Graduate Hooding Ceremonies are held separately from the main Marshall University Commencement and are organized by individual colleges. They are designed for advanced degree candidates earning master’s, doctoral, or professional-level degrees. These ceremonies provide a more personal recognition of achievement, often with faculty mentors or program directors placing the academic hood on each graduate as a symbol of advanced scholarship and professional accomplishment.
Unlike Commencement, which brings together all graduates across the university, hooding ceremonies are smaller, program-focused events. They allow graduates to celebrate this important milestone alongside their peers, faculty, and family in a more intimate setting.
Each college determines whether it will host a hooding ceremony, and details such as dates, times, and locations are managed by the college. Because of this, information may vary from year to year and between programs. Students are encouraged to contact their college directly for the most accurate and up-to-date details.
How to Learn More
To find out if your college will host a hooding ceremony, and to receive details about participation, please contact your college dean’s office directly.
Important Note: Attending a hooding ceremony does not restrict you from attending Commencement. Eligible graduates are welcome to participate in both celebrations.