Planning ahead for commencement ensures a wonderful experience for graduates and their guests.
Seniors should read all emails from the Class Dean and Registrar, confirm all graduation requirements have been fulfilled, and note dates of pre-commencement events.
The full commencement schedule is available on the commencement page.
Planning for commencement
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Checklists from Class Dean and Registrar
Seniors can stay up-to-date on information about degree requirements, deadlines, and commencement policies.
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Senior celebrations
The commencement speaker is revealed after March Break.
Hoop Rolling: Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 9 am.
Senior Week is a special time for seniors in advance of commencement. Class Council sets the agenda for activities. All events will meet safety protocols and guidelines.
Senior Gala takes place during Senior Week.
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Commencement rehearsal
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 2 pm.
Seniors only. Attendance is required!
Rehearsal is an opportunity to walk the procession route, find one’s assigned seat, and understand the flow of the ceremony. Students will also learn who will be available to answer questions on commencement day.
Seniors who cannot attend should notify the Class Dean and the Registrar in advance.
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Convocation and graduation regalia
The Wellesley College Bookstore partners with Oak Hall for convocation and graduation regalia. Please visit the Oak Hall site for ordering.
Price for bachelor cap, gown, and tassel: $31.00
Note: Class of 2025 tassel color is green
Online orders due by March 23, 2025
Pick up regalia at the bookstore starting April 21, 2025.
Please direct questions to the bookstore.
A limited number of gowns are available to borrow, free of charge, from the Wellesley Students’ Aid Society, which welcomes regalia donations from newly minted graduates following the ceremony.
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Senior awards and honors
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.>
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Diplomas
Diploma case
During the commencement ceremony, students will receive their diploma case 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 receive an email with a link to an electronic copy of their Wellesley diploma. In June, the paper diploma is mailed to each graduate. Please direct any diploma questions to the Registrar’s office.
Financial holds
Students with a financial hold on their account should contact Student Financial Services before commencement day to resolve the hold. On commencement day, staff in Student Financial Services will be available to assist with outstanding balances and payments. Graduates will not receive their diploma until all financial obligations to the College are met.xtagstartz
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Announcements, class rings, and diploma frames
In the spring, the College sends an electronic commencement announcement that can be shared and forwarded to guests. For a paper invitation, the electronic announcement can be printed through Jostens or online companies such as Shutterfly. Jostens also offers a variety of designs for graduation announcement cards.
The College Bookstore has many graduation items, including diploma frames, available online and in the store.
Class rings are available at Jostens. The Bookstore has a ring sizer for students’ use.
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Residence hall move out for graduating seniors
Seniors must move out of their dorms by 5 pm on commencement day. Please plan accordingly!
For more information, students should check the housing portal.