FAQs

Response

When is this year’s commencement ceremony?

Relay’s National Commencement Ceremony is a virtual event and will be on Saturday, June 27th, 2026, at 1pm EST.

What is the format of Relay’s commencement ceremony?

Relay’s commencement ceremony is a virtual event, with opportunities for students, staff, families, and friends to view from wherever they are.

Which Relay students are invited to the virtual commencement? 

All Relay graduates and candidates who have completed or are expecting to complete academic requirements in the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 terms are invited to view the virtual commencement ceremony. Only students who have completed the intent to complete form by the stated deadline will be included as part of the ceremony.

What can I expect in the virtual commencement ceremony? 

Students can expect to hear from student speakers, Relay leaders and keynote speakers. 

Names and photos of students who have completed an intent to complete form by the stated deadline will be included as part of the ceremony. 

Full program details will be shared closer to the date of the event. 

How can I ensure that I will be recognized during commencement?

Students must fill out an intent to complete form by June 1, 2026 in order to be recognized during commencement. This is for Fall 2025, Spring 2026 and anticipated Summer 2026 completers. Students who do not complete this form and include name pronunciation and photo will not be recognized during the ceremony. *Recognition during the ceremony will not have any impact on program completion

Does being recognized at the commencement ceremony mean I’ve graduated from or completed my program at Relay?

No, the commencement ceremony may recognize students who still have outstanding requirements in degree-granting programs, advanced certification programs, and/or certification programs. 

Students who completed their program in Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 will receive their official program completion information prior to commencement. Students who complete their program in Summer 2026 will be notified at the end of the summer term.

Will I be able to order regalia (cap and gown) for the virtual commencement? 

Yes, Students are able to order an optional cap and gown from a third-party vendor. Instructions on how to order regalia are available here. The regalia ordering portal will be open from January through June. Any student is allowed to order this regalia, regardless of the term in which they have completed or plan to complete their program. If students wish to have their regalia prior to the 2026 Commencement ceremony, they should order it no later than June 2, 2026.

Students are not required to order a cap and gown.

How can I participate in commencement as a writer, reader, or speaker?

Students may apply to be considered for having a writing, speaking, or reading part in Commencement by completing this form by March 16, 2026.

Students who are selected to have a speaking or reading part in Commencement will have their commencement regalia purchased on their behalf by Relay and will be required to wear the regalia when delivering their Commencement component. Selections will be made by March 30, 2026.

FAQs

Response

When will I be formally informed about my program completion status, if not at the commencement ceremony?

You will receive an email from the Registrar’s Office with your program completion status in the weeks following the term in which you complete all requirements for your program. 

Students completing their program in Spring 2026 should expect to receive official program completion emails no later than June 19th. Students who complete their program in Summer 2026 will be notified at the end of the summer term.

What do I need to do to receive my diploma/certificate of completion?

Students must fill out an intent to complete form before the end of the term when they intend to complete in order to be considered for program completion and receive their diploma. 

Students expecting to complete in the Spring 2026 term can expect to receive more details and instructions on next steps via email in March.

When will I receive my diploma/certificate of completion? 

Program completion emails (which go out the week of June 15th for Spring 2026 graduates) will contain details on your diploma/certificate of completion. 

Please note that commencement is not recognition of program completion or degree, and most eligible students will not receive their diploma until after the commencement ceremony. 

Students with an outstanding balance owed to Relay may not receive their diploma/certificate of completion until after said balance is resolved, except where permitted by local/state law.