Arrival & Timeline
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Graduate Arrival
Check-In
- Graduate check-in time is from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. This means you may check in as early as 5:30 p.m. and no later than 6:30 p.m.
- Follow the signage for graduate check-in at the outdoor amphitheater near Entry 1.
- There is NO rehearsal.
- Following check-in, graduates will follow signage to the line-up area in the amphitheater.
Name Cards & Regalia
To participate in the ceremony, your name card and regalia are required.
- Your name card will be used by the name reader when you walk across the stage during the ceremony.
- Keep your name card with you at all times until then.
- Regalia includes a cap, gown, tassel.
6:00 p.m. | Doors open to public
- Public doors will open to guests at 6 p.m. Guests can enter through Entries 1 and 4.
- Due to increased security measures, attendees are encouraged to arrive early and well before the ceremony start time of 7 p.m.
6:30 p.m. | Instructions & line-up
- Ceremony instructions and graduate line up will start promptly at 6:30 p.m. to ensure the ceremony begins on time.
- Graduates will not be able to leave any personal items in the graduate line up area; please plan accordingly.
- Enjoy your moment and the festivities as you wait for the ceremony to begin!
- Celebrate with friends, faculty, and a live DJ.
- Take photos at the photo booth.
- Decorate your cap at the alumni table.
7:00 p.m. | Ceremony begins
- The ceremony usually lasts under two hours, ending around 9 p.m.
Academic Regalia
- Full regalia is required for participation in the ceremony.
- Regalia includes a cap, gown, and tassel.
- Purchase your regalia at the CWI Bookstore beginning the last week of March.
- The Bookstore will close at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19; please plan accordingly.
- Regalia will not be available for purchase at the arena the day of commencement.
- Wear your cap flat on your head. The point should be in the front.
- Hang the tassel to the right side of your face.
- Zip your gown.
If you are eligible to wear a cord or stole, please wear accordingly.
- Drape stoles over your shoulders making sure the ends are even.
- Wear cords over stoles.
Tickets
Tickets are not required for graduates or guests. Feel free to invite as many guests as you would like!
Seating
- Graduate seating is not assigned.
- Prior to the ceremony, graduates will line up at the Idaho Center's outdoor amphitheater.
- Seating in the line-up area is the mirror image of seating in the arena.
- Coordinate with guests on where to sit based on the side chosen in the line-up area.
Ceremony Details
Entering the area:
- Listen to processional instructions in the line-up area at 6:45 p.m.
- Follow your student marshals into the arena as directed.
- Take any personal items with you.
During the ceremony, each graduate will be recognized as they walk across the stage.
- Have your name card with you.
- Hold your diploma cover right-side up for your photo.
- The cover will be handed to you before you go on stage by Provost Denise Aberle-Cannata.
- Shake hands with CWI President Gordon Jones and a CWI Trustee.
- Exit the stage as directed for another photo opportunity.
- Follow the line to return to your seat.
During the ceremony, each graduate will be recognized as they walk across the stage.
- Have your name card with you.
- Hold your diploma cover right-side up for your photo.
- The cover will be handed to you before you go on stage by Provost Denise Aberle-Cannata.
- Shake hands with CWI President Gordon Jones and a CWI Trustee.
- Exit the stage as directed for another photo opportunity.
- Follow the line to return to your seat.
A professional photographer from GradImages will photograph each graduate in a standing pose during the ceremony. Passport-size color proofs will be emailed approximately one (1) week after the ceremony. There is no obligation to purchase photos; however, graduates will have the option to order a variety of photo packages at reasonable prices.