Commencement
Celebrate Your Academic Journey
Commencement Day is a momentous occasion marking the culmination of your academic journey.
We invite you to explore and prepare for this important day as we come together to honor your achievement. Find essential Commencement information, including: ceremony schedules, important details and updates, services for guests, and more to ensure a smooth experience.
Ellensburg Ceremonies
The Ellensburg Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies, both in the morning and afternoon, are for students who have met the necessary requirements for their bachelor's degrees.
Check this list to see which ceremony your degree is a part of.
AM Ceremony Participant Schedule
College of Arts and Humanities, College of the Sciences
7:45 AM |
Students arrive in cap and gown at SURC (no later than 7:45 AM) |
8:30 AM |
Processional begins |
9:00 AM |
Ceremony Begins |
11:00 AM (approximately) |
Recessional exits the stadium |
PM Ceremony Participant Schedule
College of Business, College of Education and Professional Studies
12:45 PM |
Students arrive in cap and gown at the SURC (no later than 12:45 PM) |
1:30 PM |
Processional begins |
2:00 PM |
Ceremony begins |
4:00 PM (approximately) |
Recessional exits the stadium |
Our Commencement Ceremonies are Going Green
To support CWU's value of sustainability, all commencement ceremonies are now utilizing digital programs only. Should you wish to follow along with the ceremony order, graduates and guests will receive a ceremony link or QR code closer to the event.
Additional Participant Information
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Arrival
AM Ceremony
Graduates should arrive in cap and gown at the SURC east entrance (by the wildcat statue) no later than 7:45 am. Please arrive early as the processional will begin promptly.
PM Ceremony
Graduates should arrive in cap and gown at the SURC east entrance (by the wildcat statue) no later than 12:45 pm. Please arrive early as the processional will begin promptly.
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Name Cards
Name cards may be picked up at the SURC info center Tuesday, June 4th - Friday, June 7th from 8 am – 5 pm or picked up at check-in on Commencement day. You must bring your name card with you to the staging location and carry it into the ceremony. Name cards are only created for graduates who have registered to participate in commencement, so make sure that you have done so by the registration deadline (TBD for 2024).
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Diploma Covers
You will receive your diploma cover during the Commencement ceremony. It will NOT include your diploma. Diplomas will be mailed by CWU Registrar Services approximately 8-10 weeks following the completion of your degree.
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Commencement Etiquette
Commencement is a time for your family and friends to recognize your hard work and accomplishments. We ask that students behave accordingly and provide a good example of what it means to be a CWU Wildcat.
In years past, CWU staff have had to confiscate items not allowed to be brought into the ceremonies. Alcohol, weapons of any kind (including pocket knives), balloons, large signs, backpacks, and other paraphernalia are not allowed at Commencement. Please save your personal celebration until after commencement.
We enjoy having family and friends at the Commencement ceremonies, but children and other non-CWU graduates are not allowed in the line-up area or in the seating area with graduates during the ceremony. Please make prior arrangements to accomodate your family's attendance.
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Attire
Dress
All Undergraduates must wear official CWU regalia (cap and gown) in order to be eligible to walk. Graduates without proper attire will not be allowed to participate. We recommend that you dress comfortably and wear flat shoes as you will be walking from the SURC to the stadium. Staff members will be available if you need assistance, however, there are no indoor dressing facilities available. Remember that you will be sitting outside, possibly under a hot sun, a light rain, or a strong wind. Please dress accordingly.
Tassels
The tassel is worn on the right-hand side throughout the ceremony. Tassels will be moved from right to left when the ASCWU President indicates confirmation of degrees. You will receive your tassel with your cap and gown order.
Honors Tassels are given to students who qualify for honors based on the GPA of all credits earned at CWU.
- 3.500 to 3.699 - cum laude (red tassel)
- 3.700 to 3.899 - magna cum laude (silver tassel)
- 3.900 to 4.000 - summa cum laude (gold tassel)
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Weather
Rain or shine, Commencement will be held outside in Tomlinson Stadium. The ceremony will only be adjusted or rescheduled in the case of extreme weather. Should this occur, tune to the local radio station or check the CWU website at www.cwu.edu.
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Processional
Undergraduate processional lines will begin at the SURC and walk up Walnut Mall to Tomlinson Stadium. You will line up and be led by college in two rows. Your name card will be color-coded to ensure that you are in the proper ceremony and lined up accordingly. CWU staff will be present to guide you.
Student marshals will lead the processional and recessional, as well as assist with the ceremony. They will be in silver caps and gowns and will aid you during the entire commencement experience.
Thirty minutes prior to the start of the ceremony, the processional lines will begin moving toward the stadium. The order of the processional will be:
- Faculty in two lines
- Undergraduates in two lines
- Faculty Marshal (with the University Mace)
- The Presidential Platform Party
During the processional, please remember:
- It is important that you stay in your line.
- The Student Marshals may pause and hold your line at different locations for spacing and timing.
- Do not move into the seats until you are directed to by the Student Marshals.
- Chair rows will be filled from front to back. Continue to the furthest open chair without leaving any empty.
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Ceremony
The Commencement program will be available electronically prior to the ceremony if you wish to follow along.
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Recessional
The order of the recessional is:
- The Faculty Marshal (with the University Mace)
- The Presidential Platform Party
- The Faculty (faculty will form a congratulatory line for all graduates to walk through as they leave the field)
- Undergraduates (Last row will exit first)
AM Ceremony
Please note that we will be setting up for the second ceremony immediately following the first. Please have your guests exit promptly and direct them to meet you outside of the stadium.
For Your Safety
To ensure the safety of everyone in attendance, all CWU Commencement ceremonies are clear bag only. No regular bags, backpacks, or totes will be allowed inside the stadium. Small purses are permitted. For more safety regulations, review our FAQs.
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