Congratulations, Class of 2026!
Celebrate your milestone moment at Washington State University Vancouver’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony.
Tuesday, May 12
6:30 – 8:30 p.m
Cascades Amphitheater, Ridgefield, WA
Guest tickets are not required. Event parking is free.
Grad Checklist
To earn your degree and take part in Commencement, there are two required steps. Applying for your degree and registering to walk in the ceremony are separate processes, and both must be completed if you plan to participate.
Apply for your degree
Submitting a graduation application confirms that you are completing your degree requirements and allows your degree to be awarded.
Apply by March 6 to be included in the Commencement program.
A $60 application/processing fee is required. Applications submitted after March 6 will include a $75 late fee. The last day to apply for graduation is May 1.
RSVP for the Commencement ceremony
Graduates who plan to walk across the stage must register in advance. Registration reserves your place in the ceremony and lets you share how your name should be pronounced.
RSVP by April 10.
You may participate in Commencement if you are a WSU student from any campus and meet one of the following criteria:
- You earned your degree in December 2025 or earlier
- You have applied to graduate in May or July 2026
- You are a doctoral candidate (excluding Doctor of Nursing Practice) with approval from the WSU Pullman Graduate School
Your name and academic information will appear in the Commencement program even if you do not attend the ceremony, as long as you meet one of the following deadlines:
- December 2025 graduates
- May 2026 graduates who apply to graduate by March 6
- July 2026 graduates who apply to graduate by March 6
If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, reach out to the Registrar’s Office before submitting your RSVP.
Regalia and Attire
All graduates must wear official regalia to participate in Commencement. Graduates are encouraged to wear WSU’s official regalia.
ROTC graduates being commissioned as officers may choose to wear either their military uniform or a cap and gown.
All regalia is produced and shipped by Herff Jones. Contact Herff Jones directly with questions about your order.
Key regalia ordering dates
- Early bird pricing: Order by 8:59 p.m. Feb. 13
- Free shipping to The Bookie: Order by Feb. 13
- Final deadline for home delivery: Order by April 17
Shipping and pickup details
- Standard home delivery shipping: Order by March 27
- Express home delivery (additional cost): Orders placed March 28 – April 17
- The Bookie pickup begins March 16, regular store hours 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Full pricing, shipping options, and optional items (announcements, class rings, memorabilia) are available on the Herff Jones website.
Regalia scholarships
If the cost of regalia is a hardship, a limited number of regalia scholarships are available through the Associated Students of WSU Vancouver. Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis while funds last.
Your regalia is based on the degree you are earning:
- Bachelor’s: black gown, black cap, WSU yoke
- Master’s: gray gown, black cap, WSU yoke, hood
- Doctoral: crimson gown, black tam, WSU yoke, hood
A few important guidelines to follow during the ceremony:
- Wear your tassel on the right side if you are an undergraduate
- Wear stoles, sashes, and cords under the university yoke
- Pull the yoke snug to your throat so it lays flat (adjust from the back if needed)
Additional guidance by degree:
- Master’s graduates: wear your hood during the processional and ceremony
View instructions for wearing a master’s gown and hood - Doctoral graduates: carry your hood during the processional and get hooded on stage
View video instructions for the doctoral hooding process
Staff will be available to help check and adjust regalia. Please arrive at your gathering area already dressed in your gown, cap, and hood (if applicable).
Rental regalia must be returned
- Return your gown, hood (if applicable), and yoke
- Caps, tassels, and tams are yours to keep
Return instructions:
- Home delivery orders include a prepaid UPS return label by May 19
- Regalia shipped to The Bookie must be returned there by May 20
Academic Honor Cords
Undergraduate honors are based on your WSU GPA and credits earned through fall 2025. Final honors, which appear on your diploma and transcript, are calculated using all graded WSU credits through your final term.
Honor distinctions
Summa Cum Laude: 30 graded WSU credits, GPA 3.9 or higher
Magna Cum Laude: 30 graded WSU credits, GPA 3.7–3.89
Cum Laude: 30 graded WSU credits, GPA 3.5–3.69
Honor cords can be picked up at Commencement rehearsal on May 11 or at graduate check-in on the day of the ceremony, May 12.
Know Before You Go
You’ve made it — and we want the day to feel exciting, smooth, and stress-free. Below you’ll find key details for Commencement, along with what to expect when you arrive. A little planning ahead can help you focus on what matters most: celebrating your achievement with the people who supported you along the way.
Arrive early by 5:30 p.m.
Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before the ceremony begins to allow time for parking, walking to the venue, and graduate check-in. The procession begins promptly at 6:15 p.m.
The ceremony lasts about two hours and involves walking outdoors, so plan accordingly.
Tickets, parking, and entry
No tickets are required for guests, and event parking is free.
Guests and graduates will walk through a metal detector when entering the venue.
Share your moments with us
Tag your photos with #WSUV2026 and #COUGGRAD.
Rehearsal takes place the day before Commencement, Monday, May 11, at the ceremony venue. Attendance is optional but recommended for graduates who want to feel more confident with the venue or the processional.
Rehearsal includes:
- Walking through the lineup and procession
- Learning about stage flow
Rehearsal day details:
- Arrive by 4:15 p.m. (Parking is free and opens at 4 p.m.)
- Check in to pick up your honor cord (if applicable)
- Graduates will walk through a metal detector to comply with venue security
Security screening is required for all guests and graduates.
Metal detectors will be used at entry. Weapons of any kind are not permitted, including firearms, pocketknives, and multi-tools.
Only the following bags are allowed inside:
- Small clutches, wristlets, or fanny packs no larger than 4.5 × 6.5 inches
- Clear plastic bags no larger than 12 × 12 × 6 inches
All bags are subject to search.
The venue offers accessible parking, seating, and services for guests with disabilities.
Accessible seating is available for wheelchair users and one companion per guest. Seating is limited and available on a first-come basis.
ASL interpreters and CART captioning will be provided during the ceremony. Seating near interpreters is reserved for guests using these services and one companion.
Guests needing accommodations are encouraged to submit an event accommodation request as early as possible. Questions can be directed to Student Accommodations and Disability Resources at 360-546-9739 or van.accommodations@wsu.edu.
For a complete list of venue accessibility information, visit the Cascades Amphitheater Accessibility Information webpage.
GradImages is the official Commencement photographer. Photos are taken as you move through the ceremony to capture your special moment.
Photos are taken at three points:
- As you approach the stage
- While receiving your diploma cover
- After exiting the stage
Orders are placed directly through GradImages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I receive my diploma at Commencement?
Unfortunately, no. WSU staff need time after final grades are posted to officially award your degree, which can take a few weeks. You can check your degree status on your unofficial transcript in myWSU. Make sure your mailing address is correct in myWSU so that your diploma gets to you without delay.
How many guests can I invite? Are tickets required?
Commencement is non-ticketed. Invite as many guests as you like! All guests must follow venue security guidelines, including bag screening and metal detector entry.
Can I decorate my cap and what should I wear?
Yes! Show your creativity while keeping designs appropriate—no obscenities, illegal items, or violations of university policy. Share your photos with #CougGrad.
Graduates must wear the official WSU cap and gown. Guests can wear whatever is comfortable. Be mindful of your shoes—you’ll walk on stairs, ramps, and outdoor surfaces.