FAQs

Graduation applications are due:

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 (which opens in the spring). 

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 2024, or an undergraduate who has applied to graduate with an academic advisor for winter 2025, spring 2025 or summer 2025 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.

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 2025 Commencement Ceremony will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025. Check-in for graduating students begin at 8:30 a.m. Doors open for guest at 9 a.m. Procession will promptly begin at 10 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.

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 2024 through summer 2025. Note: Spring and summer 2025 bachelor's degree candidates must have their application to graduate submitted and received by Friday, April 18, 2025 in order to have their names listed. Master's and doctoral degree candidates must contact their graduate program advisor by Friday, April 18, 2025 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 18, 2025.

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 held on campus in late May (date will be announced in the spring). 

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.  

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.

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.

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.

Graduation is a time of joy and accomplishment, and why not celebrate with sustainability in mind? Some traditional decorations like glitter and balloons may add sparkle to the moment but also have a lasting negative impact on the environment. Let's swap for sustainability:

• Avoid confetti and glitter: Say goodbye to small plastic waste! Opt for bubbles that add whimsy without harming the environment. Plus, they make for stunning photos! If you crave that extra flair, consider natural alternatives lives leaves, flower petals or a biodegradable alternative. Enhance your shots with digital filters or other post=production elements for a flawless finish!
• Say farewell to balloons and hello to props: Balloons might float away, but they land as pollution. Choose creativity over waste. by crafting your message on a sign, letter board or chalkboard. Personalized props or cutouts not only express your individuality but also leave no trace on the environment. Let you imagination soar without harming our planet!

Your graduation marks a milestone, so why not make it memorable in more ways than one? By embracing sustainable alternatives, you're not only perserving the beauty of the environment but making a positive impact on the world beyond. Let's celebrate responsibility together!