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Celebrating Your Success
May 8-9, 2026
Friday, May 8: Baccalaureate
5:30 p.m. — Senior class photo and Legacy Family (Graduates with parents who attended MVNU) photo at the Eternal Flame. In case of inclement weather, this will be moved to the R.R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium. If the ribbon-cutting ceremony is moved indoors, the Senior class photo and Legacy Photo will also be relocated to the R.R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium.
6 p.m. — Ribbon cutting ceremony at Eternal Flame for Graduates Communication via text/email will be sent at 4:30 p.m. this day to all Graduates for location to meet: Eternal Flame, or in case of inclement weather, in the R. R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium. Academic regalia is required for all.
6:30 p.m. — Line forms for all Graduates, Faculty, and Trustees. Graduates assemble outside Faculty Hall, or in case of inclement weather in Thorne Performance Hall-Chapel 113 and Nease Rehearsal Hall-Chapel 124. Academic regalia is required for all.
7 p.m. — Baccalaureate worship service for all graduates and families (R. R. Hodges Auditorium). Immediately following the Baccalaureate worship service: President’s Dessert Reception for all Graduates and their Guests, Trustees, Administrators, Faculty, and Staff (Location Ariel Arena Lobby).
Saturday, May 9: Commencement
Traditional Graduate Commencement Service (Tickets required)
8:30 - 9:15 a.m. — Graduates check in at the Graduate Check-In table. Communication via text/email will be sent at 4:30 p.m. the day before to all Graduates for location to meet; if decision is made to be outside, Graduates will meet at Graduate Check-In table outside of Faculty Hall; if decision is made to be inside, Graduates will meet at Graduate Check-In table inside the Chapel Lobby and be directed from there.
9 a.m. — Chapel auditorium doors open for ticket holders (seats are not reserved)
9:30 a.m. — Line forms for Graduates. Graduates assemble outside Faculty Hall. In case of inclement weather, Graduates assemble in Thorne Performance Hall-Chapel 113 and Nease Rehearsal Hall-Chapel 124. Academic regalia is required for all.
9:45 a.m. — Regalia Check for Graduates. Graduate assembly should be complete at this time outside Faculty Hall. Faculty will come through the line and begin to check that all regalia is worn properly. In case of inclement weather, Graduates assemble in Thorne Performance Hall-Chapel 113 and Nease Rehearsal Hall-Chapel 124.
10 a.m. — Commencement ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences Graduates (R. R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium)
College of Adult and Professional Studies Graduates Commencement Service (No tickets required)
1:30 p.m. — Chapel auditorium doors open (tickets are not needed).
1:15-2 p.m. — Graduates check in at the Graduate Check-In table. Communication via text/email will be sent at 4:30 p.m. the day before to all Graduates for location to meet; if decision is made to be outside, Graduates will meet at Graduate Check-In table outside of Faculty Hall; if decision is made to be inside, Graduates will meet at Graduate Check-In table inside the Chapel Lobby.
2 p.m. — Line forms for Graduates. Graduates may then begin to assemble outside Faculty Hall. In case of inclement weather, Graduates assemble in Thorne Performance Hall-Chapel 113 and Nease Rehearsal Hall-Chapel 124. Academic regalia is mandatory for all participants. Please ensure you have your full regalia before arrival.
2:15 p.m. — Regalia Check for Graduates. Graduate assembly should be complete at this time outside Faculty Hall. Faculty will come through the line and begin to check that all regalia is worn properly. In case of inclement weather, Graduates assemble in Thorne Performance Hall-Chapel 113 and Nease Rehearsal Hall-Chapel 124. Academic regalia is mandatory for all participants. Please ensure you have your full regalia before arrival.
2:30 p.m. — Commencement ceremony for College of Adult and Professional Studies programs (R. R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium)
Tickets
No tickets are required for admission to the Baccalaureate service. All graduates and families are encouraged to attend.
The 10 a.m. Traditional Graduate Commencement Service DOES REQUIRE A TICKET for admission. Six (6) tickets will be distributed to each graduate when they pick up cap and gown regalia.
Seats in the auditorium cannot be reserved.
No food or beverages other than clear water are permitted inside the Chapel Auditorium
Infants and toddlers (age 3 and under) who will either be held or be seated on an adult’s lap are not required to have a ticket to gain entrance to the auditorium.
President's Dessert Reception
The President's Dessert Reception will take place immediately following the Baccalaureate worship service in the Ariel Arena lobby.
All graduates and their guests, trustees, administrators, faculty, and staff are invited.
Child Care Facilities
During the Baccalaureate worship service and commencement ceremonies, parents are free to use Thorne Performance Hall for children who need space to move and their caregivers.
Children must have an adult with them, as no attendant will be on duty.
Video Streaming and Digital Copy Orders
Live Stream
The commencement ceremonies will be available via live video streaming here. The services will be archived and available through the "On Demand" tab for eight months.
Purchase Digital Copy
A digital video file of the Baccalaureate worship service and/or Commencement ceremonies may be purchased online from the Cougar Corner Campus Store at cougarcornerstore.com, or you can call 740-397-9000, extension 4457. A link to the downloadable file will be emailed to you.
Please provide an email with your order and allow two (2) business days to receive the link. Online and phone orders require a credit card.
Parking Instructions
MVNU's Campus Safety staff will assist with parking. Please follow their direction.
Request a Press Release
If you are graduating or have a student graduating, you may request a press release be sent about this accomplishment to the newspaper of your choice. Or, we can send it to your home and you can distribute it with a photo. Please fill out the online form completely to request this service. Traditional undergrads: You can also include your dean's list and awards convocation information at this time. If you have questions, call 740-397-9000, ext. 4347.
Other Resources
