Graduate Student Commencement

Graduate students must apply for graduation in Workday within the first two weeks of the semester, during which they plan to finish all degree requirements. The Office of the Registrar awards degrees at the end of the semester if all requirements are met and final grades are submitted within 25 working days after the last day of that semester. If requirements, including final grades, are not completed within this timeframe, the graduation date on the diploma and transcript reflects the semester when the instructor submits final grades. 

Students are responsible for meeting all academic requirements, but the University provides tools to help track progress. Academic Progress reports, available in Workday, are a resource for advising and graduation audits. 

To participate in commencement, graduate students must have six or fewer credits remaining and register to complete those credits in the upcoming summer or fall term. Participation in commencement does not signify that you have graduated if degree requirements are incomplete. 

May 5 – May 9, 2025:

Reader Cards: Announcers use reader cards to call your name during commencement because there is no assigned seating. If you have confirmed your participation in commencement, please pick up your reader card from Alumni Relations (Aspinall-Wilson Center, 909 E. Escalante Dr.) May 5 – May 9, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Any reader cards not picked up by May 9 can be picked up from the School of Graduate Studies table near the staging area in the Mountaineer Bowl at the Rady Family Sports Complex on Saturday, May 10, at 8:30 am. 

May 9, 2025:

Celebration of Distinguished Achievement in Graduate Studies: 4:45 – 6:15 p.m., Quigley Hall, Kincaid Concert Hall. Light refreshments and appetizers will be served. Family and friends are welcome to attend and mingle with faculty and staff. 

Commencement: Meet at the Mountaineer Bowl at the Rady Family Sports Complex by 9:15 a.m. to line up for the ceremony.  

If your guest(s) need accessibility accommodations, please complete the online accommodation request form and provide us with as much information as possible regarding the needs of your guests.  Email inquiries to the Center for Disability and Accommodations at disabilityaccommodations@western.edu. 

Commencement Livestream

All Western Colorado University commencement participants must wear appropriate academic regalia, commonly known as a cap and gown. Balfour provides regalia, which can be ordered online.

Order Regalia

Place online orders between January 13 and March 15, 2025. Orders placed from March 16 to March 30, 2025, will be assessed a $25 late fee.

After submitting your order, you cannot make changes online. For assistance or questions about your order, contact Balfour at 1.800.683.4771 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST, Monday – Friday, or by email.

Email Balfour