December Commencement

December Graduation Celebration

December 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

McDonough Center for Business & Leadership - Alma McDonough Auditorium

Every Marietta graduate has a unique path to commencement. For students completing their degree requirements at the end of Fall semester, December Commencement is an opportunity to celebrate a significant achievement surrounded by family, friends, faculty, and fellow graduates. 

Though smaller in size, this ceremony is just as meaningful as our spring celebration. Traditional academic regalia is required for all participating graduates.

Graduates who chose to participate in Spring Commencement prior to completion are not eligible to participate in the fall ceremony.  

Marietta College looks forward to celebrating the Class of December 2026 in person at McDonough Auditorium on Dec. 12, 2026 at 1 p.m. No tickets are required, and the ceremony is expected to last approximately one hour.

Participating graduates should plan to arrive for check-in between 12:15 and 12:45

Academic Regalia

Regalia is required for participating graduates.

The navy cap, gown and tassel required for all graduation ceremony participants.  Regalia orders must be submitted to Herff Jones  by October 11th for pick up from the Records Office. Home delivery is available for orders placed by November 15th; shipping fees apply. 

Graduates will also wear white satin stoles embroidered with "Class of 2026" and the College seal. Stoles must be purchased separately from the Pioneers Team Store in upper Gilman.

A small quantity of regalia will be available for use on a first-come, first-served basis for those who miss the deadline or were otherwise unable to purchase. Cost-savvy students who are able to borrow regalia from previous graduates may contact the Records Office to order a tassel, if needed.

Diploma frames and announcements are also available for purchase on the Herff Jones website.

Photos

Bruce Heflin Photography will take cap and gown photographs you may purchase. These will be taken in the Betty Cleland room of the McDonough Center both before and after the ceremony. 

Candid photos will be taken throughout the ceremony, including a photo of each graduate as they receive their diploma. No purchase is required to participate in sharing of candid photos. Graduates will be receive a QR code prior to the ceremony that will allow them to register up to 14 cell phone numbers and/or email addresses where candid images will be sent as early as the day of the ceremony. This is a great way to include friends and family who cannot attend.