All faculty are encouraged to participate in the Commencement ceremony. As official witnesses to the conferring of degrees, you play a vital role in making this day special for your students. The Commencement Committee wants to thank you for your participation in Commencement activities. Your presence matters to students and families. Your participation is appreciated.

University of Washington Tacoma
35th Commencement Ceremony
Tacoma Dome
June 13, 2025

Procession begins approximately 10 a.m.
Estimated Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Faculty Regalia

Faculty must provide their own academic regalia. If you do not already own regalia, you may purchase or rent regalia through the UW Tacoma Bookstore.

Purchasing Faculty Regalia

To order, connect with a UW Tacoma Bookstore representative during their hours of operations and ask for the Custom Faculty Regalia Department.

Renting Faculty Regalia

You are responsible for returning your regalia or you will be charged the replacement cost. 

Ordering and Delivery Information:

  • Place a rental request for your regalia at the UW Tacoma Bookstore starting in April (exact dates TBA).
  • Pick up regalia at Grad Fair in late May. 
  • Payment is due at pickup.
  • Return rental regalia to the Tacoma Shop immediately following the ceremony.

Faculty FAQs

When do I arrive?

Please arrive no later than 9 a.m.

  • 9 - 9:30 a.m. Mix & Mingle with the graduates and other faculty members in the Exhibition Hall.
  • 9:30 a.m.  Meet the faculty marshals (Andrea Coker-Anderson & Bonnie Becker) at the entrance of the faculty/staff hallway for formation of the faculty procession

 

 

Where do I park?

Traffic will be heavy, and parking will be limited. Please plan your commute accordingly. You are encouraged to take public transportation. If you need a parking pass due to special circumstances, please contact tcommenc@uw.edu

Where do I enter?

When you arrive at the Tacoma Dome, please enter through the 24-hour security entrance off of parking lot H and check-in (parking map with dome entrances).

What is my responsibility?
  • As students line up in the Exhibition Hall, mingle with them and share your congratulations. “Selfie Stations” will be set up for students, faculty, and staff to take photos. Posting to social media is encouraged!
  • Marshals will assist you as you line up for the processional. Once lined up in the Dome, you will be directed how to enter and where to set up the faculty "tunnel" for students to pass through. After the students are seated, Marshals will lead faculty down the aisle to the faculty seating area. At the conclusion of the ceremony, faculty process out after the platform party and before the students.
Faculty & Staff Locker Room

Once you are checked-in, head straight to the Faculty & Staff Locker room to drop off or change into your regalia. There will be signs directing you to where the locker room is.  

What to wear?

Do not forget to bring your regalia! Please dress appropriately and keep in mind you are representing UW Tacoma. 

How long is the ceremony?

Approximate duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes

Information Session

Staff and Faculty Commencement Info Session

An information session to review roles and answer questions will be held a couple weeks before the ceremony.

The meeting will be recorded and shared to staff and faculty who cannot make it.