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faces of students at commencement, University of Wyoming

University of Wyoming Commencement

Graduation and Commencement – What’s the difference?

 

The terms Graduation and Commencement are often used interchangeably. As a University of Wyoming graduate, we want you to be aware about these two similar yet different terms.

Commencement is a ceremony held twice per year (winter and spring) honoring students who have recently or will soon graduate, which means completing all requirements of their degree program. Participating in Commencement does not automatically mean that a student has graduated. In order to graduate, a student must complete all requirements and apply for graduation.

Graduation

Ready to Graduate? After entering your anticipated graduation date in WyoRecords, the Office of the Registrar will certify that your degree program requirements have been met. Once approved, the degree earned is listed on your official transcript. At UW, you may apply to graduate up to two years (six semesters) prior to completing your degree requirements. You can graduate at the end of any semester (spring, summer or fall).

Step 1. Apply to graduate in WyoRecords using the instructions here!

If you are not planning to walk at Commencement, this is the only step you will need to complete in order to receive your degree. Congratulations on your achievement!

Commencement

Planning to walk at Commencement? The Commencement ceremony is a public celebration of your achievements separate from graduation. You do not need to complete all degree requirements to participate in Commencement. It is recommended to know your anticipated graduate date before participating.

Step 2. Register to Walk

→ Please fill out this form to register to walk at Commencement by April 4th.

Step 3. Get Your Student Regalia

→ Attend Grad Fair in the UW Bookstore on April 2nd & 3rd to be the first to get your regalia!

→ After Grad Fair, regalia can be bought in-store or ordered online through their regalia catalog.

Commencement Ceremony Schedule - May 17, 2025

8:30 AM - Undergraduate Ceremony - College of Arts & Sciences, College of Education, College of Engineering & Physical Sciences, School of Energy Resources

  • Students: Please arrive at the War Memorial Fieldhouse by 7:30 AM.
  • Guests: Attend the ceremony in the Arena Auditorium at 8:30 AM. Virtual guests may tune in to the UW Commencement livestream - link coming soon!

12:30 PM - Graduate Ceremony - All Colleges

  • Master's Students: Please arrive at the War Memorial Fieldhouse by 10:30 AM for hooding and photography.
  • Doctoral Students: Please arrive at the War Memorial Fieldhouse by 11:30 AM (hooding will occur on stage during the ceremony).
  • All Graduate Students: If you do not have a faculty member to hood you, the Vice Provost of Graduate Education will be present to assist with hooding for all students.
  • Guests: Attend the ceremony in the Arena Auditorium at 12:30 PM. Please note that the Fieldhouse is still a space for graduates only. Graduate families and guests are to meet their graduates in the Arena Auditorium following the ceremony. Virtual guests may tune in virtually to the UW Commencement livestream - link coming soon!

3:30 PM -  Undergraduate Ceremony - College of Agriculture, Life Sciences, & Natural Resources, College of Business, College of Health Sciences, Haub School of Environment & Natural Resources, College of Academic Affairs

  • Students: Please arrive at the War Memorial Fieldhouse by 2:30 PM.
  • Guests: Attend the ceremony in the Arena Auditorium at 3:30 PM. Virtual guests may tune in virtually to the UW Commencement livestream - link coming soon!

UW Casper Commencement: Find full event details here.

 

graduates cheering at commencement

 

 

May 2025 Commencement Details

Date: May 17th, 2025

Location: Arena-Auditorium

Parking and Shuttles: Please visit the Transportation Services Commencement page for full transportation and parking information!

Disability Services: Are you or a guest in need of accommodations for the ceremony? Please let us know on your form when you register to walk! Alternatively, guests may contact DSS at udss@uwyo.edu or call at 307-766-3073.

Digital Program: Coming soon!

Photography: 

  • All students will be photographed in the Fieldhouse prior to the Commencement ceremony. Additionally, all students will be photographed walking across the stage.

  • Master's students will be hooded and photographed in the Fieldhouse from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. 

  • Doctoral students will be hooded and photographed on stage. 

  • Following the ceremony, proofs and photos will be available through the Grad Team.

 

Past Commencement Details

Photography: 

Proofs and photographs are available through the Grad Team.

Please reach out to the Grad Team if you have any questions about your order!

Past Ceremony Videos:

Winter 2024

Spring 2024: Morning Undergraduate Ceremony

Spring 2024: Graduate Ceremony

Spring 2024: Afternoon Undergraduate Ceremony

Winter 2023

Spring 2023: Morning Undergraduate Ceremony

Spring 2023: Graduate Ceremony

Spring 2023: Afternoon Undergraduate Ceremony

graduates walking at commencement

 

NOTICE: Graduates and guests are reminded that alcohol is prohibited at the War Memorial Fieldhouse and the Arena Auditorium during UW Commencement activities, and to celebrate these accomplishments responsibly. We don't enforce a clear bag policy at the commencement ceremony. 

 

 

Contact us

Office of Student Success and Graduation

Phone: (307) 766-5765
E-mail: ssgraduation@uwyo.edu

 

For Degree Evaluation or Diploma Related Questions

Office of the Registrar

(307) 766-5272

registrar@uwyo.edu