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

Sign into WyoRecords and complete the application to graduate 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 the RSVP form to register to walk at Commencement.

Step 3. Get Your Student Regalia

→ Regalia can be purchased in-store or online throught the UW Bookstore. Feel free to take a look at their online catalog for more details!

 


Commencement Ceremony Schedule - December 13, 2025

 

10:00 AM - Winter Commencement Ceremony - All Colleges

Recognizing Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral Degree Recipients.

  • Master's Students: Please arrive at the War Memorial Fieldhouse by 8:00 AM for hooding and photography.
  • Undergraduate Students: Please arrive at the War Memorial Fieldhouse by 9:00 AM.
  • Doctoral Students: Please arrive at the War Memorial Fieldhouse by 9:00 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 10:00 AM.

→ 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. Guests unable to attend in-person may tune in virtually to the UW Commencement livestream - link available closer to the ceremony date.

 

UW Casper Commencement: 

UW at Casper celebrates Casper graduates each May! If you are a Casper graduate completing your degree in December, you are welcome to attend the Winter Commencement Ceremony on Main Campus in Laramie. Please register to walk using our RSVP form and feel free to reach out to ssgraduation@uwyo.edu if you have any questions.


 

graduates cheering at commencement

 

 

December 2025 Ceremony Details

Date: December 13th, 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: The digital program will be available in early December.

Watch UW Commencement

Livestream links will be available closer to the ceremony date. Livestreams will begin approximately 15 minutes prior to each ceremony.

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 8:15 a.m. to 9:15 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:

Spring 2025

Winter 2024

Spring 2024: Morning Undergraduate Ceremony

Spring 2024: Graduate Ceremony

Spring 2024: Afternoon Undergraduate Ceremony

Winter 2023

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