If you're planning to graduate in Spring 2025 and would like your name included in the 2025 University of Washington Commencement Program, the deadline to submit your graduation application with a psychology adviser was April 18, 2025. However, by RSVPing for the Departmental Graduation Celebration, your name will still appear in the departmental program.

Summer 2025 graduates may still apply to graduate and participate in this year's University Commencement and Departmental Graduation Celebration. Please note, though, that their names will only appear in the Departmental Program—not in the University Commencement Program.

Yes! Undergraduate students (BA and BS): Make an appointment with one of the Psychology advisers

The Alaska Airlines Arena is located in the athletic village on the east side of campus. The event will be hosted in an indoor venue. View it on the UW campus map .

The doors open at 5:00 PM and the start time for our celebration is 6:00 PM. We ask graduating students and faculty to arrive at 5:30, and we encourage family and guests to arrive and take their seats by 5:45.

Parking for this event will require a permit.

• Parking near the Alaska Airlines Arena can be purchased the day of the event, or ahead of time. For more information on which lots are closest to the Arena, click here .
• 2024-25 graduates participating in the Departmental Celebration on June 9, and/or in UW Commencement on June 14, can order parking permits when completing the Commencement Registration/Order Form in May (form opens May 7^th).

We do not require tickets for the Graduation Celebration, and there are no restrictions on the number of guests you may bring.

International students: Review this information from International Student Services about inviting family members to visit the U.S. for the celebration.

The Alaska Airlines Arena is accessible and special seating sections will be available for family and guests who have difficulty with stairs (View Seating Map). A maximum of two people may accompany the individual needing accommodations into that seating area. Please seek an usher if you need additional assistance.

Parking for those with disabilities or limited mobility is available in lots close to Alaska Airlines Arena - E97 and E17. Vehicles displaying a state, UW, or government issued disability privilege may park in campus disability stalls in any lot.

One of the facilities concession stands will be open for guests to purchase food and beverages. Available items include popcorn, hot dogs, pretzels, candies, sodas, and bottled water. Guests may bring empty refillable water bottle containers into the facility and fill them at water fountains on the concourse level.

The first 30-40 minutes of the program will include a welcome from the Department Chair, along with brief remarks from faculty and students. This will be followed by the recognition of graduates as their names are announced and they walk across the stage.

Arrangements have been made with GradImages to take individual photos of graduates after their names are called. These photos will be available for purchase after the ceremony.

GradImages will send each graduate a proof gallery by mail and email. Once proofs are available, graduates can also search for their photos on the GradImages website to make a purchase.

Register before graduation day to receive a coupon for 20% off a purchase of $50 or more.

No, unfortunately the event won't be live-streamed.

The Alaska Airlines Arena enforces a clear bag policy and there will be bag checks at the main floor entrances and at the loading dock entrance. Please note that balloons, artificial noisemakers, and confetti poppers are not permitted. If you bring balloons they will be kept outside of the arena tide to hand railing. Strollers may be parked at a corral near the NW entrance to the Arena; however, stroller parking is not attended. Bag checks will be conducted at the main floor entrances and at the Loading Dock entrance. Alcohol and firearms are strictly prohibited.

Q: Are guests allowed to take pictures and videos during the ceremony?
A: Yes, guests are welcome to take pictures and videos during the ceremony. However, please be respectful and avoid disrupting the proceedings. Professional photographers will also be present to capture the event.

Students who graduated, or are graduating, from autumn 2004 through Summer 2025 are eligible to participate. Students who wish to have their name listed in the 2025 Psychology Graduation Celebration Program should RSVP for the event no later than 11:59 PM, Thursday, June 5.

Students who plan to attend the ceremony and wish to have their name listed in the 2025 Psychology Graduation Celebration Program should RSVP for the event no later than 11:59 PM, Thursday, June 5.

Missed the RSVP deadline? No worries—you’re still more than welcome to attend! Please note that if your RSVP was not submitted by the deadline, your name will not appear in the printed program.

The start time for our celebration is 6:00 PM. We ask graduating students and faculty to arrive by 5:30 PM. And guests to arrive and take their seats by 5:45.

If you arrive late, the Loading Dock doors will still be open. Just enter through there and make your way out to the Arena floor where you can find a seat and join the other graduates.

Leaving early: Graduates should expect to remain in the floor seating area for the duration of the event, out respect for other graduates who are being recognized. If you must depart early for an emergency or for a prior commitment, the optimal time to leave after your name has been announced and you walk across the stage - simply exit the floor in a way that doesn't distract others. If you need to leave at a different time, please move quietly to the nearest aisle and away from the floor.

No, you may sit anywhere among the chairs on the Arena floor. Please do not enter through the arena main entrances or sit in the stands, as you won't be able to process to the stage from there. About 25 seats will be marked "Psychology Honors Student" — these are reserved for Honors Program graduates leading the student procession.

Graduation regalia (cap and gown) are optional, though many students in recent years have chosen to wear them. You are also welcome to dress in business casual attire. Plan to arrive at the Alaska Airlines Arena dressed in your regalia. There is no space to store personal belongings (bags or coats) and you are encouraged to show up with minimal items.

Financial aid may be available for graduates who need assistance purchasing graduation regalia. Please email the Office of Ceremonies at commence@uw.edu to inquire.

Yes! Feel free to wear any additional regalia pieces that hold special meaning for you and/or your family.

Just a note: the Department of Psychology does not have its own stole.

Students can order graduation regalia by completing the Registration/Order form (May 7 - May 25) at the UW Commencement website.

Regalia can be picked up from the UW Bookstore in late May and early June.