Checklist and Instructions for Graduates

Preparing for Your Graduation Ceremony

Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone at WSU Vancouver. To ensure a seamless experience during the commencement ceremony, all graduating students should review the following procedures and requirements. This guide provides essential details on required regalia, security protocols, arrival logistics, and stage instructions. By following these steps, you can focus on celebrating your academic achievements with your peers, faculty, and family. WSU Vancouver is dedicated to making your graduation a memorable and professional event.

Essential Items to Bring

Ensure you have all required regalia and materials before arriving at the venue. There are no spare items available on-site.

  • Official Regalia: Cap, tassel, yoke, and gown.
  • Graduate Hood: Required for master’s and doctoral candidates.
  • Name Card: If you did not attend rehearsal, you must pick this up at the amphitheater.
  • Undergraduate Honor Cords: If applicable, these are available at the amphitheater for those who missed rehearsal.

Questions?

Email: van.registrar@wsu.edu
Phone: 360-546-9565

Arrival and Security

Safety and security are priorities for the ceremony. Please plan your arrival according to the following guidelines:

  • Security Screening: All graduates and guests must pass through metal detectors. Carry-in items are restricted to small clutches (4.5 x 6.5 inches) or clear plastic bags (12 x 12 x 6 inches).
  • Prohibited Items: Do not bring balloons, gift bags, outside food or drink, weapons, strollers, or umbrellas. Prohibited items must be returned to your vehicle.
  • Personal Belongings: Do not bring valuables to the gathering areas, as there is no secure storage.
  • Check-In: Pick up your name card and honor cords upon arrival if you do not already have them.
  • Formation: Follow staff instructions to the gathering areas to line up by degree. Family and friends are not permitted in these graduate-only sections.

The Diploma March

  • Processional Order: Marshals in crimson gowns will direct the line. Bachelor’s degree candidates lead the procession, followed by master’s and then doctoral candidates.
  • Degree Cards: The first person in each degree group is responsible for carrying the degree card.
  • Doctoral Hooding: Doctoral candidates should review instructional materials regarding the hooding process prior to the ceremony.
  • Master’s Hooding: Master’s candidates should review proper hooding attire instructions.

Stage Procedures

  1. Initial Photo: A professional photo is taken before you reach the stage ramp.
  2. Card Scanning: Stop at the marshal at the top of the ramp to have your name card scanned.
  3. Introduction: Hand your name card to the reader at the first podium.
  4. Doctoral Hooding: Doctoral candidates proceed to the designated box to be hooded.
  5. Diploma Cover: Walk across the stage to the Chancellor to receive your diploma cover.
  6. Exit Photo: A second photo is taken as you exit the stage.
  7. Seating: Follow the direction of the marshals to return to your seat.

Conclusion and Recessional

  • Recessional: Remain seated until cued to stand. Stage participants will exit first.
  • Orderly Exit: Marshals will release rows one by one. Please continue moving until you have fully exited the building to prevent congestion.

Returning Regalia

  • Items to Return: You must return your gown, yoke, and hood (if applicable).
  • Items to Keep: You may keep your cap and tassel as mementos.
  • Return Process: If your regalia was shipped to your home, use the provided prepaid UPS label. If you picked up your regalia at The Bookie, it must be returned to that location.

Commencement Frequently Asked Questions

Find everything you need to prepare for your big day, from preserving your legacy on campus to capturing the perfect photo of your achievement. Explore our frequently asked questions below for details on eligibility, ceremony logistics, and more.

Graduation refers to the completion of your academic requirements and the formal awarding of your degree. Commencement is a celebratory ceremony held in May to recognize and honor students completing academic programs.

If you graduated in December 2024, you are eligible to participate. If you are graduating in May 2025, you must apply by March 7 to be included in the program and ceremony. Summer graduates: If you are graduating in July 2025, apply to graduate by March 7 to be included in the ceremony.

Yes. GradImages will take professional photos during the ceremony at three points: before you walk across the stage, as you receive your diploma cover, and at the bottom of the ramp before returning to your seat.

Yes. Watch the livestream online to share the moment with friends and family who cannot attend in person.

No. Graduates and guests must arrange their own transportation and parking for the event.

The ceremony itself lasts about two hours. Expect additional time for arrival, check-in, and exiting the parking area after the event.

The ceremony takes place inside the covered section of the Cascades Amphitheater. However, line-up and greeting areas are outdoors, so please prepare for the weather.

No. Degrees are conferred after final grades are posted and requirements verified. Your diploma will be mailed to the address listed in myWSU a few weeks after the term ends.

The ceremony follows a structured order, including the processional, speeches, the awarding of degrees and the recessional. Marshals will direct graduates throughout the event.