On Saturday, June 14, 2008, the University of Washington community will come together in Husky Stadium to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2008.

With banners flying and wearing their colorfully decorated caps, the degree candidates will take the field to the cheers and clapping of over 35,000 assembled guests, family and friends. The pageantry will continue with the entrance of the Deans of the seventeen Schools and Colleges, followed by President Emmert, the Regents, and honored guests.

The ceremony begins with the President's opening remarks, followed by the presentation of awards to distinguished students, faculty and alumni, student speakers, and a formal address by our Commencement speaker.

The conferring of degrees will begin with the professional and doctoral degree candidates, followed by the master's and bachelor degree candidates. Each candidate will cross the stage and shake hands with either the President or one of the Deans. Pictures will be taken at that time. Candidates will receive complimentary purple diploma covers bearing the official seal of the University. (Due to the size of the graduating class, only the names of the doctoral and professional degree candidates are announced.)

General admission tickets are complimentary and are required for entrance into Husky Stadium (see ticket section).

Reserved seating and parking have been arranged for guests with disabilities. To learn more about these options visit the ticket section and parking section of this site. Assitive Listening Devices for guests can be requested by the student when placing their order on-line.

Guests should be prepared to be visually inspected upon arrival at the stadium gates. All bags, backpacks, and purses will be inspected.

Seating Diagram of Husky Stadium

All Degree Candidates participating in the ceremony are required to complete the registration/order form, May 5- May 25, to reserve their place in the ceremony.

Candidates begin lining up by school or college at 12:00 noon.

A student entrance ticket, along with ID is required to access the lining up areas. All candidates should be prepared to be visually inspected. Candidates are encouraged not to bring bags, backpacks or purses.

Generally speaking College of Arts & Sciences candidates* line up NE of the stadium in the Dempsey Indoor Practice Facility and sit on the north side of the field. Candidates from the other Schools and Colleges line up SE of the stadium on the Outdoor Practice Field and sit on the south side of the field.

*(Exception: Bachelor of Science candidates from the College of Arts & Sciences will line up on the SE, Outdoor Practice Field)

Sometimes adjustments need to made to these lining up orders, so please check back for any changes.

Locate your lining up area and view detailed instructions.