Graduation Information
Commencement 2025
Thursday, May 15 • 7pm
WesBanco Arena
Doors open at 6pm. Students must arrive by 6:30pm.
Reception for gradutes and guests immediatley following.
Commencement will be livestreamed on our YouTube page.
Graduation Information Form
All graduating students, please take a moment to complete the form below to let us know if you’ll be attending Commencement and to ensure we have the correct information for your diploma delivery.
Schedule
Graduates should arrive by 6:30 pm. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Students will robe and line up in the west hallway. Use the main entrance and proceed up the stairs on your right. Signs will be posted, and staff will be available to direct you. Please pick up your name card at the top of the stairs before lining up.
Family members and guests may proceed directly to the main arena, where musical entertainment will begin at 6:00 pm.
Parking
Ample parking is available next to WesBanco Arena at the Intermodal Transportation Center, 14th and Main Streets, for $5. Limited street parking is also available around the arena. Alternatively, you are welcome to park at the College and walk over.
Caps and Gowns
Caps should be worn flat on top, with tassels on the right. All graduates should wear their caps during the conferring of their degrees, while crossing the stage, and during the recessional.
A Few Tips
Graduates should not carry items onto the floor except for their name cards. Programs will be placed on your seats. There is no secure storage, so please leave personal items, such as purses and flowers, in your vehicle or with family members.
Be mindful of this as you approach the stage stairs to avoid catching sleeves on the railing. Don’t forget to bring your tassel, any honor cord, cap, and gown.
Photographs
A professional photographer from GradImages will take pictures of each graduate. You will receive a notification through your Northern email when your proofs are available. Orders may be placed directly with GradImages.
Family members may take pictures from the floor or from their seats as graduates approach or return from the stage. Photos will be available 3-4 weeks after the ceremony.
Line of March
Graduates will march in alphabetical order. Staff will be on hand to assist with lining up graduates.
The Ceremony
Graduates will be led onto the arena floor by Staff Marshals.
After entering, please remain standing until after the Star-Spangled Banner. Graduates should be seated once the program begins.
As you walk up to the stage, your name card will be collected and name will be announced. You will receive a diploma cover while a professional photographer captures your photo. Ensure your tassel is on the right to avoid blocking the photo. Continue across the stage and return to your seat.
Once all graduates have received their certificates and degrees, you will be asked to stand. At this time, you’ll move your tassel from right to left as your degree is conferred by the Board of Governors.
The Marshals will then direct graduates to exit the arena from both sides. Platform guests, faculty, and staff will exit from the front.
Reception
A reception for graduates and guests will be held in the East Meeting Room immediately following the ceremony.
WVNCC Alumni Association
As a graduate of West Virginia Northern Community College, you are forever part of the Thundering Chicken family. By joining the Alumni Association, you’ll stay connected to the College, receive updates on news and events, and gain access to special alumni-only opportunities—such as exclusive pre-event access to our annual Fall Halloween celebration.
This is your opportunity to stay engaged with WVNCC, reconnect with fellow alumni, and be part of shaping the future of our College community.
Don’t miss out—join today and stay connected with Northern!
Transcripts
Diploma Information
Diplomas are not included in the covers given at Commencement. Final grades and program requirements must be verified. You will receive both a printed and digital copy of your diploma. Information will be provided to you by Parchment via text message and an email to your personal email account with instructions on how to access your digital diploma. A printed version will be mailed to your current address.
If your diploma mailing address has changed, please notify the Registrar’s Office at registrar@wvncc.edu.
You can request duplicate diplomas below:
Additional Graduate Services
Career Services
Let Career Services assist you in exploring career options, connecting with potenial employers, career assessment, job fairs, conducting a job search, resume and interview preparation, preparing for your career and more!
Action Center
The Action Center team is charged with providing accurate information and support regarding academic advising, career exploration, and transfer planning.
Congratulations Graduates!
