Commencement at Husky Stadium
On June 14, 2025, the University of Washington will honor the graduating class of 2025 at the University’s 150th Annual Commencement Exercises. Over 7,400 graduates will take the field at the magnificent Husky Stadium to the cheers and applause of 50,000 family members and friends. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime event in the lives of graduates and parents alike – an experience not to be missed.
Seating the Candidates
At noon, graduates will begin entering through the Outdoor Practice Field, just east of the stadium, and proceed directly to the stadium floor. Faculty and staff marshals will be there to welcome them and direct them to their seating section based on degree level – doctoral, master’s or bachelor’s. Grads will be able to sit friends from any school or college, as long as their are receiving a degree of the same level.
The Ceremony Experience
Over the past few years we have found that many graduates wish to leave the stadium after walking. Unfortunately this blocks ingress and egress, violates fire and safety codes, and interferes with the walk to the stage, causing delays on the floor. It also makes other students and their families feel disrespected.
After surveying graduates and parents, and with a view towards accommodating all the graduates, we have decided to offer graduates a choice of two experiences this year: participating in the walk to the stage or leaving the stadium after degrees are conferred.
- Experience 1: Those who choose to walk will
- Be seated on the east end of the field closer to the stage in the appropriate section (doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s)
- Have their photos taken on stage as they receive their memento (diploma cover) and appear on the big screen.
- Return to their seats after walking and stay until the ceremony concludes.
- Be in the class photo taken after everyone walks.
- Have their names entered in a drawing for prizes and gifts.
- Experience 2: Those who choose not to walk will
- Be seated at the back of the seating on the field and up into the bowl.
- Leave the stadium via the stairs at the west end bowl after degrees are conferred.
- Receive their memento (diploma cover) on the concourse at the top of the stairs at the west end of the stadium.
- Be able to have their portrait photos on the concourse with the stadium, stage and HuskyTron in the background.
- Miss the prize drawing and class photo.
Participants
All graduates are required to wear cap and gown, which may be purchased through the Registration/Order Form, available on this website, May 7 – May 25.
Tickets
Entrance tickets are required for both our students and their guests. All tickets are complimentary and should be ordered by the graduate when completing the Commencement Registration/Order Form. All reasonable requests for tickets will be met. For more information visit the tickets page.
Reserved disability seating is available through the Registration/Order Form for guests in wheelchairs, guests with mobility impairment and guests needing American Sign Language. For more information visit disability accommodations pages.
Parking
Parking permits for a wide variety of campus lots may be purchased by graduates when they fill out the Registration/Order Form. Permits are available for parking on Commencement Day, June 14, or for school, college and departmental ceremonies that take place on other days around Commencement (June 3 – June 15). Disability parking is available on any day and can be selected by the graduates when they complete the registration/order form. For more information visit our parking page.
Security
For a list of items allowed in Husky stadium, visit the security information page.