Pierce County, Des Moines, and Lynnwood Campuses
625 West James St. Kent, WA 98032
12:00 PM | Graduates arrive in cap and gown, entering through the receiving area (fenced area to the North) no later than 12:00 PM. |
12:50 PM | Processional Begins |
1:00 PM | Processional enters the arena |
1:00 PM | Commencement Ceremony begins |
3:00 PM (approximately) | Recessional of faculty and graduates exit arena |
Name Cards: Name cards will be 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 prior to May 15th.
Arrival: Graduates should arrive in cap and gown at the ShoWare Center no later than 12:00 p.m. Students should enter through the fenced north receiving area from the outside of the facility.
Line Up/Staging: Staging occurs once you enter the receiving area hallway. When you arrive, you will be arranged in rows for the processional into the arena. CWU staff will be at the staging location to help assemble the rows. Remember to bring your cap, gown, and tassel.
Undergraduate processional lines will begin in the hallway of the receiving area on the north side of ShoWare. Look for CWU staff with signs designating the line-up area.
Masters degree candidates should enter through the receiving area of ShoWare, then proceed to room 165. You will be directed to line-up in two lines to prepare for the processional into the arena. Look for CWU staff with signs designating the location. Staff will assist you with lineup order and hoods.
Student marshalls 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.
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 a few “foreign beverages,” balloons, and other paraphernalia. This can interrupt the ceremony and take away from the celebration, so please save your personal celebration until after commencement. Your family will be so proud of you and your accomplishments! ENJOY THE MOMENT AND THE EXPERIENCE!!! This is your day. Be Proud!
Students with Children: We enjoy having family and friends at the Commencement ceremonies, but children are not allowed to sit with the graduates during the ceremony.
Attire: All Undergraduates must wear a new traditional CWU crimson cap and gown. Due to the possibility of Ellensburg winds, we recommend the use of bobby-pins to secure your cap. Graduates without proper attire will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony. We recommend that you dress comfortably and wear flat shoes. You will be walking on the field and heels are likely to sink into the grass. Staff members will be available if you need assistance, however, there are no indoor dressing facilities available. If rain is in the forecast, you may want to consider wearing older clothing under your gown, as water may cause your gown to bleed. 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 over the right eye 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.
Honors Tassels are given to students who qualify for honors based on the GPA of all credits earned at CWU, as well as all transfer credits accepted by CWU. This calculation is based on Winter 2018 grades. Master’s and post-baccalaureate students are not eligible for honors. Summer 2017, Fall 2017, Winter 2018, and Spring 2018 undergraduate candidates who are graduating with academic honors may pick up an honors tassel from Registrar Services (or a university center office) with photo ID after May 2nd. Honors tassels will not be available at Commencement.
Ten minutes prior to the start of the ceremony, the processional lines will begin moving toward the arena. The order of the processional will be:
During the processional, please remember:
Commencement programs will be available during line-up in the ShoWare Recieving Area, should you wish to carry a copy with you up to the stadium. The complete commencement program will also be available electronically prior to the ceremony.
Remain seated until directed to rise by the Student Marshal. All groups will exit down the center aisle.
The order of the recessional is:
You will follow the Student Marshal out of the arena, through the main entrance of ShoWare. Please keep your lines moving until the recessional ends and all students are out of the arena. Please direct your family to meet you in any of the three halls in the concession area or outside of ShoWare Center.
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