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).

Please apply to graduate in WyoRecords using the instructions here!

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 in Commencement.

Please fill out this form to register to walk at Commencement by October 31st.

Order Your Student Regalia - Please order prior to November 18 to ensure time to try on and make sure all items are present and in good condition. 


Commencement Ceremony Schedule - December 14, 2024

NEW! Master's students will be hooded in Fieldhouse prior to the procession- no on stage hooding. Please arrive at the Fieldhouse by 8:00 a.m. for a formal hooding and photograph. If you do not have someone to hood you, Dr. Jim Ahern, Vice Provost of Graduate Education, will be present to assist with hooding. Please note Master's students will wear their hood as they walk across the stage to receive their diploma. 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.

Undergraduate and Doctoral students are to arrive at the Fieldhouse by 8:45 a.m. Doctoral students will be hooded and photographed on stage.

The 2024 Winter Commencement Ceremony will start at 10:00 a.m. on December 14th, 2024 in the Arena Auditorium.

UW Casper Commencement: Find full event details here.


Winter Commencement 2024

Date: December 14, 2024

Location: Arena-Auditorium

Photography: 

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

  • NEW!Masters students will be hooded and photographed in the Fieldhouse from 8:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. 

  • Doctoral students will be hooded and photographed on stage. 

  • Link to order your photos coming soon!

Watch Live: Coming soon to the UW Commencement livestream.

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 - Access the full digital program here!

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


 

Past commencement details

Photography: 

Spring 2024 Commencement

University of Wyoming Spring 2024 Undergrad Commencement Photography (a.m.)

University of Wyoming Spring 2024 Undergrad Commencement Photography (p.m.)

University of Wyoming Spring 2024 Graduate Commencement Photography

Winter 2023 Commencement

University of Wyoming Winter 2023 Commencement Photography

Spring 2023 Commencement

University of Wyoming Spring 2023 Undergrad Commencement (a.m.) 

University of Wyoming Spring 2023 Undergrad Commencement (p.m.)

University of Wyoming Spring 2023 Graduate Commencement

 

 

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