Graduation and Commencement

If you plan to participate in the commencement ceremony, you must apply for graduation and RSVP to Records no later than November 1 (fall ceremony) or April 1 (spring ceremony). You may apply for graduation after these dates; however, you will not be able to participate in the ceremony.

Summer graduates have the option to participate in the fall or spring ceremony but must still meet the application deadline.

You can apply for graduation online.

Graduation ceremonies are approximately 90 minutes long and held at the following dates/times:

Spring 2026: Saturday, May 16, 2026

• 10 a.m.
  • School of Applied Technologies and School of Health
  • Graduates must check in between 9-9:45 a.m. to join the processional walk.
• 1:30 p.m.
  • School of Arts and Sciences
  • School of Business
  • School of Protective and Human Services
  • Graduates must check in between 12:30-1:15 p.m. to join the processional walk.

The ceremonies will be held on WCTC's Pewaukee campus, in the Anthony J. Natalizio (AJN) Center in Building S, located on the south end of campus. View a campus map.

The ceremonies will be live-streamed. Links will be sent to graduates, and you can view the live streams here on this web page.

December Ceremony: All students who are completing their final courses in the fall semester, as well as students who completed final coursework over the summer, are eligible to participate in the December ceremony.

May Ceremony: All students who are completing their final courses in the spring semester, as well as students who will be completing final coursework over the summer, are eligible to participate in the May ceremony.

You can filter our program list by school to find out which school's ceremony you should attend. If you are completing multiple programs that fall within different schools, please contact Student Records to indicate which ceremony you plan to attend.

At this time, we are estimating each graduate will be able to receive three to five guest tickets. This number is subject to change based on the final number of graduates participating in the ceremony. Please watch your student email for details about picking up guest tickets. If you have specific questions about tickets, please email studentlife@wctc.edu.

Graduates: Graduates should arrive one hour prior to the ceremony start time. Please enter at Building H (to the right of the Child Development Center). Volunteers will direct you to your check-in location, where you will receive your reader card. Review it and make any necessary updates, then hold onto this card until you arrive at the stage to have your name announced.

Guests: Doors to the AJN Center will open approximately one hour prior to the start of each ceremony for guest arrival.

As a WCTC student and alumni, Career Connections’ career planning and employment services are available to help you with your job search through individual appointments, online workshops and other resources. Let us help you learn how to find the right career opportunities, build your professional network, apply for jobs, create, or update your resume, practice interviewing and complete a successful salary negotiation. To access our online resources or schedule an appointment with a Career Specialist, visit libguides.wctc.edu/careerconnections. If you are ready for your job search and looking for a way to connect with employers, access job openings in your career area and receive invites to upcoming job and networking events, login to your Handshake account. For technical assistance with your Handshake account, call 262.695.7848.

Accessible seating, captioning and sign language interpreting services will be provided. If you or your guests need disability-related accommodations, please complete the accommodation request form. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Shawn Moede.

No. You will be guided through the ceremony by the graduation marshals.

All graduates must have a black cap and gown to participate in the ceremony. These are available for purchase either in person at the WCTC Bookstore or online. The cost of the cap, gown and black tassel is $33. Please watch your student email for additional information.

Yes, you may decorate your cap. Please remember that this is a formal ceremony and derogatory terms, profanity, etc. are strictly prohibited.

Professional attire is expected. No jeans, sweats, tennis shoes or beach sandals.

Please remember to leave personal items with your guests as you will not be allowed to carry things with you during the ceremony. The College will not be responsible for any items you leave behind.

Empire Photography has been photographing our ceremonies for many years. Individual graduates are photographed as they receive their diploma, and a solo portrait is also taken after they exit the stage.

Proofs will be sent to graduates and their families within 48 hours of the ceremony. Click this link to pre-register your email address so you can receive your complimentary proofs quickly. Your commencement is a once-in-a-lifetime moment so do not miss out! If you have any questions, please email Empire Photography. There is no obligation for anyone to order photos!  

All diplomas will be mailed to graduates six to eight weeks after the end of their final term. This includes graduates who do not participate in a ceremony.

• Continue to watch your WCTC email for notification from our printing company, Parchment Inc.
• Make sure that your mailing address and cell phone number are current. If needed, submit a Student Record Change form.

The WCTC Bookstore will be selling graduation frames and WCTC insignia merchandise in the main entrance area of Building S. Cash and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard and Discover) are accepted.

Please be aware that WCTC student Microsoft Office 365 accounts are provided only for active program or course-enrolled students. WCTC student Microsoft Office 365 accounts will deactivate after inactivity of college enrollment. Please be sure to save any needed emails, contacts or documents as all files will be purged and no longer retrievable. Please email the WCTC Service Desk or call them at 262.691.5555 for any questions or assistance.