Commencement Instructions

Congratulations to our Graduates!

This page provides specific instructions to assist you with planning for Commencement.  Please review the details below and let us know if you have any questions.  Commencement@Trinitydc.edu or Dean Meechie Bowie at 202-884-9611.

Arrival and Check-in

All Graduates must arrive for check-in 2 hours before the start of their Commencement ceremony at Main Hall 1st floor.

  • Friday, May 17, 2024: All Professional and Graduate Studies Graduates (PGS – includes School of Professional Studies, Business and Graduate Studies, and School of Education – SPS, BGS, EDU): ARRIVE NO LATER THAN 3:00 pm.  Check-in at O’Connor Auditorium, Main Hall 1st Floor
  • Saturday, May 18, 2024: All College of Arts and Sciences (CAS); All School of Nursing and Health Professions (NHP), and All Early College Academy (ECA) graduates.  ARRIVE NO LATER THAN 9:00 am. ECA and CAS Check-in at O’Connor Auditorium, Main Hall 1st Floor; NHP Check-in at Social Hall, Main Hall 1st Floor.

Regalia

  • Graduation regalia includes a black cap, black gown, black tassel, and an Academic Hood or Collar.  This is required to process with the graduates.
    • Regalia Purchase: Business Office, located in Main Hall 114 (1st floor)
      • Associate’s Degree: Cap, Gown, Black Tassel $32.00 and Collar: $22.00  (Total cost: $54.00)
      • Bachelor’s Degrees (Undergraduate): Cap, Gown, Black Tassel $32.00 and Hood: $26.00  (Total cost: $58.00
      • Master’s Degrees (Graduate): Cap, Gown, Black Tassel $33.00 and Hood: $27.00 (Total cost: $60.00)
    • Regalia Sales and Pickup will begin on Monday, April 22, 2024, continuing through Wednesday, May 15 2024
    • Regalia Purchase: Business Office, located in Main Hall 114 (1st floor) and Regalia Pickup: Student Affairs, located in Main Hall 223 (2nd floor), during the following final hours:
      • Monday 5/13: 8:00 am to 5:00pm
      • Tuesday 5/14: 8:00am to 2:00pm
      • LAST DAY: Wednesday 5/15: 8:00 am to 5:00pm
  • Please note: Spring 2024 Graduates will receive their Academic Hood or Collar on the day of graduation when they check-in on the day of their in-person ceremony.

Graduation Cap Decorating Guidelines: May 2024

Decorations on graduation caps (mortar boards) are a symbol of pride and accomplishment. The decorations represent personalized statements about accomplishments that can be presented in the form of a quote, an image, a symbol, a flag or other things.  To ensure that commencement exercises remain dignified celebrations of achievement of all students, the following rules must be followed when decorating caps for graduation:

  • Decorations should not interfere with attaching the tassel to the cap.
  • Only the flat top of the Trinity-issued black cap may be decorated.
  • Decorations may not hang off the sides of the cap.
  • Large embellishments may not interfere with the view of students seated behind you.
  • Graduation caps must not have any advertisements, symbols, words or slogans conveying messages inappropriate at an academic commencement ceremony.
  • Caps must not threaten the safety of others or use any hate speech of any kind.
  • Obscene, profane or vulgar language is expressly prohibited.
  • Words or items diminishing or slandering toward any individual or institution, the University, any faculty or staff member, and/or any student are prohibited on graduation caps.
  • Caps must be consistent with the code of conduct for Trinity Washington University.
  • Decorations are prohibited on the academic gown and hood.

Commencement Questions?  Office: Main Hall 223  Phone: 202-884-9611 Email: Commencement@trinitydc.edu

Diplomas

  • Spring 2024 Graduates will receive their diploma in person on Commencement Day.  It will be presented to you on stage when your name is called.  If you are unable to attend in person, it will be mailed to you.

Safety

Please take note of the following information.

  • If you or any of your guests are feeling unwell or have tested COVID positive in the past 10 days, we ask that you please do not attend in person.
  • Commencement will be outside regardless of weather, so please plan accordingly.
  • Graduates will process from O’Connor Hall in Main Hall, down the front steps, and to the seating area located in front of the library.  Please let us know if you have any needs regarding the processional.

Guests

  • Seating is available on the front lawn, and staff members will be available to direct and assist your guests.
  • On-campus parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and we encourage the use of public transportation.  Staff will direct and assist guests to available on-campus parking, or guests may park in available street parking.
  • The Trinity shuttle will be running to and from Brookland Metro Station, and car service drop-off will be marked at the front of Michigan Avenue.
  • For those who are unable to attend in person, we will be providing a livestream of each ceremony at: https://discover.trinitydc.edu/commencement/.

Questions? Commencement@Trinitydc.edu or Dean Meechie Bowie at 202-884-9611.