Commencement

Top 5 things to know

1. Doors open at 8 a.m., and graduates should be seated by 9:40 a.m. Prior to accessing the candidate seating area, all graduates need to go through a mandatory screening process. Degree candidate seating is not pre-assigned by graduate name and is first-come, first-served.
2. The ceremony typically lasts approximately 2.5 hours. A live stream of the ceremony will be available on the commencement homepage.  Please remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony, which is marked by the platform party recession.
3. There is no limit to the number of guests that graduates may bring. No tickets are required to attend, and guest seating is general admission, first-come, first-served. Only graduates and faculty escorts are allowed on the floor before and during the ceremony. Visit our accessibility page for more information about accommodations.
4. Graduates will have their name read and receive a diploma folder as they cross the stage. Diplomas will be mailed out 6–8 weeks after grades are entered. To ensure that diplomas are mailed to the correct address, update your home address in MyUW.
5. Review the carry-in policy. No food or beverages of any kind are permitted. Flowers are allowed inside the Kohl Center, however glass containers, balloons, backpacks, and wrapped gifts are not.