Students eligible to participate in the Fall 2026 Texas Commencement and Hooding Ceremonies are those with a projected graduation date betweenJanuary 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026.
In accordance with the Student Handbook, to be eligible for participation in WCU Commencement exercises, the graduate/student must have:
Completed all graduation requirements OR based on space availability, those students who are active in their final term of courses may elect to participate prior to completing all graduation requirements.
For students who are active in their final term of courses and elect to participate in commencement prior to completing all of their degree requirements, the following applies:
Graduate participation registration for the Texas ceremony is August 17, 2026 - October 10, 2026.
Please note all commencement communication will be with the graduates WCU Email address and a Remind group.
The expected duration for the ceremony is 1.5-2 hours
Graduate Communication
Graduates will be added to the Remind group after they have completed the registration.
Need access to the Remind Group? Submit a request here: https://wcuedu.org/CommencementCeremony
Ticket Information
Graduate and guest tickets will be distributed through the Universe ticketing platform to each graduate's West Coast University student email address on the date indicated in their registration confirmation email.
Please note that tickets will only be sent to WCU student email addresses and will not be sent to personal email accounts. All ticket requests must be submitted by the graduate.
Ticket distribution is expected between October 26 – October 30, 2026.
Graduate Regalia
Be sure to order your commencement regalia before the posted deadline to ensure it arrives in time for your ceremony. Your regalia is required for participation and helps celebrate your achievement as you cross the stage. Regalia must be ordered by Friday, October 23, 2026.
Click here for more about Regalia.
Commencement Virtual Stream
We are excited to celebrate our 2026 graduates and invite family and friends who are unable to attend in person to join us virtually. Each ceremony will be livestreamed to allow loved ones near and far to share in this special moment.
2026 Texas Hooding and Commencement and Hooding Ceremony
Watch the live stream of the Texas Commencement and Hooding Ceremony below.
Watch Live Stream
Located in north Garland, Texas, the Curtis Culwell Center is a premier event venue that hosts graduations, concerts, sporting events, conferences, and community celebrations throughout the year. Situated just 20 minutes from downtown Dallas, the center is surrounded by a variety of attractions, including the vibrant downtown Garland district, local restaurants, shopping destinations, and outdoor recreation areas. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as Downtown Garland, the historic Garland Landmark Museum, or enjoy nature trails at Spring Creek Forest Preserve. With easy access to major highways and the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area, the Curtis Culwell Center offers guests a convenient and engaging destination for both entertainment and exploration.
Curtis Culwell Center Parking
The Curtis Culwell Center offers ample on-site parking, making it easy for guests to access events and ceremonies. Multiple parking lots surround the venue, providing convenient options within walking distance of the entrance. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early during large events to allow extra time for parking and entry. Clear signage and event staff help direct traffic, ensuring a smooth arrival experience for visitors.
Parking is $10 when pre-purchased and $15 day-of.
Venue Entry and Policies
Before arriving, please review the Curtis Culwell Center 's Know Before You Go guidelines for important information regarding bag policies, prohibited items, and the venue's non-smoking policy.
Please note that the following items are not permitted inside the venue:
Guests arriving with prohibited items may be required to return them to their vehicle or dispose of them before entering.
To view a full list of items, https://curtisculwellcenter.com/plan-your-visit/visitor-guide-what-you-need-know/guest-safety-policies.
The Commencement Group
Honor your graduate with flowers, leis, and commemorative gifts available for pre-order through our approved floral vendor, The Commencement Group. Pre-ordered items can be conveniently picked up at the venue before the ceremony, helping family and friends celebrate with ease on graduation day.
WCU Online Store
Celebrate your achievement long after commencement. Shop the official WCU Online Store for exclusive alumni apparel, degree frames, license plates, and more. Have your favorite alumni items shipped directly to your home or to your graduate.
Graduate Photos
Pre-register your commencement photos to ensure a faster and more seamless photo delivery experience. By registering in advance, you'll receive notifications as soon as your images are available, making it easy to view, share, and order your graduation photos without delay.
If you are planning on attending and have not secured a hotel reservation search for hotel availability via our trusted partner aRes Travel.
aRes Travel is a third-party travel planner. Rates, deposits, and cancellation policies may vary and are the responsibility of the guest. West Coast University does not receive any remuneration or commission from any travel booked through aRes Travel. Questions on hotel policies or payments made on aRes website should be directed to the aRes Reservation Center or to the hotel directly.
We are excited to celebrate our Fall 2025 graduates and invite family and friends who are unable to attend in person to join us virtually. Each ceremony will be livestreamed to allow loved ones near and far to share in this special moment.
Watch the live stream of the Texas Commencement and Hooding Ceremony below.
Yes, all graduates must register to participate in the commencement ceremony. Registration for the Texas ceremony is August 17, 2026 – October 10, 2026.
Anyone who missed the deadline to register will need to submit a late registration request form: https://wcuedu.org/CommencementCeremony
Late registrants will be added based on seat availability and will receive a reduced number of tickets based on what is available.
The number of guest tickets for each graduating student is allotted will depend on the anticipated number of graduates attending the ceremony. Each guest ticket equates to one audience seat. Details about ticket delivery or pickup will be included within communications leading up to commencement.
Submit a request here: https://wcuedu.org/CommencementCeremony
There will be a guest services team available at the venue to assist with seating as needed on commencement day. Please plan to arrive early if you or your guests need ADA seating as its first come first served. Special tickets are not issued to guests with disabilities.
When registering to participate in the commencement ceremony, please complete the field for accommodation.
If you registered and forgot to list your accommodation request, please submit your request: https://wcuedu.org/CommencementCeremony
One of the most memorable moments of the ceremony is the hooding of our graduate degree recipients. During the graduate recognition portion of the program, each graduate will be hooded on stage by a member of the platform party as they cross the stage and are recognized for their achievement.
To ensure a smooth and timely ceremony experience for all graduates, individual requests for specific hooding participants cannot be accommodated.
Students in Pending Graduate Statusmay print a verification of enrollment letter, which includes your anticipated graduation date, directly from the student portal. Follow this guide for assistance. When applying for a visa, students should provide both the verification letter along with the Commencement invitation email from West Coast University.
Students in Graduate Status please reach out to your campus registrar for confirmation of your status and a verification letter. Campus registrar contact information can be found below. When applying for a visa, graduates should provide both the verification letter along with the Commencement invitation email from West Coast University.
Campus |
Programs |
Campus Email |
|---|---|---|
| Online Programs | BSHA, BSPH, RN to BSN, MBA, MHA, MPH, MSLP, MSCMHC, MSN, RN to MSN, DNP, Post Master's Certificates | wcuonlineregistrar@westcoastuniversity.edu |
| Texas Campus | BSN and MPA | wcudalregistrar@westcoastuniversity.edu |
Campus Email |
|---|
Texas Campus |
Programs: BSN, LVN to BSN, MPA |
| wcudalregistrar@westcoastuniversity.edu |
Online Programs |
Programs: BSHA, BSPH, RN to BSN, MBA, MHA,MPH, MSLP, MSCMHC, MSN, RN to MSN, DNP, Post Master's Certificates |
| wcuonlineregistrar@westcoastuniversity.edu |