UW Commencement

Parking Permits

Campus parking for Commencement (June 8) and for all graduation events (including School, College, departmental, and student groups events) occurring two weeks before Commencement, between 6 a.m.- 9 p.m., will require a parking permit.

Graduates will be able to pre-purchase campus parking permits for any event they are attending when they register to participate and order their caps and gowns – on this website via the Registration/Order Form (May 1 – May 19). (2024 Commencement prices:  $18.50 if purchased via the online form and $19.50 if purchased on the day of the event.)  Since lots often sell out, we highly recommend pre-purchasing permits on the form.  This is the only way to guarantee you have parking in the lot you desire.

In order to fairly distribute parking spaces, the Registration/Order Form will limit each student to a reasonable number of parking permits for the particular event they are attending. Graduates will receive their permits when they pick up their orders. Students may purchase additional permits (if available) at this time. Depending upon availability, it may be possible to exchange one parking permit for a permit on a different day or in a different lot.

Once purchased no refunds will be available for parking permits.

Commencement Day Parking

Parking permits for Commencement Day, June 8, 2024, will be sold by lot. If you wish to guarantee parking in a particular lot, it is recommended that you pre-purchase a permit, since some lots may sell out. Available lots will include:

See parking map (PDF)

Parking for School, College and Departmental Celebrations

Parking permits for events taking place any day other than Commencement day (Saturday, June 8) will be sold by day and will be good for designated parking lots.

The Registration/Order Form (open May 1 – May 19) is the only place graduates can order parking permits for graduation events taking place May 28 through June 9th. The form will allow graduates to purchase parking permits regardless of whether they are attending Commencement or purchasing cap & gown items. 

Limited Mobility Parking

Commencement

Limited mobility parking (PDF) will be available close to the stadium in E-12 and E-19. Golf carts will run between the E-1 and E-12 lots and the stadium. Vehicles displaying a state, UW, or government issued disability privilege will be able to park in campus disability stalls in any lot.  Students can purchase parking permits in these lots on the Registration/Order Form.

Limited Mobility Drop-off Area
Guests can also be dropped off in the Tubby Graves Parking Lot, just north of the stadium (see Limited Mobility Drop-Off Map). Pick-up following the ceremony may be done from the same lot.  Note: the lot will be closed for 30-45 minutes after the ceremony to allow traffic to clear.

School, College, and Departmental Ceremonies

Those needing limited mobility parking on days other than Commencement day may purchase a Graduation Event Parking Pass, for the day needed, through the Registration/Order Form. A Graduation Event Parking Pass can be used in the lots listed on the pass. A Graduation Event Parking Pass is also valid in any campus disability stall with accompanying state, UW, or government issued disability privilege.

Shuttles

On Commencement Day, shuttles will drop-off guests at points close to the stadium. Shuttle run 11:00 am – 6:00 pm from the following locations:

Guests parking in the West Lots may want to catch the Portage Bay shuttle.