WWU to return to in-person commencement in Carver Gym Dec. 11 for summer and fall grads

October 12, 2021

Western is excited to announce plans for in-person commencement Saturday, December 11, 2021 for summer and fall graduates.  

We are delighted to return to celebrating our graduates in-person, with an audience that is fully vaccinated or tested for COVID-19. Western continues to monitor the changing pandemic conditions with the understanding that we may need to make adjustments to protect the safety of our graduates, families, and community.

Tickets

Tickets are limited with four for each graduating student. All guests and students will need proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID test. The process for obtaining tickets and providing verification of vaccination status or test results for guests is currently in development. Students will receive additional information throughout the quarter.

Ceremonies

There will be two ceremonies for commencement on Saturday, Dec. 11. Students will attend the ceremony that corresponds with their degree and major.

Ceremony One – 9:45 a.m.

  • College of Humanities & Social Sciences
  • Woodring College of Education
  • The Graduate School within the colleges listed above

Ceremony Two – 1:30 p.m.

  • College of Business & Economics
  • College of Fine & Performing Arts
  • College of Science & Engineering
  • Fairhaven Interdisciplinary College
  • Huxley College of the Environment
  • University Interdisciplinary Studies
  • The Graduate School within the colleges listed above

Location

The ceremonies will be held in the gym located in the Carver Academic Building. The event will also be streamed online for guests unable to attend in-person.

Reservations

Students can currently make a reservation. The priority reservation deadline is Sunday, Nov. 7.

Pandemic Graduates

All alumni whose commencement ceremonies were held virtually due to the pandemic will be invited to join an in-person commencement ceremony in the future. The Dec. 11 ceremony is exclusively for summer and fall 2021 graduates.

Cap & Gown

All students who attend the commencement ceremony must wear a black cap and gown, appropriate to their degree. Students can purchase items through the Alumni Association to ensure they have the appropriate regalia. The priority deadline for purchases is Sunday, Nov. 7.