Commencement at Mary Baldwin University
Commencement 2026
MBU’s 184th Commencement ceremony celebrates the Class of 2026 and all their accomplishments at the university.
The university will hold one, unified Commencement ceremony this year for all academic programs.
Ceremony Information
- Time/Date: 9 a.m. on Sunday, May 10
- Location: Page Terrace in front of Grafton Library on the Staunton campus
Check back often
Please check back often for further information; this page will be updated as Commencement details are released.
Location, Seating & Rain Plan
Ceremony location
Commencement will be held on Page Terrace, in front of Grafton Library on the Staunton campus.
Guest seating
There will be unlimited, open seating for guests on Hunt Hill. It’s recommended that guests bring a picnic blanket if they’d like to sit on the hillside. Please be aware that it is grassy and steep.
Accessible seating
There is accessible seating available for the ceremonies, but reservations must be made in advance with the Office of Student Engagement. Find more information on reserving accessible seats. First-come, first-served seating is also available in Francis Auditorium, where the ceremony will be livestreamed.
Graduate check-in on Commencement day
Graduates should go to Hunt Dining Hall to check in and line up. Please see the Commencement FAQs page for more info.
Rain Location
In case of severe inclement weather, MBU’s Commencement will be held at an indoor location in the area; please check back for further information. The start time will be delayed if the inclement weather plan goes into effect.
If the rain location will be used, graduating students will receive notification via text (sent through the BAM messaging system) and MBU email. A notification will also be posted on the MBU website. The timing for these communications will be at approximately 6:30 a.m. on the morning of the ceremony.
Livestream
Commencement ceremonies will be broadcast live at marybaldwin.edu/live.
Guests may also view the livestream from Francis Auditorium on campus.
Special Events
Details are coming soon for the Ajani Ceremony, VWIL Change of Command, Phi Beta Kappa initiation, and more ways to celebrate MBU graduates.
MBU Alumni Association
Graduates, be sure to visit the Alumni Association webpage to stay connected as you begin the next phase of your life.
Commencement 2026: FAQs
Have questions about Commencement? Visit our FAQs page or Contact us.