2023 Commencement Information

The 162nd Commencement ceremony will take place on Monday, May 15, at 9 a.m. on Francis Olympic Field, rain or shine. Be sure to check the calendar of events for a full schedule of school and affinity ceremonies.

Please read the important information below and share this email with any guests who plan to attend Commencement. 


Important information for you

  • Register for Commencement, if you haven’t already.
  • Regalia is required to participate in the ceremony. 
  • Allow ample time to arrive at your school’s assembly point by 8:30 a.m.
  • The procession will begin promptly at 9 a.m.
  • The ceremony will conclude around 11 a.m. All graduates will recess from Francis Olympic Field and should arrange to meet guests elsewhere on campus.
  • An all-school Commencement festival will follow the ceremony and conclude at 3 p.m.
  • University photos will be posted on Widen and videos on YouTube.
  • Help the Career Center help you! Please take a moment to report your plans.
  • Stay in touch as a WashU alum! Follow @WashUAlumni on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.

Important information for your guests

Getting to campus and parking

  • Please review the campus map and detailed transportation and accessibility information.  
  • We strongly encourage guests to take a hotel shuttle, taxi, or ride-sharing service
  • Guests may park in the Snow Way, Millbrook, Shepley, Wallace, and East End garages.
  • Accessible parking is available to those displaying a state-issued accessible placard or license plate in the Danforth University Center (DUC) Garage, accessible via Forsyth Boulevard at Wallace Drive. 

Attending or viewing the ceremony

  • Guests should bring a reusable water bottle to refill at water stations throughout campus. No food or beverage, other than water, will be allowed on Francis Olympic Field. 
  • The ceremony livestream will be available on the Commencement website.
  • In-person guests should arrive by 7:30 a.m. to allow adequate travel time from parking areas.
  • The Francis Olympic Field gates will open at 7:30 a.m.
  • Guest seating will be behind and on the sides of the areas designated for graduates on Francis Olympic Field. Alternative viewing locations also are available. 
  • Guests should not block pathways or the area in front of the stage during the ceremony. There will be designated photography areas at the Commencement festival after the ceremony.
  • There are several ways for others to honor your achievements and celebrate the occasion!
  • Download the WashU Safe app, available in the Apple App and Google Play stores, to receive safety alerts and access emergency information. 
  • Looking to make a reservation at the Whittemore House, click here to learn more.

Visit our FAQ page for more information. If you have a Commencement question that needs a quick answer, scan the QR code below to text Tassel, our AI Chatbot!

Sincerely, 
Your WashU Commencement team