In order to take part in ceremonies, you must have already graduated or have applied for graduation and you must register to walk in Commencement—in addition to taking a few other steps.
Graduation and Commencement are two different things.
Graduation
Satisfying all academic requirements (university, college, and departmental) for a degree.
Commencement
Ceremony officiated by the University president that recognizes graduates’ achievements.
Participation in the Commencement ceremony is not a guarantee or an indication of degree completion.
Complete the following tasks before Commencement.
Two separate tasks are required in order to participate in Commencement ceremonies.
Apply to graduate
Apply through the Office of the Registrar or the Graduate School. An application fee is required.
For your name to appear in the Commencement program, you must submit your application to graduate by the deadline: the first Friday in October for fall and the first Friday in March for spring.
Register to Walk in Commencement ceremonies ***
Once you have applied to graduate, you must take this second step if you choose to participate in ceremonies. (You will not be registered to participate in ceremonies automatically.) If you plan to participate, be sure to register by the deadline.
*** Plan to complete the asterisked tasks at the Grad Fair.
Grad Fair is a one-stop-shop for completing pre-Commencement tasks. If you’re a student at any WSU campus, you can come to the Grad Fair to register to participate in ceremonies, rent regalia, and more.
Plus, you can get discounts on grad packages—things like regalia rentals, announcements, and diploma frames.
Hourly drawings give you a chance to win valuable prizes, such as a free cap and gown set, ceremony VIP seating, a free graduate photo package, and more.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Compton Union Building, Junior Ballroom
2 sessions: 9 a.m. and noon
On Calendly
Rent academic regalia ***
Reserve your cap and gown. Regalia is optional for online ceremonies.
Update your records
Keep your information up to date in University records.
Complete the Undergraduate placement survey ***
Information collected is used to develop career and academic programming for WSU students.
Review your student account and loans ***
International student? Contact the Office of International Programs ***
Let them know your post-graduation plans by filling out the Program Completion Form.
Purchase announcements, commemorative merchandise, and portraits ***
Tell (and invite) your family and friends
Sending grad announcements? Check the list of degrees by college, so you’re sure to cite yours correctly.
Inviting international visitors? See suggestions for helping them obtain a visitors’ visa.
Join the Alumni Association ***
Your membership connects you to the vast Cougar network after you graduate.
*** Plan to complete the asterisked tasks at the Grad Fair.
Office of the Registrar
509-335-9506
wsu.graduations@wsu.edu
Include your student ID number in communications.
Graduate School
509-335-6424
gradsch@wsu.edu