Register for the ceremony
Registration is required to attend the December Recognition ceremony.
Summer and fall graduates will receive an email with instructions on how to log in, confirm their name and RSVP for the ceremony. The deadline to register is Monday, November 18, until noon CST.
Reserve regalia
Regalia is required to participate. The deadline to order regalia is Monday, November 18, 2024.
Graduates please have your receipt ready when picking up regalia.
- Pick up regalia in the Danforth University Center (DUC), room 276, December 12 and 13, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Late pick up available on Saturday, December 14, in DUC, room 276 starting at 8:00 a.m.
- Return rental regalia to the lower level of the bookstore starting Monday, December 16. All regalia should be returned no later than Friday, December 20. The bookstore is closed on Sundays.
- Graduate students: Wear your tassel on your left side while wearing your cap. Hoods should be worn into the ceremony. Check out How to Wear an Academic Hood.
- Undergraduate students: Your tassel should be worn on the right side while wearing your cap.
Report your Plans
Every year Washington University surveys all graduating students to gather information about their post-graduation plans. Please let us know what you have lined up or if you’re still figuring it out.
Join us and share the excitement on social media!
Follow @WashUAlumni on Facebook, and Instagram to keep up with what’s going on at the university and connect with your fellow #WashUalumni. Then join us to network on LinkedIn!
Have a photo or story that perfectly sums up your WashU experience? Want to show off your regalia and share your WashU pride on December 14? Tag us @WashUalumni and include #WashUalumni.
Ceremony details
Ceremony schedule
- 8:30 a.m. – Doors open
- 9:00 a.m. – Candidates should be checked in and assembled by this time.
- 10:00 a.m. – Procession begins
Assembly point and procession
All candidates must be in the Sumers Gym to pick up their name card and line up at the assembly point by 8:45 a.m. Please bring your student ID when checking in.
Candidates should march in front of or behind the person with whom they wish to sit, not side by side.
The procession will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m.
Candidates please refrain from visiting family in the Field House before the ceremony begins.
The ceremony
The program begins with a Welcome from Chancellor Martin, followed by the Speaker’s Remarks, and the Recognition of Candidates for Degrees.
- Regalia must be worn by degree candidates at this ceremony.
- Graduate names will be announced as they cross the stage.
- A professional photographer will be available to take photos of candidates as they cross the stage.
The recession
- All candidates will recess from the Field House under the direction of the ceremony marshals.
- Candidates should arrange to meet friends and relatives outside the Athletic Complex to alleviate crowding and enable a quick exit from the ceremony.
- The ceremony typically concludes no later than 11:30 a.m.
Diploma Information
The Office of the University Registrar coordinates diploma shipment once your degree is conferred. View the Diploma FAQs for answers to common questions. Please pay careful attention to the information below to ensure delivery of your diploma.
Degree Conferral
January 21, 2025
Paper Credential
It is your responsibility to verify your Diploma Mailing Address in WebSTAC to ensure your address is correct. Diploma orders will not be placed for graduates with missing or invalid address and telephone number. We strongly encourage graduates to provide a U.S. address as international shipping to certain countries is unreliable. Domestic diploma orders will arrive approximately 4-6 weeks after degree conferral and you will receive notification once your diploma has been shipped.
View the Diploma Mailing Address video tutorial for three specific address examples most commonly used for diploma shipment.
Electronic Credential
Washington University also issues a certified electronic diploma (CeDiD) to graduates. An email from info@cecredentialtrust.com will be sent to your WUSTL email address when the CeDiD is available, approximately 4-6 weeks after conferral. Once you authorize your CeDiD, you will maintain access to it permanently. View this video to learn more about the CeDiD.
Additional information about diplomas, transcripts, and verification letters may be found on the University Registrar website.
Any additional questions or comments should be sent to diplomaservices@wustl.edu along with your student ID number.