Checklist for grads

Tasks to complete before you can participate in ceremonies

In order to take part in ceremonies, you must have already graduated or have applied for your degree, and you must RSVP to walk in the ceremony.

Mandatory tasks

Two separate tasks are required in order to participate in Commencement ceremonies.

Apply for your degree
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: Friday, October 6, 2023.

RSVP to walk in the ceremony

Once you have applied for your degree, 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: Friday November 10th, 2023.

Get everything done fast at the Grad Fair

Thursday, October 19, 2023

9 AM – 4 PM

The Bookie inside the CUB

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 the Spring ceremonies, rent regalia, get photos done, and more.

Recommended tasks

Order your academic regalia ***
Order your cap and gown. Regalia is optional for online ceremonies.

Update your records
Keep your information up to date in University records.

Unlisted records: If you have an “unlisted” restriction on your WSU directory record, the University cannot include your name and degree in the Commencement program. It also cannot include your name on the Commencement t-shirt. If you have this restriction on your record and would like it removed, follow instructions to release directory information.
Name changes: To verify the name on your diploma, contact the Office of the Registrar or the Graduate School.

Complete the Undergraduate placement survey ***
Information collected is used to develop career and academic programming for WSU students.

Review your student account and loans ***

Student account status: Ensure that there is no balance due that could delay delivery of your diploma.
Federal loans: Check with Student Financial Services to see if you need to complete exit counseling.

International student? Contact the Office of International Programs ***
Let them know your post-graduation plans by filling out the Program Completion Form.

Inviting international visitors? See suggestions for helping them obtain a visitors’ visa.

Purchase announcements, commemorative merchandise, and portraits ***
Want a Cap and Gown Portrait photo-op with the official WSU backdrop? Schedule your portrait at the Grad Fair. Scheduling is not required but will guarantee your timeslot and expedite the process.

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.

Join the Alumni Association ***
Your membership connects you to the vast Cougar network after you graduate.

Join the Cougar Athletic Fund
Your membership allows you to provide valuable support to the over 450 WSU student-athletes who rely on generous donations from CAF members to represent the Cougars in competition and in the classroom.

*** This can be completed at the Grad Fair.

Graduation vs. Commencement

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 Executive Leadership that recognizes graduates’ achievements.

Participation in the Commencement ceremony is not a guarantee or an indication of degree completion.

Questions about your degree?

Undergraduate and professional degrees

Office of the Registrar
509-335-9506
wsu.graduations@wsu.edu

Include your student ID number in communications.

Graduate degrees

Graduate School
509-335-6424
gradsch@wsu.edu