June Commencement
Friday, June 12, 2026 and Saturday, June 13, 2026
Ceremony held in Carver Gym. Times listed on "Schedule and Program" page.
Graduate Info
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 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.
Guest Info
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.
Local Lodging
Bellingham and Whatcom County offer a variety of hotels for Western Washington University guests.
Graduate Gifts and Flowers
Seeking a floral arrangement for your graduate? Follow this link to find options and further information.
Student Awards
Outstanding Grad Award
The WWU Outstanding Graduate Award is an opportunity for our campus community to recognize the exceptional work of our students as they complete their degrees at Western.
Presidential Scholar Award
The Presidential Scholar Award honors graduates for their exceptional scholarship and service to the university and community.
Additional WWU Graduation Events
On-campus celebrations for graduates will be listed here.
Location: Old Main Solarium; 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Ceremony where graduates will be recognized, receive BSC Custom Stoles, and celebrate with their families and community. Registration: 2026 Sankofa Celebration of Graduates – Fill out form
Contact: Nia Gipson gipsonn@wwu.edu
Location: VU 735 & MCC Kitchen.
Contact: mss.brc@wwu.edu
Location: VU 565.
Senior capstone presentations. Final fête.
Contact: Kate Stevenson at rangerk@wwu.edu
Location: VU 565.
Contact: Erica Steele at steelee@wwu.edu
Location: VU MPR.
Contact: JoeHahn at hahnj7@wwu.edu or lgbtq@wwu.edu
Location: VU MPR.
Contact: disability.outreach@wwu.edu
Open house with catered buffet lunch, live three-piece jazz band, cap decorating table, and meet and greet for students, families, faculty, and staff.
Also in June (Date TBD): Senior BBQ for FAIR 403 graduating students.
Contact: April Keala at hinklea2@wwu.edu
Location: OM Theater.
Celebration of Excellence for graduates and families.
Contact: Alona Christman at mckenna2@wwu.edu
Reception with food and drinks, scheduled tours, and an award ceremony.
Contact: Kevin Covey at coveyk@wwu.edu
Location: South Communication lawn
Contact: Darrin Gordon at gordond8@wwu.edu.
Location: BH 209 (Math Center)
The Mathematics Department will host a celebration for graduates and their families from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. We will have cake and light refreshments.
Contact: David Hartenstine at hartend@wwu.edu
Location: KB 224.
Congratulate students and families, with light snacks.
Contact: Andy Klein andy.klein@wwu.edu
Location: VU MPR.
Graduating students will be recognized and can walk with their families and receive custom La Plaza graduation stoles. Food, performances, and a keynote are planned.
Contact: LaPlaza@wwu.edu
Location: Outside the CFPA.
Gathering with cookies and coffee.
Contact: Rich Brown at brownr32@wwu.edu
