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. Declare your fall graduation date through this process by October 31, 2026 to have
your name listed in the commencement program. Congratulations on your achievement!
Step 2: Register to Walk
Please fill out this form to register to walk at commencement. Complete the form by October 31, 2026.
Step 3: Get Your Regalia
Regalia can be bought in-store or ordered online through the University Bookstore catalog. Take a look below to make sure you have all your required regalia items, depending
on your degree type.
- Bachelor Graduates: Gown, Tassel, Stole, Cap
- Masters Graduates : Gown, Tassel, Stole, Cap, Hood
- Doctorate Graduates: Gown, Tam, Hood
Commencement Ceremony Schedule - December 19, 2026
- Undergraduate and Doctoral Students: Please arrive by 9:00 AM to the War Memorial Fieldhouse. Graduates will check in with their college table, then line up by college.
- Master's Students: Please arrive to the War Memorial Fieldhouse by 8:00 AM to check in with your college, connect with your faculty, and participate in hooding photography.
- Commencement ceremonies are not ticketed events. All guests are welcome to attend and celebrate with us!
- The recommended arrival time is between 9:00 and 9:30 AM at the Arena Auditorium to select your ideal seat. If you need accessible seating options, please arrive by 9:00 AM.
- Please remember the Fieldhouse is a space for graduates only. Once graduates head to the Fieldhouse to check in, they will reunite with their families in the Arena Auditorium following the ceremony.
Commencement Details
Date: December 19, 2026
Location: Arena-Auditorium
Parking and Shuttles: Check out the Commencement Parking & Shuttle webpage for more details.
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: Digital Program link to come!
Watch UW Commencement: Livestream link to come!
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.
The University of Wyoming has earned its Research Level 1 (R1) status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing Wyoming's only four-year university with the top research universities in the United States.