138th Commencement Ceremony

“The ceremony was lovely, I think UW does things in a very classy way and this was no exception.  Having it at CenturyLink added a certain excitement and was quite fun… the streamers were fun…very memorable day.” … 2012 parent.

It will be a day to remember! An estimated 4,500 – 5,000 graduates will take to the CenturyLink Field (located just south of downtown Seattle), surrounded by 40,000 cheering family members and friends, and make that once-in-a-lifetime walk across the mammoth Commencement stage, where President Young, the regents, the deans of the University’s 16 Schools and Colleges, and members of the University faculty will be gathered to honor the Class of 2013. To learn about tickets and parking visit the pages linked above. Graduates will register for Commencement and order their caps and gowns, tickets, parking and other items online, May 6 – May 26, via our Registration/Order Form.

Come Rain or Shine

Spring in the Northwest may bring us 90 degree sunshine or cold rain. But Commencement will take place either way – so be prepared for whatever gifts Mother Nature may choose to bestow upon the graduating class! (If she’s really upset, the ceremony will be abbreviated and degrees will be conferred en masse.)  Plastic ponchos will be available under the graduates’ seats if it looks like it will rain. Check the weather.

Inviting Family Members to the U.S.

The Office of International Students and Scholars (ISS) offers a number of important guidelines for international students wishing to invite their family members to Commencement. Read the ISS guidelines. Please note that ISS staff, as well as the staff at the Office of Ceremonies, are unable to write letters of invitation for your family members.

Meeting after the Ceremony

Families may want to select a place to meet after the ceremony.  CenturyLink Field does not allow guests onto the field following the ceremony.  Graduates will be able to go up into the stands on the east side of the stadium, or they may exit the field via the northwest and southwest tunnels.  The Sounders band will be performing in the north plaza.