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

December Commencement

Saturday, December 14, 2024

A variety of decorated student caps from behind.
Schedule and Program
View of the ceremony stage from the center aisle with graduates seated on both sides.
Location and Seating
Faculty in ceremony regalia clap for graduates.
Safety and Security

Graduate Information

Graduates in cap and gown facing the stage

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.

Memory Walk

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

Photography

Order graduate images with GradImages, your official graduation photographer.

Donate or Borrow a Cap & Gown

Consider donating your cap and/or gown to future graduates. Donated regalia is available to borrow.

Guest Information

Crowd cheering at commencement ceremony

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

Disability Affinity December Graduation and End of Fall Quarter Celebration

Fill out this form to RSVP and/or request a disability affinity cord. Please fill out this form by Monday, December 2.

Graphic with white background and blue border. The blue text reads, "Join the Disability Access Center and Disability Outreach Center for the Disability Affinity December Graduation and End of Fall Quarter Celebration Tuesday, December 3, 2024 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Multicultural Center Multi-Use Room (VU 735). At the bottom, in blue text reads, "AA/EO. Accessibility Statement: This event is intended for all participants including those with apparent or non-apparent disabilities. For disability accommodation(s)
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

Email: Commencement@wwu.edu

Phone: 360-650-3432