December Commencement

Saturday, December 13, 2025

Ceremony times released closer to the event date.

black and white photo of crowd with graduates all in cap and gowns.

Graduate Information

Eligibility

Student protocols for participating in the commencement ceremony.

Ceremony Information

When to arrive and where to go for your ceremony.

Graduate Regalia

All graduates participating in commencement must wear the regalia appropriate to their degree.

Graduate Slides

Graduate slides featuring a photo and/or a message of thanks are available for viewing the week before the ceremony for those who chose to opt-in during the reservation process. This will not include all who graduated during the ceremonies.

Diplomas

Diplomas are not distributed at commencement. Please read this page for more information about timeline and delivery.

Photography

Order graduate images with GradImages, your official graduation photographer.

Memory Walk

Graduates are invited to leave items reflective of their time at Western in the time capsule.

Guest Information

Livestream

Features ceremony livestreams as well as the commencement program and live transcript.

Parking and Shuttle Service

Commencement ceremonies are held in Carver Gym, which is located in the middle of campus. Find parking and shuttle options here.

Ceremony Accessibility

Accessibility options for graduates and guests.

 

Local Lodging

Bellingham and Whatcom County offer a variety of hotels for Western Washington University guests.

Campus Dining & Retail Hours

Information about dining and retail hours during commencement weekend.

Graduate Gifts and Flowers

WWU gifts are available in the Carver lobby on the day of the ceremony. Seeking a floral arrangement for your graduate? Please follow this link to find options and order ahead of time.

Additional WWU Graduation Events

On-campus celebrations for graduates will be listed here.

Graduates look to the stands to thank their families during ceremony.
Graduates holding diplomas recess to Red Square after ceremony.
Graduate decorated in floral arrangement celebrates in Red Square with a crowd of onlookers.

Contact the Commencement Team