Graduation & 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 of 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. You may apply to graduate up to two years (six semesters, including summer) prior to completing your degree requirements. You can graduate at the end of any semester (spring, summer, or fall).
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 graduation date before participating.
Step 1: Apply to graduate in WyoRecords
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!
Step 2: Register to Walk
Please fill out this form to register to walk at commencement.
Step 3: Get Your Regalia
Attend Grad Fair in the UW Bookstore to be the first to get your regalia, get some free refreshments
and take a graduation photo or professional headshot! After Grad Fair, regalia can
be bought in-store or ordered online through the University Bookstore.
Commencement Ceremony Schedule - Dec. 13, 2025
College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, School of Energy Resources
- Students: Please arrive at the War Memorial Fieldhouse by 7:30 a.m.
- Guests: Attend the ceremony in the Arena Auditorium at 8:30 a.m.
All Colleges
- Master's Students: Please arrive at the War Memorial Fieldhouse by 10:30 a.m. for hooding and photography.
- Doctoral Students: Please arrive at the War Memorial Fieldhouse by 11:30 a.m. (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 12:30 p.m.
- Please Note: 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.
College of Agriculture, Life Sciences, and Natural Resources, College of Business, College of Health Sciences, Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, College of Academic Affairs
- Students: Please arrive at the War Memorial Fieldhouse by 2:30 p.m.
- Guests: Attend the ceremony in the Arena Auditorium at 3:30 p.m.
Find full event details here.
Commencement Details
Date: Dec. 13, 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: Coming soon!
Watch UW Commencement: Watch Commencement live here! 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.
- 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
Professional proofs and photographs from past University of Wyoming Commencement ceremonies
are available through the Grad Team. You can view, purchase, and download your graduation photos directly from their
website. For any questions about your photo order or access to your proofs, please
reach out to the Grad Team’s customer support team!
Video
Relive your special day by watching past UW commencement ceremony videos, available
below. These recordings include full coverage of the events, speeches, and graduate
recognitions.
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.
