by Katelyn Miller

We can all agree that we are in the midst of unprecedented events due to the Coronavirus pandemic. However, Glenville State College plans to recognize our students' hard work and honor them with the opportunity to walk across the commencement stage as they close out this chapter of their academic journey.

The in-person ceremony will be similar to previous graduation ceremonies, but with marked differences to keep everyone safe:

• Graduates are only permitted to bring two guests (tickets will be provided)
• Seating inside the Waco Center will be spaced to allow for social distancing
• No congregating before or after the ceremony will be permitted inside the Waco Center
• Temperature checks will be conducted upon entry to the Waco Center
• Masks will be required to be worn at all times by everyone attending the ceremony
• There will be one designated entry/exit to the Waco Center
• Attendance is optional

Graduation Attire - Glenville State College requires all degree candidates participating in the graduation ceremony to wear appropriate academic regalia (cap, gown, and tassel), which can be purchased by contacting Mandy Wiant in the GSC Business and Finance Office via e-mail at Mandy.Wiant@glenville.edu or by calling (304) 462-6180. The price of the graduation regalia will be $30.00 plus tax. Additionally, business casual attire is expected for students walking in the ceremony (i.e., dress shirt/blouse, long pants/skirt/dress, closed shoes). 

Honor Stoles/Cords - Due to the ceremony's formality, the only accessories to be worn with the traditional cap and gown are academic honor stoles/cords. Students who have achieved institutional academic honors (overall 3.50 GPA and higher) will receive an honor stole from GSC. 

Lineup - Due to our students' safety concerns and to allow for proper social distancing, the lineup will be more informal than in previous ceremonies. Students will be provided instructions upon entry into the Waco Center.

Students Taking Courses at Other Institutions - If you took a class this semester at another institution, you must request an official transcript be sent to Denise Ellyson, Registrar's Office, 200 High Street, Glenville, WV 26351. The transcript must be received by GSC no later than Tuesday, January 12, 2021, for your December graduation status to become official.

Financial Obligations - Your diploma will not be mailed until all financial obligations to the College have been met, including graduation fees, tuition, and fees, etc. This should be taken care of no later than Friday, December 11, 2020. Students failing to meet all graduation requirements must reapply for graduation.

Announcements - For those interested in purchasing graduation announcements, please do so from a vendor of your choosing or contact the GSC Print Shop at Print.Shop@glenville.edu at your earliest convenience to place an order. Click here to see announcement options.

COMMENCEMENT PARTICIPATION DOES NOT EQUAL GRADUATION. Commencement is ceremonial; graduation is the completion of all requirements for a degree program. Prospective graduates are reminded they must still complete the full semester. That includes participating in the final week of classes and completing final exams after the Thanksgiving Break.