| 4:00 p.m. | Student check-in |
|---|---|
| 4:00 p.m. | Doors open to ticketed guests |
| 5:00 p.m. | Ceremony begins |
Graduates are required to check in between 4:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Climate Pledge Loading Dock, located one block south of the arena at 1st Ave N and John St. Look for Rudy the Redhawk to guide you in!
Upon arrival, graduates will undergo a security screening before proceeding to the loading dock, where staff and signs will direct you to your respective college/school. Please ensure your robes remain unzipped until you pass through security.
Graduates must have their Grad Pass ready on their mobile device or printed out.
Staff will assist graduates in lining up for the procession into the arena.
To walk across the stage, a Grad Pass is mandatory. This pass serves as the mechanism to showcase and announce the graduate's name on the screen, accompanied by an audio recording as they proceed across the stage.
Log in to the Commencement Portal.
Click on the Print Grad Pass button.
Click on the Print Grad Pass on the second screen.
Your Grad Pass will be displayed on the screen.
Take a screenshot of your Grad Pass, ensuring the QR code is clearly visible for scanning upon approaching the stage.
A printed backup of the Grad Pass can be obtained at the information desk under the black tent in the Loading Dock.
Graduates are expected to follow staff instructions, remain seated throughout the ceremony, and reunite with their guests outside the arena for photos and celebrations afterward.
At 4:45 p.m., graduates will process into the arena and be seated within their college/school by staff.
The Graduate Ceremony is scheduled to start at 5:00 p.m. and is anticipated to run for 2 hours.
A digital-only program is available to view during the ceremony.
After the Honorary Degree Recipient segment, graduates will be directed by staff to approach the stage.
Graduates will present their Grad Pass on their mobile device for scanning by staff, who will then queue them for their stage moment.
Prior to reaching the stage, graduates will receive a diploma scroll and proceed to their first professional photograph.
Staff will signal each graduate when it's their turn to cross the stage.
Graduates' names, schools/colleges, and degrees, will be displayed on screen and announced.
After shaking hands with the President or Provost, Grad Images will capture the second graduate photo.
Graduates will then return to their seats via the center stage ramp.
Staff will guide graduates back to their seats, where they are to remain for the entire ceremony, as a sign of respect to fellow graduates.
Graduates will exit by school/college, under staff guidance, through the Loading Dock.
After the ceremony, graduates should plan to meet their guests outside the arena.
Designated meeting spots, such as the plaza or by the International Fountain, are ideal for photos, hugs, high-fives, and celebrations.
Graduates and guests are encouraged to share their experiences using #SeattleUGrad2024 on social media.
Photographs will be available one to two weeks after commencement via the GradImages photo website. For assistance, please contact GradImages' Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576.
Students are not considered officially graduated until the Office of the Registrar verifies that all university and degree requirements have been met. Degrees will be posted by June 21, 2024. Once degrees are posted, diplomas will be produced and sent to graduates.
If you need proof that you earned your degree before you receive either version of your diploma, please order an official transcript. An official transcript will state the following:
For guests unable to attend in person, we encourage watching the livestream during or after the event on the Commencement website.