The Department of Communication 2026 Commencement Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Alaska Airline Arena. Doors open at 12pm and the program will begin at 1pm. There are unlimited seats for guests.
Graduation is not an automatic process. Please read the details below to ensure a smooth path to graduation, earning your degree, and celebrating the occasion.
UW COMMUNICATION GRADUATION CEREMONY
Date & Time:
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
1:00pm-3:00pm
Doors open at 12:00pm and the program will begin at 1:00pm.
Location:
Alaska Airlines Arena
If you plan to participate in the Department of Communication Graduation Ceremony, please register using this link. Registration will close on May 13. Those who miss the registration deadline may still attend and walk, but will not have their names printed in the program.
Ticket Information:
There are not any caps or limits for students who wish to bring guests to the ceremony. Tickets will not be required for entry. There will be a security check as you arrive at student and guest entrances.
If any accommodations are needed for students or guests, please email ghcobb@uw.edu.
Event details for guests:
Doors will open at 12pm for guests and the program will begin at 1pm.
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.
2025-26 graduates participating in the Departmental Celebration on June 9, and/or in UW Commencement, can order parking permits when completing the Commencement Registration/Order Form in May.
The Department of Communication will not be able to answer questions on parking. Please reach out to UW Transportation Services for questions.
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. Customer service representatives will be onsite at the arena will be able to show guests where to find ADA seating. For those using wheelchairs or walkers, arena staff has recommended entering through the SW entrance.
We will have an ASL interpreter at the ceremony with designated seating for guests in need of an interpreter in section 14. There are a limited number of assistive listening devices at no charge at the table between section 11 and 12.
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.
There will be no concessions available at the ceremony, so please plan to bring your own snacks and beverages if desired. You are welcome to bring unopened and sealed water bottles, or an empty reusable water bottle. There are water fill stations available on the concourse level.
Alaska Airlines Arena enforces a clear bag only policy. Any non-compliant bags must be checked into the UW Bag check for a $15 fee.
No balloons, artificial noisemakers, or confetti poppers are allowed inside the arena. Should guests bring any balloons, they will need to tie them onto a rack outside of the entrances until the ceremony concludes. If brought, guests will need to tie them onto a rack outside of the entrances until the ceremony concludes.
Strollers may be parked at a corral near the NW entrance to the Arena; however, stroller parking is not attended.
Alcohol and firearms are strictly prohibited.
- Q: What will the temperature be like inside the arean if it’s hot outside?
A: Alaska Airlines Arena does not have air conditioning, but fans will be kept running. We recommend that you dress for warm weather and consider bringing personal fans. Paper fans and small handheld battery operated or chargeable fans are allowed in the arena.
- Q: Are guests allowed on the arena floor?
A: Guests may not go onto the arena floor before, during, or after the ceremony. Students may meet their guests on the concourse or outside following the ceremony.
Event details for students:
Students who plan to walk at the Department of Communication Graduation Ceremony and have their name listed in the 2026 Communication Celebration Program should RSVP for the event no later than May 13.
Registration information will be emailed to you in April. Those who miss the registration deadline may still attend and walk, but will not have their names printed in the program.
Please note that there are separate registrations for the Department of Communication Graduation Ceremony and the University of Washington Commencement.
Please plan on arriving to the arena between 11:30-12:30. Students will enter through the loading dock on the ground level of the South East side of the arena.
Participating students should plan on wearing a cap and gown, otherwise, please come dressed in business attire. Plan to arrive at the arena dressed in your regalia. You can order regalia here. There will not be storage for personal items in the line up area or floor of the arena. Please limit the amount of items you bring or leave them with your loved ones.
There is no storage for personal items in the line-up area or floor of the arena. Please limit the amount of items you bring or leave them with your guests. Graduates should plan not to bring bags to the arena. If necessary, students must abide by Alaska Airlines Arena clear bag only policy. Security will be onsite, and all students will be gown checked, bag checked, and metal detected.
- No alcohol will be permitted in the building
- There is no guarantee that you will be returning to the same seat that you start with after walking on stage
You will be responsible for your own parking and transportation to the ceremony. You can arrange parking on the commencement registration page for you and your guests. You can also refer to UW Transportation Services to arrange parking passes. The Department of Communication will not be able to answer questions on parking. Please reach out to UW Transportation Services for questions.
GradImages will be onsite taking your cap and gown photos during line up and when you receive your certificate during the ceremony. You will order your photos from them directly.
We will have a DIY photo booth set up after the ceremony near the main entrance of the Arena. We encourage you to take photos with your friends and loved ones to share on social media using the #UWCOMMGRAD26 hashtag!
- Q: What will the temperature be like inside the arean if it’s hot outside?
A: Alaska Airlines Arena does not have air conditioning, but fans will be kept running. We recommend that you dress for warm weather and consider bringing personal fans. Paper fans and small handheld battery operated or chargeable fans are allowed in the arena. There will be a water station located at the SW corner for students to use. You are welcome to bring unopened and sealed water bottles, or an empty reusable water bottle.
- Q: Are guests allowed on the arena floor?
A: Guests may not go onto the arena floor before, during, or after the ceremony. Students may meet their guests on the concourse or outside following the ceremony.
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
You can visit the UW Commencement website for information regarding both the UW Commencement Ceremony and departmental graduation that occur each June. Please note that there are separate registrations for the Department of Communication Graduation Ceremony and the University of Washington Commencement.
INFORMATION FOR GRADUATING STUDENTS
You can visit the UW Commencement website for information regarding the Commencement Ceremony that occurs each June. On this site, you will find event information, including guest tickets, eligibility, ordering announcements & photos, purchasing parking permits, etc.
You may complete your degree any quarter of your choice, however, you may “walk” in the June ceremony if you complete your degree in the previous December or March, June or the following August. See this helpful checklist for more information.
Department of Communication students and their families and friends are invited to the Communication Department Graduation Celebration each June. This celebration will include a ceremony, keynote speaker, department awards, presentation of the graduates, and will be followed by a reception. Details about the Department celebration will be shared via email and on the website in March or April.
Registration for both the UW Commencements and the Communication Department Graduation Celebration will begin in April.
A Graduation Application must be verified with an adviser during your Senior Appointment, and is the department’s recommendation to the University for you to earn your degree. Your degree is ultimately granted by the UW Office of Graduation & Academic Records (UW Office of the Registrar). If you will graduate with a double major or a double degree, you must submit a second Graduation Application with your other department(s) as well.
Graduation Applications must be submitted by the 3rd Friday of the quarter you plan to graduate. However, if you want Graduating Senior Priority registration, you must apply earlier (see below).
Once a Graduation Application has been submitted with an COM Adviser during your Senior Appointment, be sure and check your email for a message from the Graduation & Academic Records Office (Office of the University Registrar). Please read this email carefully for important details, and make sure to “Confirm” your Graduation Application.
Not sure if you’ve already applied to graduate? Check DARS to see if there is a “Graduation Date” listed for you (e.g. AUT/2018, WIN/2019, etc.). If the “Graduation Date” says “Not Found”, then you likely have yet to submit a Graduation Application. If you have a graduation date listed, then you have successfully submitted your Graduation Application.
Students who are double majors or pursuing double degrees will need to apply to graduate with BOTH departments they are studying in to graduate with both majors.
Graduating Senior Priority (GSP) allows students to register for classes on the first day of Period I. Students are eligible for a maximum of two quarters of GSP. By submitting your Graduation Application early (2.5 quarters in advance recommended), you can receive up to two quarters of GSP. For instance, if you are planning to graduate in June, you should meet with an adviser in early Autumn Quarter so that you can have GSP for Winter and Spring Quarters.
See the Academic Calendar for dates of registration.
When you have used your GSP for two quarters, and if you are still attending classes, then you will revert to regular senior priority. You can “save” your GSP by simply not using it and registering during regular senior registration. In this regard, GSP does not necessarily need to be used in consecutive quarters.
The UW requires that students complete 45 of their last 60 credits while “in residence” at the UW. Read more about the UW Residence Credit policy.
The first indication of your earned degree will appear on your transcript. Degrees are posted to your transcript by the UW Office of Graduation & Academic Records, approximately 2-3 weeks after the end of the quarter, upon verification that you have completed all requirements for the UW, College of Arts & Sciences, and Department of Communication.
It takes 3-4 months for diplomas to arrive in the mail. Diplomas are sent by the Office of the University Registrar. Please be sure to check your MyUW address settings to ensure that your diploma will arrive to the correct address.
Baccalaureate Honors are: Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Summa Cum Laude. These honors are awarded upon graduation to undergraduates who are earning their first bachelor’s degree with at least 90 credits taken at UW. Of these 90 credits, 60 must be numerically graded (extension credits do not count toward these 60 credits). These honors awards are not directly related to the Departmental or College Honors Programs. They also represent the top 10% of students in each of the UW’s schools and colleges.
Students graduating with Baccalaureate Honors are given a gold honor cord to wear for the UW Commencement Ceremony. For students graduating in the spring, the honors listed in the Commencement Program (and honor cord distribution), are based on the student’s cumulative GPA through the preceding Winter Quarter. Spring Quarter grades are ultimately included in the credit totals and GPA calculations, determining whether the honors are posted to the student’s final record. You can find more information about baccalaureate honors, the Dean’s list, and other honors societies on the UW Baccalaureate Honors site.
Take advantage of the Career & Internship Center! While you are a current student, most of their services are free to students. The Career & Internship Center offers help in job-hunting skills, career planning, and more!
Completing an internship is a good idea for students with limited work experience. The Community Engagement & Leadership Education (CELE) Center maintains postings of internships and volunteer opportunities.
The Career Center is also a great place to start your exploration for graduate schools and programs.
Regarding Letters of Recommendation and any future references that you may need down the road for jobs and graduate schools.
We are so excited to welcome the 2025 graduates as the newest members of our alumni community! There are lots of ways to stay involved, like serving on a career discussion panel, hosting a skills workshop, or hosting a student visit to your office on a career exploration trip. For questions on how to stay involved as an alum, please contact Gillian Cobb, Outreach & Events Manager at ghcobb@uw.edu.
The UW Alumni Association is a network of over 50,000 alumni Huskies, with chapters and regional groups all over the country and the world! The UWAA offers a complimentary one-year membership to its most-recent alumni, numerous opportunities to network with fellow Huskies, and alumni services such as library access and a UW alumni email account.
International students are highly encouraged to attend a Final Year Workshop at International Student Services, which will provide helpful information and important things to think about for your final year at the UW.
Please see the attached maps/maps (please choose whichever matches best with the way the site will format) for directions and layout of the Alaska Airlines Arena for graduation.
To be announced.