Step 1: Make sure you are eligible.
Check the eligibility page for requirements that pertain to your degree (bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral). Spring and summer quarter undergraduates must apply to graduate by the third Friday of Spring quarter (April 12). See the Office of the Registrar’s Graduation page for details on applying to graduate. Once the application for graduation has been completed and received by the Office of Graduation and Academic Records (206-543-1803), the student will then be able to complete the Commencement Registration/Order Form. This will also ensure their name is in the Commencement program.
Please note that students will receive information via their UW.edu email with instructions about using a special web form to either select a “Commencement Program Name,” if desired, or request not to have your name printed in the Commencement Program. See more on the Eligibility page.
Step 2: Order Announcements, Class Rings and Diploma Frames
Visit the Grad Shop to browse items you may wish to purchase. You can purchase online or, to get a closer look, come to Grad Fair, where our vendors will be offering special deals on all graduation items, including announcements, frames and rings.
Step 3: Come to Grad Fair
The Grad Fair will take place April 3 & 4, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., at the University Book Store (4326 University Way NE).
At the Fair, you’ll see announcements, frames, rings and souvenir items for purchase. Photographers will be there to take your graduation portrait (in the appropriate cap & gown for your degree provided by the Office of Ceremonies). You’ll be sent a link to the photos, but there is no obligation to purchase. Representatives from the Office of the University Registrar will also be there to answer questions about your degree and diploma.
Husky mascot “Dubs” will be there for photos on one of those days. Stay tuned for more info.
Step 4: Prepare to Register and Order
When you fill out the Registration/Order form you will be asked about family and friends who will be attending the ceremony in Husky Stadium, as well as those who might be viewing the live broadcast of the ceremony from across the U.S. or around the world. Take a moment to think about what they will need.
How many guests will be attending? Will they need parking permits and/or specific disability parking? Might your guests have difficulty walking long distances or climbing stairs? Will they be using a wheelchair? You will be able to request limited mobility and wheelchair seating for guests. Assistive listening devices will also be available and there will be a special American Sign Language section.
You will also be asked about translation services that will be offered in multiple languages, for both those attending the Husky Stadium ceremony in person and those watching online. Think about which of your guests might like translation services.
Step 5: Complete the Registration/Order Form
Commencement is your big day and we want to ensure you have everything in order to celebrate with your friends and family.
By completing the Registration/Order Form (May 1 – May 19), you will be able to:
- Receive your personal student ticket and order tickets for your guests.
- Order cap and gown, plus souvenir tassels, stoles, etc., whether attending the main ceremony or not.
- Purchase parking permits ($18.50 if purchased on the form; $19.50 on the day of the event) for on-campus graduation events, including Commencement.
- Join the Alumni Association or donate to Senior Gift.
Be prepared to pay online with Visa, MasterCard, or debit card. Those living in the Seattle area will pick up the items they ordered at the University Book Store, May 28 – June 1, during regular store hours. You will select your pickup date when ordering online. Students who are no longer in the Seattle area will be directed to specific pick-up times closer to the date of the ceremony.
Step 6: Come to Husky Stadium, Saturday, June 8!
Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Start your day early, as traffic to Husky Stadium will be heavy. We recommend looking into link light rail for a less stressful trip. Graduation is one event where it’s not fashionable to be late! The opening procession begins promptly at 1:30 p.m.
Step 7: Make sure you’ve really graduated
Students who complete all requirements to graduate will get an email confirming their official graduation status after the degree is granted. This email will have the subject “University of Washington Notification of Degree Posting: Next Steps.” It will be sent from registra@uw.edu to your uw.edu email. If you do not receive this email, you have not graduated (even if you attend Commencement). Meet with your adviser to make sure you will meet all graduation requirements.