Letter from the Dean
Dear Trinity Seniors and Graduate Students:
I am pleased to provide you with information about this year’s Winter Graduation, which will take place in two separate ceremonies on Thursday January 8, 2026 (BGS, EDU, SPS), and Friday, January 9, 2026 (CAS and NHP), for those students who complete their degrees in August 2025 and December 2025. This letter was sent to all students who have applied for Winter Graduation and/or are completing (or have completed) your requirements for graduation.
Winter Graduation will be held in the Trinity Center for Women and Girls in Sports.
Winter Graduation will include academic regalia and a formal ceremony. Graduates are welcome to invite your families and friends. Seating in the Trinity Center is limited, and you will receive a limited number of tickets for your guests. All guests, regardless of age will be required to have a ticket to enter the Trinity Center. Please arrive no later than 4:00 pm to robe for the ceremony.
Winter Graduation Schedule of Events
Thursday, January 8, 5:00 pm, Trinity Center: BGS, SPS and EDU
Friday, January 9, 5:00 pm, Trinity Center: CAS and NHP
Your participation in Winter Graduation is optional. If you choose to participate in Winter Graduation, we will read your name and present you with your diploma. If receiving your diploma at the May Commencement is important to you, then you can certainly decide to fully participate in the May ceremony, but we will only read your name and present you with a diploma at one ceremony. You can let us know your plans on the RSVP form.
You are responsible to read and pay attention to all information about the completion of your academic requirements, meeting your financial obligations, and Winter Graduation instructions. In order to ensure a joyful Winter Graduation, we ask you to take care of your academic and financial obligations well in advance. Please see the Winter Graduation Checklist for details and deadlines.
Please complete the Winter Graduation RSVP Form, which is due by Friday, January 2, 2026.
Regalia Purchase and Distribution
Graduation regalia includes a black cap, black gown, black tassel and an Academic Collar or Hood. These items are required for participation in Graduation. Regalia must be purchased in advance, and Cap and Gowns are picked up prior to the ceremony. See schedule below for details. Graduates will receive their Academic Hood on the day of graduation when they check in.
Regalia purchase: Business Office, located in Main Hall 114 (1st floor) and beginning on Monday December 2, 2025 at NOON, and then during regular business hours through Wednesday January 8, 2025. If you already have your Cap and Gown from Convocation, then you only need to purchase your hood. Please note that the hood is provided on Graduation Day, not in advance. The prices for regalia are:
- Associate’s Degree: Cap, Gown, Black Tassel $32.00/Collar: $23.00 (Total cost: $55.00)
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Cap, Gown, Black Tassel $32.00/Hood: $28.00 (Total cost: $60.00)
- Master’s Degrees: Cap, Gown, Black Tassel $33.00/Hood: $29.00 (Total cost: $62.00)
Regalia Distribution: After you make your purchase, you will pick up your cap and gown and Tickets at Regalia Distribution: Student Affairs, located in Main Hall 223 (2nd floor).
Mondays December 1, 8, 15 and January 5th: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesdays December 2, 9, 16 and January 6th: 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm
Wednesdays December 3, 10 and January 7th: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Thursdays December 4, 11th : 8:00am to 5:00pm
Fridays December 5, 12 and January 2: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday December 13 ONLY: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Best regards,
Michele Bowie, Dean of Student Services
Questions about Winter Graduation? Call the Dean of Students Office at 202/884-9611 or email commencement@trinitydc.edu.