UW Commencement 2026 ceremonies will take place over three days from Friday, June 12, 2026, to Sunday, June 14, 2026, with each campus hosting its own celebration.
The University of Washington will honor the graduating class of 2026 at the University’s 150th Annual Commencement Exercises on June 14, 2025.
Over 7,400 graduates will take the field at the magnificent Husky Stadium to the cheers and applause of 50,000 family members and friends.
This milestone celebration marks a historic moment as UW celebrates 150 years of academic excellence.
Table of Contents
UW Commencement 2025 Date, Time, and Schedule
The University of Washington’s main commencement ceremony details are confirmed:
Main Seattle Campus:
- Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
- Time: 1:30 PM ceremony start
- Location: Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium
- Duration: Approximately 3.5-4 hours
UW Tacoma Campus:
- Date: Friday, June 13, 2025
- Location: Tacoma Dome
UW Bothell Campus:
- Date: Sunday, June 15, 2025
- Location: Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion
UW Commencement Schedule Timeline
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | Stadium gates open |
| 12:30 PM | Graduate seating begins |
| 1:30 PM | Processional begins |
| 2:00 PM | Opening remarks and speeches |
| 3:30 PM | Degree conferral ceremony |
| 5:00 PM | Approximate ceremony end |
UW Commencement 2026 Preview
UW Graduation 2026 commencement ceremonies are scheduled for three consecutive days:
UW Tacoma Campus:
- Date: Friday, June 12, 2026
- Location: Tacoma Dome
UW Seattle Campus:
- Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
- Time: 1:30 PM ceremony start (anticipated)
- Location: Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium
UW Bothell Campus:
- Date: Sunday, June 14, 2026
- Location: Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion
- Official date announcement: January 2026
- Registration opens: April 2026
- Regalia orders: March-April 2026
- Ticket distribution: May 2026
Students planning for 2026 graduation should monitor the official UW Commencement website for updates throughout their final academic year.
UW Commencement 2025 Insights
Key Graduate Statistics
- Total Graduates: Approximately 1,000+ students in our analyzed sample
- Ceremony Attendees: 50,000+ family and guests
- Languages Represented: 50+ native languages among graduates
- International Students: 15% of graduating class
Most Popular Academic Programs
Top Majors by Enrollment:
- Computer Science (including specializations): 20% of graduates
- Biology (multiple specializations): 15% of graduates
- Economics: 10% of graduates
- Psychology: 8% of graduates
- Biochemistry: 7% of graduates
The Data Science Revolution
The most striking trend in the 2025 graduating class is the pervasive integration of data science across traditional academic disciplines. Data science appears as a specialization in at least 7 different departments:
- Geography: Data Science (50+ students)
- Statistics: Data Science (25+ students)
- Computer Science: Data Science (20+ students)
- Applied and Computational Mathematical Sciences: Data Science and Statistics (15+ students)
- Also integrated in Economics, Biochemistry, and International Studies
This cross-pollination demonstrates how universities are recognizing that data literacy isn’t just for computer scientists anymore, but is becoming essential across all fields.
Specialized Academic Tracks
Departments have evolved beyond broad majors to offer highly specialized pathways:
Biology offers 4 distinct specializations:
- Molecular/Cellular/Development
- General Biology
- Physiology
- Ecology/Evolution/Conservation
Applied and Computational Mathematical Sciences has 5 specializations
Education Studies provides 5 specialized tracks:
- Early Childhood Education
- Foundations of Teaching
- Wellness Education
- Education Research
- Sports Education
Interdisciplinary Excellence
Key Findings:
- 25% of students have dual majors or interdisciplinary combinations
- 27% of Computer Science graduates have combined it with another major
- 18% of Economics students have paired it with a STEM field
Notable Combinations:
- Law/Societies/Justice with Political Science
- Neuroscience with Anthropology
- Various health-focused interdisciplinary programs
Health Sciences Growth
The health sector shows remarkable expansion:
- Public Health-Global Health: 40 graduates
- Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics and Health Information Management: Dedicated program
- Multiple health-focused specializations in Anthropology and Education
Emerging Health Programs:
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Biomedical and Health Informatics
- Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
Academic Achievement
- Honors Designations: 12-15% of graduates have “With Honors” or “With College Honors” distinction
- Diverse Student Body: Strong international and multicultural representation, particularly from East Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern/North African, and Hispanic/Latino backgrounds
UW Commencement Registration & Eligibility
Who Is Eligible for UW Commencement?
Students who have completed their degree requirements by the end of Spring Quarter 2025 are eligible to participate in UW Commencement 2025. This includes:
- Bachelor’s degree candidates
- Master’s degree candidates
- Doctoral degree candidates
- Professional degree recipients
Registration Process
| Registration Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opens: | April 2025 |
| Deadline: | Late May 2025 |
| Platform: | MyUW Student Portal |
| Required: | Current UW NetID |
| Cost: | No registration fee |
Students must register through the MyUW Commencement Registration Form to secure their spot in the ceremony and receive guest tickets.
UW Commencement Tickets & Guest Seating
Each registered graduate receives tickets for family and friends:
- Ticket allocation: 4-6 tickets per graduate
- Distribution method: Digital delivery via MyUW
- Children under 2: No ticket required (lap seating)
- Accessibility seating: Available upon request
- Transfer policy: Tickets cannot be transferred between graduates
Seating Capacity at Husky Stadium
Husky Stadium accommodates 50,000 family members and friends for the commencement ceremony, making it one of the largest graduation venues in the Pacific Northwest.
UW Commencement Speakers
University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce was the featured speaker at the UW’s 150th Commencement ceremony at Husky Stadium.
President Cauce delivered the keynote address to the Class of 2025.
Past Notable UW Commencement Speakers
Previous years have featured distinguished speakers, including:
- Political leaders and government officials
- Nobel laureates and renowned scientists
- Successful UW alumni entrepreneurs
- Social justice advocates and community leaders
The UW commencement speech tradition emphasizes inspiring graduates to make positive impacts in their communities and professions.
What Happens During UW Commencement?
UW Commencement follows a traditional academic ceremony format:
- Processional – Faculty, administrators, and graduates enter the stadium
- Opening remarks – Welcome from university leadership
- Keynote address – Featured speaker presentation
- Student speaker – Selected graduate representative
- Degree recognition – Acknowledgment by schools and colleges
- Tassel turning – Traditional symbolic moment
- Degree conferral – Official graduation declaration
- Recessional – Ceremonial exit
Ceremony Timeline Breakdown
| Duration | Ceremony Component |
|---|---|
| 30 minutes | Processional and opening |
| 45 minutes | Speeches and addresses |
| 2 hours | Degree recognition by college |
| 30 minutes | Conferral and recessional |
UW Commencement Regalia & What to Wear
Required Academic Regalia
All graduates must wear complete academic regalia:
- Graduation gown – Color varies by degree level
- Academic hood – Represents the field of study
- Mortarboard cap – Traditional square cap
- Tassel – Positioned right before degree conferral, left after
What to Wear Under a Graduation Gown
Recommended attire beneath the gown includes:
- Business or semi-formal clothing
- Comfortable dress shoes (will be walking/standing)
- Modest necklines and hemlines
- Avoid bright colors that may show through the gown
Tassel Tradition: What Side Does the Tassel Go On?
- Before degree conferral: Right side of cap
- After degree conferral: Left side of cap
- Doctoral candidates: Left side throughout the ceremony
UW Commencement Parking & Transportation
Husky Stadium Parking Options
| Parking Location | Distance | Cost | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| E1 Parking Lot | Adjacent | $20 | 500+ spaces |
| E12 Parking Lot | 0.2 miles | $20 | 300+ spaces |
| Central Plaza Garage | 0.5 miles | $25 | 1,200+ spaces |
Transportation Recommendations
- Light Rail: University of Washington Station (direct connection)
- Rideshare: Designated pickup zones available
- ADA Shuttle: Free service from remote parking areas
- Public Transit: Multiple bus routes serve the campus
Traffic is extremely heavy on commencement day. Public transportation or rideshare services are strongly recommended.
UW Commencement Livestream, Photos & Digital Resources
Live Coverage Options
- Official livestream: Available on UW’s website and YouTube channel
- Social media coverage: Real-time updates via @UWashington
- Professional photography: GradImages provides ceremony photos
- Digital program: Complete ceremony program published online
Hashtags and Social Media
- Primary hashtag: #UWGrad2026
- Secondary tags: #UWCommencement2026, #Husky2026
- Instagram: @universityofwashington
- Facebook: University of Washington
Diplomas and Post-Graduation Information
Understanding Graduation vs. Commencement
Is commencement the same as graduation? No, these are distinct processes:
- Graduation: Completing all degree requirements and having the degree posted to the transcript
- Commencement: Ceremonial celebration recognizing academic achievement
Diploma Delivery Timeline
| Timeline | Process |
|---|---|
| Degree posting: | 2-3 weeks after quarter ends |
| Official transcript: | Available immediately after degree posting |
| Physical diploma: | Mailed 3-4 months after commencement |
| Diploma verification: | Available through National Student Clearinghouse |
UW Campus-Specific Commencement Details
UW Tacoma Commencement 2026
UW Tacoma’s commencement ceremony will take place on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Tacoma Dome, maintaining the traditional format with separate ceremonies for different academic programs.
UW Bothell Commencement 2026
UW Bothell’s commencement is scheduled for Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion, providing an intimate ceremony setting for graduates and families.
Each campus maintains its own traditions while upholding the University of Washington academic standards and ceremonial protocols.
UW Graduation Statistics and Academic Excellence
University of Washington Graduation Rates
The University of Washington-Seattle Campus boasts impressive graduation rates, with 84% of students graduating, placing the institution in the top 10% of colleges and universities. Additionally, the retention rate is 93%, also ranking in the top 10%.
Key Academic Performance Metrics
| Metric | UW Seattle | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4-year graduation rate | 71% | 41% |
| 6-year graduation rate | 84% | 61% |
| Student retention rate | 93% | 81% |
| Students with no debt | 71% | 42% |
UW Commencement by the Numbers
- Annual graduates: 7,400+ across all programs
- Ceremony attendees: 50,000+ family and guests
- Languages represented: 50+ native languages among graduates
- Staff volunteers: 1,500+ supporting ceremony operations
- Degrees awarded annually: 9,800+, including all quarters
- International students: 15% of graduating class
Post-Graduation Career Outcomes
Recent UW graduates pursue diverse career paths, with knowledge rates showing strong post-graduation success:
- Class of 2024 – 57%,
- Class of 2023 – 58%,
- Class of 2022 – 58% of graduates reporting their career status within months of graduation.
Financial Aid and Accessibility
In 2023-24, 71% of all UW undergraduates graduated with no known debt, and those who borrowed still graduated with less debt than the national average. Additionally, 22% of UW undergraduates were eligible for Federal Pell Grant funding.
FAQs About UW Commencement 2026
When is UW Commencement 2026?
UW Commencement 2025 is Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Husky Stadium. UW Commencement 2026 ceremonies run from Friday, June 12, 2026 (UW Tacoma), to Sunday, June 14, 2026 (UW Bothell), with UW Seattle on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
How long does UW Commencement last?
Approximately 3.5-4 hours, including processional, speeches, degree recognition, and recessional.
Who is the UW Commencement 2025 speaker?
University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce is the featured keynote speaker for the 150th Commencement ceremony.
Is commencement the same as graduation?
No. Graduation refers to completing degree requirements, while commencement is the ceremonial celebration of academic achievement.
Do graduates walk across the stage at UW Commencement?
Due to the large number of graduates (7,400+), individual stage walking varies by college. Most participate in group recognition ceremonies.
How many tickets does each graduate receive?
Each registered graduate typically receives 4-6 guest tickets, distributed digitally through MyUW.
Is UW Commencement livestreamed?
Yes, the ceremony is broadcast live via UW’s official website, YouTube channel, and social media platforms.
When do graduates receive their diplomas?
Physical diplomas are mailed 3-4 months after commencement. Degree posting to transcripts occurs 2-3 weeks after quarter completion.
What month do most people graduate from UW?
June is the primary graduation month, though UW also awards degrees in August and December.
Can family members attend if they don’t have tickets?
No physical attendance without tickets, but the livestream provides complete ceremony coverage for unlimited virtual attendance.
Planning Your UW Commencement Experience
For 2025 Graduates
- Register through MyUW by late May 2025
- Order regalia early to ensure proper fit
- Plan transportation and parking in advance
- Review the ceremony protocol and timeline
- Coordinate with family for photo opportunities
For 2026 Prospective Graduates
- Monitor degree audit for requirement completion
- Stay updated on official announcements via UW channels
- Consider participating in departmental ceremonies
- Plan family travel arrangements early
- Research regalia requirements for your specific program
- Check the UW Academic Calendar for graduation dates
The University of Washington Commencement represents the culmination of academic achievement and the beginning of professional and personal growth for thousands of graduates annually.
This historic 151st celebration in 2026 marks a significant milestone in UW’s distinguished educational legacy.
