Planning ahead for your commencement will ensure a wonderful experience for you and your guests.
There are typically several pre-commencement events that are held on campus during spring semester for you to attend. Please mark those dates. Please also monitor the class emails coming from your Dean or the Registrar to stay up to date on checklist items.
The Commencement Speaker Reveal: Date to be announced. Typically falls after March Break
Hoop Rolling: Saturday, April 26 2025 at 9am.
Senior Gala: Typically falls during Senior Week.
Senior Week: Spend this time with your fellow Wellesley seniors in preparation for Commencement. The Class Council sets the agenda for activities during this time and will be carefully planning events that meet all current safety protocols and guidelines. This is a time to enjoy reflection with your classmates after the semester ends and before commencement activities are under way. Please check with your Class Council for more information.
**Please verify the dates and learn more by checking with your class council members.
Seniors only, attendance is required. If you cannot attend, please notify your class dean and the Registrar in advance. Students should arrive to the senior line up location and walk the procession route with the Registrar's Office before finding your assigned seat at the ceremony site by 2:00 p.m. Rehearsal is a time to find your assigned seat, understand the flow of the ceremony, and who to look for on the day of commencement if you have any questions.
See the rest of the Commencement schedule on the Commencement homepage.
We have partnered with Oak Hall through the Wellesley College Bookstore for your convocation and graduation regalia. Please visit the Oak Hall site for ordering.
Pricing for Bachelor cap, gown, and tassel = $31.00 (Note: Class of 2025 tassel color is GREEN)
Online ordering went well for seniors who ordered in time for Convocation. The site will reopen soon for anyone still needing to order for the Commencement Ceremony.
Please direct your questions to the Wellesley College Bookstore
Are you looking to donate your regalia after the ceremony? The Wellesley Students' Aid Society (WSAS) has information here and welcomes donations.
Honor Society Awards
Phi Beta Kappa
Established in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest academic honor society in the United States. The society's mission is to advocate for a rigorous liberal arts education, to promote the love of learning as a fundamental value, and to recognize and reward academic excellence in its many forms. The Wellesley chapter of Phi Beta Kappa holds one election per year.
Sigma Xi
Sigma Xi is an international honor society of science and engineering whose members’ research spans the disciplines of science and technology. Founded more than 125 years ago, Sigma Xi has chapters at colleges and universities, government laboratories, and industry research centers around the world. More than 200 Nobel Prize winners have been members. The number of individuals selected each year varies.
Latin Honors
Latin Honors award students with an average of 3.60 or higher as Wellesley College Scholars cum laude; students with an average of 3.75 or higher as Durant Scholars magna cum laude; and students with a 3.90 or higher average as Durant Scholars summa cum laude.
In their last semester at Wellesley, seniors should stay updated with information regarding degree requirements, key deadlines, and commencement policies.
Diploma Case/ Holder
Students will receive their diploma case during the commencement ceremony when they walk across the stage. Receiving the diploma case will appear in formal photos.
Paper Diplomas and Electronic Copy of Diploma
All financial obligations to the college must be met before the electronic and paper diploma can be released. On commencement day, students will receive an email with a link to an electronic copy of their Wellesley diploma. In June, the paper diploma will be mailed to each graduate. Please check the Registrar’s Office website for more information.
Financial Holds
If you have a financial hold on your account, please contact Student Financial Services (SFS) before Commencement day to resolve your hold. On Commencement Day, staff in Student Financial Services will be available to assist with outstanding balances and payments. You will not receive your diploma until all financial obligations to the college are met.
Typically our graduates follow the schedule below.
Residence halls close for graduating seniors on the same day as the commencement ceremony. Please plan accordingly.
For more information about Important Dates from the Residence staff, please visit their website
The Wellesley College Bookstore has preferred partners for graduation items. Please check their website for more information or stop by the store.
Please visit the preferred partnerships:
- Class Rings may be found at Jostens - The Bookstore has a ring sizer if students need to measure they can ask to use this.
- Announcements - Jostens also has announcement options on their site. Wellesley College is working on sustainability measures and you will receive an Electronic Invitation or E-Vite in the Spring that you can share with others. If you prefer a traditional, printed format you can have this printed using our preferred partner or visit many of the digital announcement options available on the web from places like Shutterfly.
- Diploma Frames The Bookstore carries many frames in the store. Look for a sale in the spring.