Main Content
Connect with Us
Email: tcommenc@uw.edu
Phone: 253-692-4913
Applying to Graduate
Graduation applications are due:
Autumn 2023 | 10/13/2024 |
---|---|
Winter 2024 | 1/19/2024 |
Spring & Summer 2023 | 4/12/2024 |
Bachelor's candidates
Undergraduate students must apply for graduation with an Academic Advisor. Once their application has been completed and received by the Registrar’s Office, undergraduate students are then eligible to complete the Commencement registration form.
Master’s candidates
Graduate students must contact their graduate program advisor to notify them of the intent to graduate. The advisor will notify the Office of the Registrar of eligibility. All graduate students must complete the Commencement registration form so that you can order apparel even if only participating in your department's hooding ceremony.
No. Applying to graduate and registering to participate in Commencement are two separate steps. You must apply to graduate with your Academic Advisor first and then register for Commencement. Please note there may be a 1-2 day delay in accessing registration forms if applying beyond the deadline.
All undergraduate and graduate students who earned a degree in autumn 2023, or an undergraduate who has applied to graduate with an academic advisor for winter 2024, spring 2024 or summer 2024 by the deadlines are eligible.
Graduate students must contact their graduate program advisor for eligibility. You will then be eligible to register for Commencement when it opens online.
Commencement ceremony
Yes. Graduation is the final confirmation that you have completed all of your degree requirements and your diploma is granted. Commencement is the formal ceremony to celebrate your graduation.
The 2024 Commencement Ceremony will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024. Check-in for graduating students begin at 8:30 a.m. Doors open for guest at 9:00 a.m. Procession will promptly begin at 10:00 a.m.
Approximate duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
At no cost, all eligible students can participate in Commencement. Students graduating will be issued a Grad Pass that will serve as their tickets. Graduates are required to purchase a cap and gown in order to participate in the ceremony.
Guest tickets are not required. The University of Washington Tacoma will not be issuing guest tickets for the 2024 Commencement ceremony so we encourage you to come in early as it will be on a first-come-first-served basis.
You can purchase an honor cord with your other regalia after registering to participate in Commencement.
Diplomas, diploma covers, and programs
No. Diplomas are mailed approximately 8 - 12 weeks after the end of the quarter in which you graduate. (Autumn and Winter quarter graduates will likely have already received their diplomas before Commencement.)
There are two options to update your diploma mailing address. This should be completed during your final quarter.
Option #1: Login to MyUW to change your permanent or diploma mailing address. Your diploma will be sent to the mailing address we have on file for you at the time you are cleared for graduation.
Option #2: You may use the Diploma Name and Address form to provide a desired mailing address. Please note that this only changes the mailing address for your diploma. If you wish to permanently update your address for mailing purposes, please complete Option #1 immediately.
The Commencement program lists the names of graduates from autumn 2023 through summer 2024. Note: Spring and summer 2024 bachelor's degree candidates must have their application to graduate submitted and received by Friday, April 12, 2024 deadline in order to have their names listed. Master's and doctoral degree candidates must contact their graduate program advisor by Friday, April 12, 2024 in order to have their names listed.
Yes. Please note these are two separate processes.
Diploma Name
Your diploma name no longer has to match your UW record name. Instead, you can have your diploma issued in the name of your choice by entering your information into the Diploma Name and Address form. You may also use the form to provide a desired mailing address. Be advised that if you have not entered information in the form by the time our office places the diploma order for your quarter of graduation (usually 2 weeks from the end of quarter), the information from your student record will be used.
Commencement Name
To indicate a name to use for commencement activities (program booklet, display at ceremony, t-shirt & newspaper) complete the Commencement Name Form no later than May 12, 2024.
Yes. Complete the Commencement Listing & Name Form no later than May 12, 2024.
Cap and gown
You can order your cap and gown online when you register for Commencement.
The caps are "one size fits all." The gowns are sized based on your height and weight.
Yes. See the Apparel page for details.
Yes. The gowns have the University's seal on them.
You will be able to pick-up your commencement apparel at the Grad Fair on May 29.
Bachelor's and Master's Apparel: your regalia is yours to keep.
Doctoral Apparel: is only available for rental.
Yes, we ask that you wear your hood during the ceremony.
Graduate FAQ
Check-in for graduating students begins at 8:30 a.m. Doors open for guests at 9 a.m.
Visit our Parking and Visitor Guide for more information regarding parking.
If you have submitted the request via the Commencement registration form, someone from Disability Resources for Students will reach out to you to ensure we can meet your needs on Commencement day. This will include instructions on which gate to enter, where to check in, and accessing marshals should you have additional questions.
Yes, you can still purchase graduation apparel regardless of whether or not you are participating in the ceremony.
Guest FAQ
You can request special accommodations for any of your guests when registering to participate in Commencement. You will receive an email before Commencement with instructions on where your guests should enter the Dome, where to check in, and how to find their accommodation seating. Designated ushers will be on hand to help. Anyone who is in special accommodation seating is allowed one attendant to sit with them.
Visit our Parking and Visitor Guide for more information regarding parking.
Doors will open for guests at 9 a.m.
Miscellaneous
We encourage you to use #UWTgrad on social media when posting about Commencement. We will be featuring #UWTgrad tagged posts during the ceremony.
Yes, Commencement will be recorded and can be viewed through the Commencement website after the ceremony is over.
You can find a list of recommended vendors here.
Other questions? Please contact tcommenc@uw.edu