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Student Portal

2026 Commencement

Celebrating the academic achievements of Global University graduates! Registration closed on May 1, 2026. 

📍 Springfield, Missouri, USA

📅 June 3–4, 2026

Schedule

At a Glance

The Global University commencement celebration is an in-person gathering that marks a meaningful milestone in the journey of our graduates. Together with faculty, family, and friends, we gather to celebrate academic achievement, spiritual formation, and a life shaped by God’s calling.

Travel & Transportation

Graduates and guests are responsible for arranging their own travel and transportation during Commencement. Transportation between hotels and event locations will not be provided.

Lodging

Graduates and guests are responsible for securing their own lodging. The DoubleTree Hotel is the official event hotel and location for primary Commencement activities. Special event rate available (see FAQ section).

Registration

Graduate registration includes participation in all required Commencement activities. Additional guest tickets may require additional fees. Full ticket details are provided during registration.

Visa Invitation Letters

International graduates who require a visa invitation letter may request one during registration. Our team will review the request and follow up with you directly after registration.

Event Highlights

This special chapel service invites graduates, families, network conference participants, and GU staff to pause together — to celebrate and be thankful for what God has done and seek His direction for what lies ahead. Through worship, Scripture, and prayer, we gather to refocus our hearts on the calling that continues beyond graduation.

This meaningful time of praise and prayer sets the spiritual tone for the days to come, reminding us that every new season begins best in His presence.

The Celebration Lunch brings graduates, guests, faculty, and staff around the table to enjoy fellowship and mark this milestone in a relaxed setting. It’s an opportunity to share stories, connect with fellow graduates, and celebrate the journey that led to this moment.

Come enjoy good food, meaningful conversation, and the joy of celebrating your accomplishments!

A historic moment for Global University!

As part of Commencement activities, graduates are invited to attend the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony for Dr. Steve Pennington, Global University’s incoming president. This special event marks a new season of leadership and vision for the university.

A reception will follow the ceremony, providing an opportunity to celebrate together and participate in this meaningful moment in GU’s history.

Celebrate with wonder, discovery, and fun.

Graduates and guests are invited to experience the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium—one of Springfield’s most iconic attractions. This optional event offers a relaxed and memorable way to enjoy time together while exploring exhibits that reflect God’s creativity and design.

It’s a unique highlight of the week and a favorite experience for many attending Commencement.

The moment you’ve been working toward.

The Commencement Ceremony is the culmination of your Global University journey—a time to walk the stage, celebrate achievement, and honor the faithfulness of God along the way. Graduates will be recognized for completing their program of study as family, friends, faculty, and staff gather to celebrate alongside them.

This ceremony marks both an ending and a beginning—celebrating what has been accomplished and commissioning graduates for the calling ahead.

Questions?

We’ve gathered answers to the most common questions below to help you prepare for your time in Springfield. If you don’t see your question answered here, reach out to us at [email protected] — our team will be glad to assist.

Commencement events will take place in Springfield, Missouri. Specific locations for each activity are listed in the official schedule and will be shared with registered graduates prior to the event.

The recommended airport is Springfield–Branson National Airport (SGF).

Graduates and guests are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the airport. The DoubleTree Hotel provides a free airport shuttle. 

Graduates and guests are responsible for arranging their own transportation during Commencement.

Transportation will not be provided between hotels and event locations, which is why we strongly encourage staying at the official event hotel if you will not have a vehicle.

The DoubleTree Hotel is the official event hotel for Commencement and the location of most Commencement activities.

Staying at the DoubleTree is highly recommended, especially for those who will not have a personal vehicle while in Springfield.

You may reserve your room in one of the following ways:

Reserve online:
👉 https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/sgfdtdt-924-62a88a9e-fa59-47bd-9df3-953d8f4f53eb/

Reserve by phone:
Call 417-831-3131 and reference group code CDT924.

Rooms are available at a discounted group rate of $149/night while availability lasts.

Graduate registration includes participation in all required Commencement activities.

Some events may require additional guest tickets or fees. Full ticketing details are provided during the registration process.

Yes. Graduates are welcome to bring guests.

Some events may require tickets or have capacity limits. Guest details and ticket information will be shared during registration.

Yes. International graduates who require a visa invitation letter may request one during registration.

After registration, a member of the Global University team will review your request and follow up with you directly.

Yes. A downloadable version of the official Commencement schedule will be available on this page and shared with registered graduates.

If you have questions before or after registering, please contact the Commencement Team at:

📧 [email protected]

We’re happy to help.

Students who have completed a program of study through one of the following Global University schools between May 2024 and April 2026 are eligible to participate in Commencement:

  • Berean School of the Bible

  • School for Ministry Development

  • Undergraduate School of Bible & Theology

  • Graduate School of Theology


Students who have nine (9) or fewer remaining credits or CEUs to complete their program may also be eligible to participate.

If you are unsure of your eligibility, please contact [email protected] to confirm before registering.

Schedule

Wednesday, June 3

8:00–8:30 AM — Graduate Registration

9:00–9:45 AM — Gratitude & Worship Chapel
(Dress: Business Casual)

9:45–10:30 AM — Coffee Social

10:30–11:00 AM — Welcome & Orientation

11:00 AM–12:30 PM — Commencement Rehearsal

12:30–2:00 PM — Celebration Lunch

2:00–5:00 PM — Free Time

6:00–7:30 PM — Presidential Inauguration Ceremony

7:30–8:30 PM — Inauguration Reception


All Wednesday activities take place at the DoubleTree Hotel.

Thursday, June 4

Optional Morning Activities (9:00 AM–12:00 PM)
Choose what fits your group best.

  • Wonders of Wildlife (10:00 AM) — Bass Pro Wonders of Wildlife
    Dress: Casual

  • Share Your Story (10:00 AM–3:00 PM) — DTH (scheduled, invitation)

Required Evening Events (DoubleTree Hotel):

3:00–6:00 PM — Graduate Hospitality Room Open

4:30 PM — Graduate Call Time

5:15 PM — Group Photo in regalia

5:30 PM — Faculty Robing & Lineup

6:00–8:00 PM — Commencement Ceremony

8:00 PM — Reception

Your journey brought you here. Let’s celebrate what’s ahead.

Commencement is more than a ceremony — it’s a moment to pause, reflect, and step forward with purpose. We’d be honored to celebrate this milestone with you!