Commencement
Fall 2025 Commencement — Saturday, December 13
Baldwin Wallace University proudly celebrates the many accomplishments of its fall 2025 graduates.
BW will host fall commencement on Saturday, December 13. The conferring of degrees ceremony for students receiving a master's degree and students receiving a bachelor's degree will be held at 2:00 p.m., in Ursprung Gymnasium, Lou Higgins Recreation Center.
Details for commencement will be posted on this page later this fall.
Preparing for Commencement Day
Caps, Gowns and Hoods
Bachelor's degree students are required to wear a cap and gown. Master's degree students are required to wear a tam, hood and gown.
Purchase Regalia
Regalia can be ordered online through the Bookstore. Orders must be placed by Friday, December 5 to ensure delivery before commencement.
Pre-ordered regalia can be picked up at the Bookstore in the lower level of Strosacker Hall. The deadline for pick up is before 4 p.m. on Friday, December 12. View Bookstore hours. Call the Bookstore at (440) 826-2205 with any questions.
Cords and Stoles
Students earning a bachelor's degree with honors (cumulative GPA of 3.6 or above) will be issued Honor Cords by the University. Qualifying students will receive an email with instructions for obtaining their cords.
Stoles are distributed by the sponsoring organization. Contact the appropriate organization for information.
Commencement Ceremony and Celebration Events
Parking
Almost all parking on campus is open on the day of commencement.
- Accessible parking: The BW parking lot located immediately west of the Lou Higgins Recreation Center is designated for accessible parking to accommodate any graduates, families, or guests with a disability placard and those with limited mobility. Accessible parking is also available in every lot on campus.
- No parking is allowed in fire zones.
- Parking questions? Contact Parking Services at (440) 826-2410 if you have questions prior to the day of commencement. Contact Safety and Security at (440) 826-2336 if you have questions on the day of commencement.
Baccalaureate Service
10:00 a.m., Lindsay-Crossman Chapel, 56 Seminary St., Berea
Baccalaureate is a non-denominational service that gives thanks for the achievements of the graduates, celebrates the completion of their academic careers, and asks for God's blessings on their futures. Rev. C.J. Harkness will preside, and faculty and student leaders will conduct the ceremony. All students and families are invited to attend.
President's Reception
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Strosacker Hall Ballroom, 125 Tressel St., Berea
The President's Reception welcomes all graduates and their families and guests to celebrate their achievements together. This informal event features light refreshments. Formal dress is not required, and reservations are not necessary. Caps and gowns are not worn at this time. (Individual academic departments may host receptions for graduating students and parents. Contact departments directly for information.)
Conferring of Degrees Ceremony
2:00 p.m., Ursprung Gymnasium, Lou Higgins Recreation Center, 136 E. Bagley Rd., Berea (Doors open at 12:30 p.m.)
The conferring of degrees ceremony for students receiving a master's degree and students receiving a bachelor's degree will be held at 2:00 p.m. The ceremony typically runs less than two hours.
Arrival time for ceremony:
- Graduates are to arrive early and report to the Lou Higgins Recreation Center by 1:15 p.m.
- Guests should be seated in Ursprung Gymnasium by 1:45 p.m. Tickets are NOT required for guests at the commencement ceremony.
Accessible seating:
Accessible seating is available on the floor of Ursprung Gymnasium. Please see an usher for assistance.
After Commencement Day
Graduation Photos
BW has partnered with GradImages to provide graduate photos. All graduates will be directed to a photo station immediately after exiting the commencement stage and have a photo taken. For information about ordering photos, visit GradImages online, contact their customer service department at (800) 261-2576 or through email. Students who register with GradImages before Commencement Day at gradimages.com/preregistration can receive a 20% discount on their entire order.
Diploma Mailing
Once final grades are recorded (in January 2026), you will receive a mailing with your official diploma. If you have changed your address in the last year, please complete the request for change of record form. If you are having trouble accessing the form, or no longer have access to your BW login, address change requests can be emailed to registrar@bw.edu.