Planning for WFU Commencement: Weather, Comfort, and Security Updates
Dear parents and families of our 2026 Graduates,
As Commencement Weekend gets closer, we wanted to share a second round of essential information to help you and your guests plan for a wonderful weekend. Today we will focus on details that ensure the comfort and safety of everyone celebrating with us!
Bottom Line, Up Front: The Essentials: Key Details for Commencement Day (Monday, May 18)
Duration and Location:
- Commencement lasts about 3.5 hours and is outdoors on Hearn Plaza (the Quad). Most seats are in full sun. The ceremony will be broadcast in Wait Chapel for those who need A/C or shade. Arrive early.
Arrival & Parking:
- General Parking: We encourage families to park at LJVM Coliseum and take the free shuttles to campus.
- Parking for Families with ADA Placard: Reserved parking for guests with an ADA pass is available in the lots off Long Drive. Wheelchair accessible shuttles will run continuously from Long Drive to Hearn Plaza.
Entrance & Traffic:
- The Polo Road entrance is closed to cars; it is for shuttles only.
Security:
- Clear Bags are required. All guests will pass through magnetometers. Please do not bring prohibited items.
Family Comfort:
- Please consider the comfort of your guests (e.g., sun, walking, heat, long days, etc.) as you plan travel for your family. The ceremony will be livestreamed on our website for those who cannot make the trip to Winston-Salem.
Account Balance
- Action Item: Please check your student’s account balance ASAP to ensure a smooth diploma distribution.
Preparing for Commencement Day Weather
The Commencement ceremony is a beloved tradition held outdoors on the Quad. The ceremony is approximately three-and-a-half hours long, and we want you to be as comfortable as possible!
- Dress:
- Please check the Winston-Salem forecast and plan your wardrobe accordingly. Temperatures can vary greatly—cool in the morning, warm in the sun. Layered, lightweight clothing is the best choice.
- There is a wide range of attire, from more formal to less: some men wear jackets and ties, others a golf shirt and a blazer, others skip the coats altogether; ladies tend to wear dresses, skirts, or pants. Again, dress for the weather and your personal comfort.
- Sun Protection: Most seating is in full sun. We strongly recommend hats and sunscreen.
- Footwear: You will be walking on grass, which can be wet with dew or muddy. High heels tend to sink — consider comfortable, practical shoe choices.
- Hydration & Shade: Please be mindful of the elderly and young children.
- Indoor Option: The ceremony will be livestreamed in Wait Chapel with closed captioning. This is an excellent option for guests who need air conditioning or shade, or who do not wish to sit in folding chairs on the Quad.
Our Rain Plan
Our primary goal is always to celebrate on the Quad!
- Light Rain: If it is safe, we will proceed on the Quad. Please bring rain jackets or ponchos for yourself and your guests (umbrellas are prohibited). Graduates will receive ponchos.
- Severe Weather: If there are risks of high winds, lightning, or other unsafe conditions, we will move the ceremony to the LJVM Coliseum. We aim to make a final decision by Sunday afternoon, May 17.
Security, Bags, and Prohibited Items
The safety of our community is paramount. Please partner with us by adhering to our security measures:
- Clear Bag Policy: A clear bag policy is in effect. Not bringing a bag will speed up your entry to the Quad.
- Screening: All guests will pass through metal detectors (magnetometers) and/or be screened. Please allow extra time for this process. Doors open as early as 6:00 a.m. on Monday.
- Prohibited Items: Please review this list carefully, as we cannot store prohibited items during the ceremony.
- Air Horns
- Alcohol
- Coolers
- Mace/Pepper Spray
- Oversized bags (please see the clear bag policy)
- Pets
- Pocket knives, firearms, or weapons of any kind
- Signs of any kind, including signs on sticks, flags and fatheads
- Tripods
- Umbrellas
- Wrapped Gifts (gift bags are allowed)
- WFU Commencement Staff reserves the right to remove any item that impedes guests’ views and/or experience
Family Comfort and Accessibility
We want everyone to enjoy the celebration, but Commencement weekend does involve extended periods outdoors and a fair amount of walking.
- Honest Conversation: We strongly encourage you to have an honest conversation with family members who are elderly, have mobility issues, or have other special needs to ensure they will be comfortable.
- Limited Seating: Designated seating for guests using wheelchairs or those with significant difficulty walking is available on the Quad (near the crosswalk on the Zick’s side). Due to limited space, we ask that only one other guest sit with the special needs guest.
- Mobility Equipment: We do not supply wheelchairs, walkers, or golf carts. If a guest needs medical equipment, they will need to bring their own or arrange a rental from a local medical supply company.
- Indoor Viewing: The Wait Chapel livestream is always available for guests who prefer to be out of the sun and crowds.
Graduating Student Account Balances
This is a very important administrative reminder!
- Action Required: If your student has made you a Third-Party Payer in Workday, please check their account now.
- Why it Matters: An outstanding balance with the University could disrupt the distribution of your student’s diploma.
- Next Step: If a balance exists, please arrange for payment as soon as possible.
Senior So Dear: Celebrating the Class of 2026
We hope you’ll join us for a wonderful kickoff to the weekend!
- When: Saturday, May 16, from 2:30–5:00 p.m.
- Where: ZSR Library
- Details: Join the Office of Alumni Engagement and the Office of Student Engagement for food, drinks, music, photo opportunities, and a toast to our graduates (at 3:45 p.m.)
We share your pride in your students’ achievements and are truly honored to share this momentous occasion with your family.
Wake Forest Commencement Office