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Commencement

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

THE CEREMONY

Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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.

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What is the difference between graduation and commencement? Most people don’t realize that these are different events, but it’s important to understand the difference.

Graduation happens when you complete all the requirements necessary for you to finish your degree or certificate program in full.

Commencement is a ceremonial event held each year to honor students that have graduated or will graduate by the end of the summer term following commencement. Commencement requires you to graduate, but graduating does not require you to participate in commencement. Your participation in the commencement ceremony does not mean that you have graduated or will graduate, so it’s important for you to understand the requirements involved for each process.

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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.

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  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. Regalia may be ordered at the Wor-Wic bookstore.
  2. Students who hold membership in campus clubs and organizations should contact that club’s advisor to obtain information regarding any stole or cord that they should be wearing.
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To maintain a professional and polished appearance during commencement, graduates are encouraged to wear business or business casual attire under their academic apparel. Examples include:

  • Solid color dress shirts or blouses
  • Dark trousers, dress pants, skirt or dress
  • Closed-toe dress shoes comfortable for walking. Heels are acceptable, but extremely high or narrow stilettos are not recommended for safety.
The following should not be worn:

Jeans, T-shirts, shorts, flip flops, corsages, or political symbols or statements.

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.

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Stay tuned for updates.

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  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 2 hours.
  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.
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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.

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We understand that seating accommodations are needed for some of your guests. Accommodated seating for your guest(s) with assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers) will be on the main level of the Normandy Arena. 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. Accommodated seating for guest(s) that need American Sign Language interpreters will be in a reserved section. We ask that you limit accommodated seating to the individual(s) who require(s) accommodations and two family members.

To make your request, please email disability services. 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 or interpreters). If you require accommodated seating for more than two guests, please let us know.

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  • 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 disability services as soon as possible. Provide your full name, phone number, student ID number and the type of accommodation (such as wheelchair space) you require. 
     
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  • Guests do not need tickets.
  • We ask guests not to reserve seats.
  • 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. 
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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

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We invite all faculty and staff to participate in/attend our annual commencement. All faculty and staff that plan to attend commencement should RSVP so that seating is reserved accordingly. Please check with your dean or department head to receive instructions regarding mandatory attendance. The proper regalia is required.

  • The deadline to RSVP is April 1, 2026. A form link will be sent via email to collect responses.

General information:

  • Faculty and staff are invited to the president’s reception from 4-6 p.m.
  • Faculty will assemble beginning at 6 p.m. and the processional line will form promptly at 6:40 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 date provided by the bookstore. 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.
Contact Us
Leikia H. Briddell
Director of Student Engagement and Belonging
410-334-2892
lbriddell@worwic.edu