Participant Instructions
Graduates registered to attend the WNMU Hybrid Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 9th at 5:00pm (MT) should read these instructions carefully.

In-person Instructions

Invite your friends and family.

Share the custom invitation at the top of the page with family and friends.

Wear your cap and gown.

All in-person participants must wear the official regalia: a cap and gownn.
    Make arrangements to acquire them from the campus bookstore, and update your physical address with the Office of the Registrar. To pick up your regalia from the University Bookstore, you may visit during regular hours: Monday through Thursday 9am-5pm and Friday, 10am to 3pm.
    To have it shipped, respond to the campus bookstore’s email notifying you that your regalia is ready.
    With questions, contact bookstore manager Chantelle at 0341mgr@follett.com.

Attend the rehearsal.

Participants joining in-person & virtually will convene for a rehearsal at 11am (MT) on the day of the commencement (Friday, May 9th).
    This blended event is a process that requires every graduate’s cooperation.
    All in-person participants should arrive at Ben Altamirano Field (WNMU campus) at least 30 minutes before 11am (MT) to ensure a smooth and efficient rehearsal.

Be prompt.

Arrive back on campus for the actual ceremony for lineup inside of the Fine Arts Center Theatre no later than 4pm (MT).

Share your story.

Tag your photos with #WNMUgrad on your social media channels.

Virtual Instructions

Access the venue.

To participate virtually, check your university and personal email as well as your text messages for the Zoom link. After clicking the link, you’ll enter a virtual waiting room where your name will be verified against the list of degree recipients before being admitted to the virtual graduation hall.
    Wait times may vary, so please stay connected if you aren’t admitted immediately.
    Please join an hour early to better simulate the virtual check-in process.

Provide the correct Zoom profile name.

When you enter your Zoom profile name, use this exact format:
    Enter your last name, a comma, a space, and then your first name (LAST NAME, FIRST NAME).
    For example, if your name is "Jane Doe" enter your Zoom profile name as: Doe, Jane
    The hosts will only admit those who meet these instructions. While you’re in the waiting room, the hosts will also ensure participants are organized according to the order of ceremonies.

Be prompt.

Arrive in the virtual waiting room no later than 4pm (MT). The waiting room will be locked well before the start of the ceremony. You will be unable to participate if you neglect to log in on time or if you log out before your name is called.

Show your Mustang pride.

Download a Zoom background designed just for the Class of 2025 here. Please wear the cap and gown mailed from the WNMU Bookstore. If yours doesn’t make it, get creative and craft your own purple and gold regalia.

Wear your cap and gown.

Please wear the cap and gown you received from the WNMU Bookstore. If your cap and gown has not arrived in time for the ceremony, you can get creative and handcraft your own purple and gold regalia. As Commencement is a reverent occasion, please keep your handcrafted cap and gown appropriate for the occasion.

Make the most of your time.

When your name is called, you will be spotlighted for a brief period while receiving your diploma.

Attend the rehearsal.

    While the official Spring 2025 Hybrid Commencement Rehearsal is on Friday, May 9 at 11am (MT), we suggest logging in to the rehearsal no later than 10:45am (MT).

More info

Resolve technical issues ahead of time.

Test your setup and internet connection at least a day in advance, and test you access to Zoom early the day of teh event.
For Techical issue call 575-342-1988.

Request accommodations.

Let us know if you need accommodations, such as a sign language interpreter or assistive technology. Contact WNMU Student Accessibility Services Coordinator Deborah Calkins (575-538-6277, wnmuaccessibility@gmail.com).

Share your story.

Tag your photos with #WNMUgrad on your social media channels.