WGU Commencement 2025 Locations, Tickets and Schedule
The WGU Commencement Office is excited to announce the final commencement dates and locations for all 2025 ceremonies. Check out the full list of upcoming commencement dates and locations for 2025 here. Review the updated commencement participation guidelines
Upcoming Commencement Weekends
We provide the full list of upcoming commencement dates and locations for 2025. It is important to check the Upcoming commencement participation guidelines, Schedule, tickets, locations, Speakers, and other details.
WGU Commencement 2025 Schedule
- Spring 2025:
- March 7-8: Dallas
- April 25-26: Las Vegas
- May 10: Virtual
- June 6-7: Louisville
- July 18-19: Seattle
- August 22-23: Boston
- September 26-27: Chicago
- Fall 2025:
- October 11: Virtual
- November 14-15: Atlanta
How to Register for Commencement 2025
- Eligibility:
- Are you a graduate?
- Has your Graduation Application been submitted to Student Records?
- Or, are you completing one final course (e.g., capstone, certification) excluding direct hours for field experience or student teaching? If so, proceed with the following steps.
- Review Upcoming Ceremonies: Explore the available ceremony dates and locations.
- Choose Your City: Select the city where you wish to participate in the commencement ceremony. Carefully review the specific details for that location, including the cap and gown ordering deadlines (located at the bottom of the page).
- RSVP Now: Click the blue button on your city’s page.
Instructions for Final Course Enrollment
If you are enrolled in your final course (e.g., capstone, certification) excluding direct hours for field experience or student teaching, please email commencement@wgu.edu for eligibility confirmation.
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Making Commencement Special
WGU focuses on creating a commencement celebration that graduates and their loved ones will cherish. We encourage a respectful and joyful atmosphere where everyone can celebrate academic achievement.
Graduate Attire
- Required: Navy cap, gown, and tassel. Master’s graduates require a degree-specific hood.
- Order Now: Regalia from Oak Hall.
- Underneath: Wear comfortable, professional attire under your gown.
- Honors: Wear honor society pins, cords, or sashes. Leis are also permitted.
- Cap Decoration: Decorations must lie flat and adhere to WGU’s Decorum Policy (see below).
- Military: Active duty military and veterans will receive honor cords at check-in.
- How-to Videos: View videos on proper cap and gown wear for bachelors and masters.
Commencement Etiquette
- Silence Cell Phones: Place phones on vibrate or silent during the ceremony.
- Participate in Recessional: Remain seated until the ceremony concludes.
- Positive Cheers Only: No Outbursts.
Commencement Decorum Policy
- Conduct: Disruptive or disrespectful behavior may result in removal from the ceremony venue.
- Cap/Sash Decorations:
- Avoid: Obscene, vulgar, defamatory, hateful, inappropriate, profane, or copyright-infringing content.
- All decorations must lie flat.
WGU Graduation Locations 2025
Celebrate your achievement! WGU will host a Virtual Commencement on Saturday, May 10, 2025, to celebrate our graduates.. Join us live or watch at your convenience with friends and family. Watch the ceremony on this page or WGU’s official YouTube channel. Bookmark this page for easy access on commencement day.
WGU Commencement 2025 Tickets
Tickets are not required for the WGU commencement ceremony held online.
However, tickets are necessary for in-person ceremonies in Atlanta, Georgia at Gas South Arena and in Seattle, Washington at Climate Pledge Arena.
- Official WGU Commencement Website: The most reliable source will be the official WGU website’s commencement page. Look for specific information about ticket requirements and distribution for the 2025 ceremonies.
- WGU Student Portal: Your student portal may have information about commencement, including ticketing details.
- Commencement Office: Contact the WGU Commencement Office directly. They will be able to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on tickets.
Support Future WGU Students with a Philanthropy Cord
What it is:
- A blue and gold cord worn with your cap and gown at commencement.
- A symbol of your commitment to WGU’s legacy of supporting future generations.
How to Earn It:
- Donate $25+ to the Night Owl Scholarship
- Help current WGU students facing financial hardship achieve their graduation goals.
Impact of Your Donation:
- 100% of contributions support Night Owl Scholars.
- We’re aiming for $25 donations in honor of WGU’s 25th anniversary!
- Visit wgu.edu/give for details on WGU Advancement.
Commencement Items
- Cap and Gown
- WGU Spirit Necklace
- Diploma Covers
- Order Announcements
WGU Philanthropy Cord FAQs
What is the WGU Philanthropy Cord?
The WGU Philanthropy Cord is a blue and gold cord worn by graduates at Commencement. It symbolizes their commitment to supporting WGU and its mission. By wearing the cord, graduates contribute to a philanthropic legacy that will benefit future WGU students.
How Can I Receive a WGU Philanthropy Cord?
You can receive a WGU Philanthropy Cord by giving $25 or more to the WGU Fellow Night Owl Scholarship. This scholarship fund helps current WGU students facing financial hardship complete their degrees.
To donate and receive your cord, text “WGUCord” to 41-444.
What does my donation support?
All your donations for the WGU Philanthropy Cord directly support the WGU Fellow Night Owl Scholarship. This scholarship fund assists current WGU students experiencing financial difficulties in completing their degree programs.
How to Receive Your WGU Philanthropy Cord After I donate
- In-Person Commencements:
- Mail: Have your cord mailed directly to you.
- Pickup: Pick up your cord at the WGU Advancement table during the Alumni Celebration or at graduate check-in on the morning of the ceremony.
- Virtual Commencements: Your Philanthropy Cord will be mailed to you before the ceremony date.
What is WGU Advancement?
WGU Advancement serves as the fundraising division of Western Governors University. They work to raise funds to support WGU’s mission of providing affordable, high-quality education to students.
If I am not interested in receiving a Philanthropy Cord, Can I donate to the WGU Fellow Night Owl Scholarship?
Yes, you can donate to the WGU Fellow Night Owl Scholarship even if you don’t wish to receive a Philanthropy Cord. Your contribution will still make a significant difference in helping current WGU students facing financial hardship achieve their educational goals.
To donate, simply text “WGUGrad” to 41-444.
Celebrate Your Success!
Share your WGU graduation story with your family and friends – they’ll be so proud!
What is “Confetti”?
Once your graduation application is approved, you’ll gain access to “confetti” within your student portal. This special feature signifies a significant milestone in your WGU journey. Please note that it may take up to four weeks for the confetti to appear in your account.
How to Share Your Success:
- Capture the Moment: Take a screenshot of your confetti page in the student portal.
- Spread the Word: Share your screenshot on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
- Use the Hashtag: Include #WGUgrad in your social media posts to connect with other graduates.
Let’s celebrate your hard work and dedication!
