Commencement

Friday, December 11, 2026

8:45 a.m.

Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum

2825 University Parkway

Winston-Salem, NC 27105

Graduates, congratulations on your achievements. We are looking forward to celebrating you at Commencement.

This web page has all the information you need in one place including links to:

How to prepare: degree requirements, logistics, cap and gown, picking up your commencement packet, and more.
Participants: information about parking, honor cords, military honor cords, degree distribution, and more.
Guests: parking, venue access, disabled guest services, hotels and accommodations, and more.
Commencement Day: commuter parking, shuttles, disabled guest services, official photographer, security, allowed and prohibited items.

Be sure to include your Banner ID on all commencement related correspondence.

Due to ongoing construction in the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum and Allegacy Stadium area, please be advised:

Over 12,000 guests are expected — plan to arrive early!
Traffic Patterns have changed.
A section of Deacon Boulevard will be closed as part of the traffic pattern for events at the coliseum.
Traffic personnel and clear signage will be available to guide you.
While ample parking is available, please allow extra time to reach the parking lots due to expected congestion.
Please refer to the traffic/parking lot map for details.

STUDENTS — ARRIVE BY 7 A.M.

- Students will enter the Coliseum off Shorefair Drive onto Deacon Blvd. Coliseum has provided designated parking for students close to the student entrance into the coliseum. Please follow route directions for easy access for student parking.
- There will be a checkpoint at this location.
- Bring your cap, gown, or academic regalia in the car with you.
- Show your regalia to traffic personnel — they will direct you to the correct parking lot.
- Enter the coliseum through the NE corner of the Coliseum Section #116. Please look for designated “Student Entrance” signs.

GUESTS — ARRIVE BY 7:45 A.M.

Plan to arrive early. Doors open to the public at 7:45 a.m.
Review the parking map in advance to understand the new traffic pattern and route.
Expect delays and allow extra time for arrival and parking.

FREE SHUTTLES PICKING UP FROM THE ALLEGACY PARKING LOT

ACCESSIBLE PARKING (ADA)

Accessible Parking is available immediately adjacent to the coliseum.
Traffic personnel will direct you to accessible parking areas upon entering the coliseum parking lots.
Please display accessible parking hang tags to assist in the process.
Additional accessible parking is available at the Allegacy Stadium Parking Lot with shuttle service to the coliseum.
Please refer to the traffic/parking lot map that designate accessible parking.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Honors and Military cords will be available to graduates that RSVP'd their attendance when applying for graduation. Graduates who do not intend to attend the ceremonies will have their cords mailed with their diplomas.
We encourage all non-participants to view in-person ceremonies via live stream.
Be sure to include your Banner ID on all commencement related correspondence.

Stay up-to-date with commencement news and events on Facebook and Twitter (#WSSUGrad, #WSSU26)
Direct any questions you may have to commencement@wssu.edu.
Update your contact information as necessary via WSSU Graduation Services.