[...] About Commencement
Undergraduate Commencement

Undergraduate Commencement

IN THIS SECTION
Questions?
undergradcommence@worcester.edu

Worcester State University’s 2025 Undergraduate Commencement ceremony will be held on:

Saturday, May 17, 2025

DCU Center
50 Foster St., Worcester

Congratulations!

There is much to celebrate! You have:

  • Made class and lab attendance an integral part of your life
  • Devoted many hours to studying
  • Dedicated yourself to completing challenging research and creativity projects
  • Stepped out of your comfort zone to broaden your knowledge through service-learning and internship opportunities
  • Expanded your friendship circle
  • Discovered new interests through involvement in clubs, the honor society, or student organizations
  • Maybe even ventured to study in another part of the country or world
  • You are prepared to change the way the world works

Before Commencement arrives, there are a few things you will need to do before you can graduate. Our checklist for undergraduate students will help you navigate through the process. If you have questions about your graduation status please contact the Registrar’s Office at 508-929-8035 or registrar@worcester.edu.

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Student Commencement Speaker

Graduating seniors are invited to apply to be the Worcester State University undergraduate student commencement speaker each spring. The student commencement speaker will give a five-to-seven-minute speech in front of graduating seniors, family members, guests, staff and faculty. Eligible students may apply to be the student Commencement speaker by completing the application.
Student Speaker Application
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Cap & Gown Purchase

Undergraduate caps and gowns are available for purchase online through Balfour. Please visit buildagrad.com/worcesterbachelor to order your cap and gown. Caps and gowns can be sent to school for pick up at the Information Desk or can be shipped home for an extra fee. Caps and gowns are $25 and purchases are non-refundable. The deadline to purchase through Balfour is Sunday Mar 23, 2025 - 11:59 PM.
Purchase Cap & Gown
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Flower Purchases & Balloon Policy

Flower Purchases

Support the Class of 2026 and your Worcester State University graduate by purchasing roses inside the DCU Center Exhibition Hall on Commencement Day. Sale begins at 8am in the lobby.

You may also purchase items ahead of time and pick up on site at the DCU Center the day of Commencement. Cash or credit cards are accepted on site.

Balloon Policy

Please note that the use of helium balloons is prohibited at the DCU Center.
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Commencement Keepsakes

Celebrate your college days and relish your achievement with Worcester State memorabilia that will last a lifetime. Our University Advancement office offers many keepsakes for you or your loved one. Each item is meticulously crafted in the highest quality. Diploma frames and other gifts and collectibles can be purchased through the Worcester State Bookstore.
Visit the Bookstore
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Commencement Photography

The Grad Team, professional photographers, will be on hand to photograph your special moment as you cross the stage and are congratulated by President Maloney. They will provide portrait photographs of each graduate as well as candid photos of the graduating class. Don't miss out on these special memories.

Check back for information on how to pre-register.
A group of people dancing outdoors on a patio in front of a DJ, with a building in the background.

Farewell to the Class of 2025

Party on the Eve

Save The Date

Party on the Eve
A Special Class of 2025 & Alumni Celebration

Friday, May 16, 2025, 6:30-9:30pm

Commencement Details

We recommend that you park in the Worcester Municipal Parking Garage— a 2-minute walk from the DCU Center. The garage is located at 30 Major Taylor Blvd. on the corner of Major Blvd. and MLK Jr. Blvd. For more information, please contact 508-792-0314. There is a minimal charge for parking. Additional parking can be found at area lots and garages near the facility.

  • City Square
    100 Front St. – 508-791-7689
  • Dwight Foster Parking
    27 Waldo St. – 508-757-2703
  • Exchange Street Parking
    10 Exchange St. – 508-791-8586
  • First American Realty Parking
    100 MLK Jr. Blvd. – 508-798-8844
  • Pearl-Elm Municipal Garage
    20 Pearl St. – 508-799-1463

NO BAG POLICY

Small wristlets of a MAXIMUM SIZE of 8×10 inches will be permitted. Medical bags & diaper bags will be allowed and will be checked prior to entry. All other bags, such as cross-body, larger totes, back packs, duffle bags, etc. will NOT be permitted.


SECURITY SCREENING

Event attendees may be subject to a search upon entering the facility. Security screening (walk-through metal detector or security wand) may be conducted for public Arena events. If deemed necessary, pat-downs may be conducted. Patrons should plan to arrive earlier than normal and limit belongings to allow for this enhanced security process.


PROHIBITED ITEMS

Helium balloons signs, flags and noise makers are prohibited at the DCU Center.

Accessibility Accommodations and Accessible Seating Requests

Worcester State is committed to providing accessible events for our students and their guests.

Students are required to fill out a form to request accessible tickets in advance.

Please fill out the Accessible Seating Request Form* (Due date: April 25, 2025), to make arrangements with the Student Accessibility Services if you or your guests are a person(s) with a disability and require accommodations.

Freedom of Speech Policy

Worcester State University is an inclusive community that supports each person’s First Amendment right to express opinions and ideas, including unpopular or controversial viewpoints, without governmental interference, retaliation or punishment. The University also protects each community member’s right to an environment free from discrimination and harassment based on characteristics protected by law. Although the University supports all forms of constitutionally protected expression, the community must understand that certain types of expression are not protected. Please review our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Congratulations! Now change the world.

Checklist
Order your Cap & Gown
Questions?
Questions?
undergradcommence@worcester.edu