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 on April 1st and 2nd, 2026, to be the first to get your regalia,
enjoy some 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 catalog.
Commencement Ceremony Schedule - May 16, 2026
Ceremony times by college and degree level will be posted toward the end of January, 2026.
- Graduate students: Plan to arrive at the War Memorial Fieldhouse one hour in advance if you are a doctoral student or two hours in advance if you are a Master's student for hooding photography.
- Undergraduate students: Plan to arrive at the War Memorial Fieldhouse one hour in advance of your ceremony time, when available. Ceremony times by college are determined by anticipated number of graduates and capacity of the Arena Auditorium space.
- Guests: Attend the ceremony in the Arena Auditorium. Please note that seating is first-come, first-served. Commencement is open to the
public, and is not a ticketed event.
- Please note that the War Memorial Fieldhouse is a space for graduates only.
Commencement Details
Date: May 16, 2026
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 Disability Support Services at udss@uwyo.edu or call at (307) 766-3073.
Digital Program: The digital program for May 2026 will be available here closer to the ceremony.
- The December 2025 program is available through Issuu!
Watch UW Commencement: The livestream link for May 2026 will be available here closer to the ceremony. Livestreams will begin approximately 15 minutes prior to each ceremony.
- The December 2025 ceremony recording is available here!
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 during the ceremony.
- Following the ceremony, proofs and photos will be available through the Grad Team.
NOTICE
Graduates and guests are reminded that the War Memorial Fieldhouse is a space for graduates only. Alcohol is prohibited at the War Memorial Fieldhouse and the Arena Auditorium during UW commencement activities, and to celebrate these accomplishments responsibly.
Additionally, as guests plan to attend the event, please know that tickets are not required and the stadium clear bag policy is not enforced. Additionally, printed programs will be provided to each graduate on the arena floor and one per family in the concourse.
