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Event CenterCommencement Ceremony |
If you have questions that are not answered here, please call DDP (800-222-4978). Every commencement is a wonderful event, and we hope you'll be here to make it that much more special.
"Commencement" refers to the actual ceremony that recognizes graduates, those who have earned or will earn degrees during a specific period of time. WSU Pullman has two official commencement ceremonies: fall commencement in December and spring commencement in May. Students may choose which ceremony to attend depending on their official graduation date and are considered candidates for graduation.
"Graduation" refers to earning an academic degree upon completion of a set of requirements (both academic and procedural). See Graduation Procedures.
Quick Links
- Who Can Participate in Commencement
- Commencement Bulletins
- Ordering a Cap and Gown
- Graduation Ceremony Logistics
- Special Accommodations during the Ceremony
- Bringing Guests
- Announcements & Class Rings
- Transportation to Pullman Commencement Ceremonies
- Graduation Events for DDP Graduates
- Lodging
- Graduation Clearing
Who Can Participate in Commencement
All students who have filed a graduation application and are considered a candidate for graduation can attend either of the commencement ceremonies. Students completing degrees in May or August of the current year and December of the previous year may attend the spring (May) ceremony, but only May graduates and candidates for graduation will be listed in the WSU commencement bulletin. Similarly, students completing degrees in August or December of the current year and May of the next year can attend the fall (December) ceremony; both August and December graduates will be listed in the WSU commencement bulletin.
Students may walk (participate) in a commencement ceremony while finishing courses if they expect to complete those courses before their final graduation clearing date for graduation.
Names of graduates and candidates for graduation included in the commencement graduation bulletins are compiled at a point in time well before the ceremonies, and the final bulletins may not be completely accurate at the time of the ceremonies. Some qualified participants might not be included if their names were not available at the time of printing and names of candidates for graduation who delay graduation might be included.
Graduation regalia (caps and gowns) is rented by and ordered directly from the Bookie (contact WSU Bookie Graduation Supplies or call Nick at 800-937-4978 ext. 193 for rental and shipping costs).
If you choose to have the Bookie hold your order for pick up, consider picking up your cap and gown prior to the ceremony, as your gown may need pressing.
The Bookie usually is open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. the day before commencement, and from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. the day of commencement. You must return your cap and gown to the Bookie prior to closing on Saturday.
In addition to the information included here, we recommend you review the Registrar's online commencement information (Pullman Campus Commencement Ceremonies).
Commencement ceremonies are held at Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum. Fall commencement (December) includes all students from all colleges in one ceremony, however, spring commencement (May) is made up of multiple ceremonies for students in different colleges at different times (see Spring Ceremony Schedule for current details).
Graduates participating in commencement should assemble on the paved roads (North Fairway Drive and North Fairway Lane) east of Beasley Coliseum no later than a half-hour before your ceremony's scheduled time. In case of inclement weather, participants assemble on the east and north sides of the main concourse inside the coliseum. See the WSU Campus Map for the location of Beasley Coliseum.
Most ceremonies last approximately one and a half to two hours. Reservations are not required and there is no admission fee.
At the ceremony, name cards and pencils will be placed on or under the chairs. On this card, you will print your name and degree. We request candidates provide a phonetic spelling if pronunciation of their name may be a problem. Your name will be read aloud from this card as you receive your diploma cover. Actual diplomas for candidates will be mailed to students who have completed all of their degree requirements approximately two months after the graduation date.
At the ceremony, an official photographer will photograph you as you receive your diploma cover (remember, it’s not the actual diploma). These pictures will be available for order by mail. Only official photographers are allowed on the floor with the graduates. Personal pictures of graduates in caps and gown may be taken before and after the ceremonies.
Special Accommodations During the Ceremony
University commencement guests who have a disability or have difficulty walking will find easier access if they enter the Beasley Coliseum through the North Entrance where there is some handicapped parking and a drop-off area. Limited seating is set aside in the upper portions of sections 14, 15, 31 and 32. The coliseum does not have wheelchairs available for the public.
A signer will be displayed via a large screen projection. Reader boards will not be used. Closed circuit public address systems are available on a limited basis at the Director’s Office located near section 14 in the outside concourse of Beasley Coliseum.
Handicap permits are available through WSU Parking and Transportation Services (509-335-7275), or at the WSU Visitor Center near downtown Pullman (509-335-8633; 225 North Grand Ave.).
Students who need special accommodation should contact the Commencement Coordinator (see current contact information in Disability Seating and Parking).
Graduates may invite as many friends and relatives as they wish to the graduation ceremony; admission tickets are NOT required. Guests are allowed to sit in any of the areas allotted for guest seating and may come and go at their leisure; there are no reserved seats.
Only graduates are allowed to sit in the graduates' seating area.
You can place orders for official WSU announcements and class rings through the Bookie. Call 800-937-4978 or contact WSU Bookie Graduation Supplies for more information.
Transportation to Pullman Graduation Ceremonies
If you are planning to attend the commencement ceremony, you can view a printable campus map online (Campus Map) or feel free to contact DDP (800-222-4978) to request a campus map.
If you are flying into Spokane, Wheatland Express (509-334-2200, 800-334-2207, or www.wheatlandexpress.com/airportshuttle.html) provides relatively inexpensive shuttle service to the campus.
If you will be driving, please note that on-campus parking areas are filled on a first come-first serve basis and parking regulations are enforced at all times especially in handicapped or service areas. See Visitor Parking Permits.
Graduation Events for DDP Graduates
DDP and ASWSU-DDP (distance students' online student government) traditionally honor DDP graduates attending commencement ceremonies at a reception the day before the commencement ceremony. View detailed information about the event and preparation for the upcoming ceremony on the ASWSU-DDP Commencement Web page. Graduates are encouraged to attend the no-charge reception with their guests and can register on the information page.
Specific information about lodging arrangements for DDP students in the Pullman area for upcoming commencement ceremonies and links to other options are available at Pullman Area Lodging.
Graduation clearing takes place within four to six weeks after each graduation date (May, August, December). Degrees are posted to transcripts weekly during the graduation clearing period until the finally clearing date. Students do NOT receive their diplomas at commencement ceremonies; they receive only a diploma cover during the ceremony. Diplomas are mailed to students' permanent addresses within two months after their graduation (not commencement) date. Be sure your contact information is current.
Your degree becomes official when it is posted to your transcript, NOT by your participation in a commencement ceremony.
Highlight
Graduating in December? Register today for the DDP December Commencement reception in Pullman.