The WVU Graduation event in 2027 will be one of the most exciting weekends of the year in Morgantown. Whether you are a senior counting the days or a parent planning the trip, you will have a lot to keep track of. There’s a lot to know about commencement dates, registration, caps and gowns, and the items you’re to bring into the Coliseum. You should also find out when to have your graduation photographs taken. The guide brings all the information together in one place, so you will spend less time looking for it. It looks at WVU Graduation 2027, so you know what to expect. I’ll make sure to update it whenever WVU publishes new details.
What is the WVU graduation date in 2027?
The West Virginia University graduation ceremony will be held from May 14 to 16, 2027, at the Hope Coliseum in Morgantown as part of WVU Graduation 2027. Each college and school holds a ceremony on the weekend, so your day and time will vary by program. The university will also post the complete schedule of the ceremonies on the official May Commencement page as the date approaches. If you saw different dates earlier this year, you’re not alone. WVU originally published May 7–9, 2027, then corrected the dates to May 14–16. However, the university apologized for the premature announcement. May 14–16 are the verified dates. Make your hotel or Airbnb reservations and plan your travel around that weekend.
When Is WVU December Graduation 2026?
If you’re finishing your degree this fall, WVU will celebrate August and December 2026 graduates on Saturday, December 12, 2026, also at the Hope Coliseum. December grads have a few extra planning challenges, especially when it comes to photos, so I put together a separate guide on when to schedule your WVU December graduation photos.
How to Walk at WVU Graduation 2027
Walking at commencement takes two steps, and many students miss the second. First, you must apply to graduate through the Office of the University Registrar in STAR. Submit your graduation application in the semester you intend to graduate, and the Registrar will request your diploma mailing address before you start. You can find the details on the Registrar’s graduation and diploma page.
Second, you need to register to participate in your college or school’s ceremony. This registration is completely separate from your application to graduate, and the links usually don’t go live until partway through the semester, after the application window closes. Keep an eye on your WVU email and your college’s graduation page so you don’t miss it. Registering to walk doesn’t guarantee the program will list your name, and you won’t graduate until requirements are complete.
Do You Need Tickets for WVU Graduation?
This is one of the most searched questions about WVU commencement, and the answer is good news for families. According to WVU, graduates and guests can attend commencement without tickets. That means grandparents, siblings, and friends can all come celebrate without anyone fighting over a limited number of seats. Seating is first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive early, especially for larger colleges.
If someone in your group needs accessibility accommodations, reach out in advance through the WVU Graduation website. WVU notes that all ceremonies are open-captioned.
WVU Cap and Gown: What Graduates Need to Know
Every graduate must wear a cap and gown to walk, while military dress remains the only approved substitute. The WVU Bookstore sells official WVU regalia at its locations and online through Herff Jones. Order early, since the Coliseum does not sell regalia on graduation day.
WVU also has a few guidelines worth knowing before you order. Your gown should fall below the knees and above the ankles, roughly 8 to 10 inches from the floor, and alterations beyond the approved guidelines can affect your participation. Graduates earning a hood carry it into the ceremony draped over the left arm rather than wearing it. Honors students order a gold cap and gown instead of the standard blue, and undergraduates graduating with Latin honors receive an honor cord from their college before commencement. You’re also welcome to decorate your cap, as long as you keep in mind that it’ll be seen in photos and on the livestream.
For more on regalia, tassel colors, and what to wear underneath, check out my guide on what to wear for graduation pictures at WVU.
What Can You Bring Into the Coliseum?
The Hope Coliseum has a clear bag policy that catches many families off guard on graduation morning. Graduates are encouraged to carry only a wallet or a small crossbody clutch that fits under the gown, and guests should check the bag rules before leaving the hotel. Share the policy with everyone in your group in advance, so no one has to walk a bag back to the car. You can find the current policy, along with parking maps and directions, on the WVU Graduation website.
A few other practical tips make the day go more smoothly. Dress in lightweight layers under your gown, since the Coliseum can get warm when it’s full. Only graduates are allowed in the check-in area, so plan where you’ll meet your family after the ceremony. And give yourself extra time for parking and traffic, because commencement weekend brings thousands of visitors to Morgantown.
Planning Your Trip to Morgantown for Graduation
If your family is traveling in for commencement, book your hotel as early as possible. Rooms in and around Morgantown fill up quickly for graduation weekend, and prices climb as the date gets closer. The same goes for restaurant reservations. If you’re planning a celebration dinner on Friday or Saturday night, reserve a table as soon as you know your ceremony time.
It’s also worth planning something special beyond the ceremony itself. Many families take a walk around Woodburn Circle, visit their grad’s favorite campus spots, or plan a celebration dinner downtown. If your grad is part of a friend group graduating together, commencement weekend is a great time to get everyone together for a celebration.
When Should You Take WVU Graduation Pictures?
Here’s the tip I share with every family: don’t wait until commencement day for your graduation photos. On the day itself, campus is packed, everyone is on a tight schedule, and after a long ceremony, your gown is wrinkled, and your cap and hair have seen better days. A dedicated graduation session lets you celebrate with photos taken when you’re fresh and relaxed, without fighting crowds for a clear shot of Woodburn Hall.
For spring 2027 grads, the best time for photos is typically from late March through April, when campus starts to bloom, and the weather warms up. Those weeks fill quickly, so it’s smart to reach out in the winter to reserve your date. If you don’t have your cap and gown yet, borrowing one from a friend who’s already graduated lets you book a time when the light and blooms are at their best.
If you’re looking for inspiration, start with these guides:
- The top portrait locations at Woodburn Circle
- The best props for a college graduation session
- Tips for a perfect champagne pop
- Best friend and friend group graduation photo ideas
Frequently Asked Questions About WVU Graduation
When is WVU graduation 2027? Spring 2027 commencement is May 14–16, 2027, at the Hope Coliseum. The exact day and time of your ceremony depends on your college or school.
When is WVU December graduation 2026? August and December 2026 graduates will be celebrated on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at the Hope Coliseum.
Where is WVU graduation held? All Morgantown campus commencement ceremonies take place at the Hope Coliseum.
Do guests need tickets for WVU graduation? No. WVU does not require tickets for graduates or guests.
Where do I buy a WVU cap and gown? Official WVU regalia is available at the WVU Bookstore or online through Herff Jones. No regalia is sold at the Coliseum on graduation day.
Do I have to register to walk at graduation? Yes. You must apply to graduate through STAR and separately register for your college or school’s ceremony.
When should I book graduation photos? For spring grads, reach out in the winter to reserve a late March or April session before the season fills up.
Celebrate Your WVU Graduation
You’ve worked so hard for this moment, and graduation weekend in Morgantown is something you and your family will remember forever. At Carrie White Photography, I love helping WVU grads celebrate with colorful, confetti-filled photos on the campus where it all happened.
Ready to book your WVU graduation pictures? Reach out today to reserve your spring 2027 session before the best dates fill up. Let’s go, Mountaineers!
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