enter the 403582GY24 to get started.
The Commencement ceremony will be streamed live on the University website starting at 10:00 a.m. on May 19, 2024, at wne.edu/commencement.
If you have any questions or concerns related to our commencement ceremony, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at commencement@wne.edu. Our team is ready to assist you with any information or support you may need. We are committed to ensuring a memorable and seamless experience for all our graduates and their guests.
