Graduation & Commencement
About the Ceremony
Join us in celebrating the class of 2023! The Olympia commencement ceremony will be held on Friday, June 16th, 2023 at 1 pm, outdoors and in person on Red Square at the Olympia campus. This annual celebration is open to all students graduating during the 2022–2023 academic year, including summer quarter. The ceremony takes place rain or shine, and lasts roughly three hours. Masks are welcome but not required.
Event Details for June 16
Graduates
Plan to line-up for the commencement processional on Red Square at 12:15-12:30 pm.
Visit our instructions for graduates page to learn what you’ll need to do before and during the commencement ceremony.
Students may invite any number of friends and family to the ceremony; tickets are not required to attend.
Graduates of 2020 & 2021
You are welcome to walk in the 2023 commencement. To sign up visit our participation form.
Visit our instructions for graduates page to learn what you’ll need to do the day of the commencement ceremony. Graduates of 2020 & 2021 do not need to apply to graduate again. All other information on the instructions for graduates page applies to 2020 & 2021 graduates.
Guests
Tickets are not required. Arrive early for best seating and parking. Food and drinks will be available for purchase on Red Square and in the adjacent College Activities Building. Those who wish to sit inside may watch the ceremony broadcast in classrooms and lecture halls inside Purce Hall.
A professional photographer will take photos of each graduate at two points on the stage and after they cross the stage. Please avoid taking pictures near the stage exit ramp, as this blocks the views for people seated near that area.
We ask that the audience remain seated until the processional has concluded. The last person recognized deserves the same support, respect, and celebration as the first. Your presence is part of the graduation experience for all. Graduates, families, and friends will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Many Celebrations
In addition to the main ceremony, there are many additional graduation celebrations happening, including Evergreen Tacoma Graduation.
Regalia, printed programs, photos
Graduates who apply to graduate by April 14th have their name printed in the commencement program.
Come to the Greener Bookstore for graduation regalia, snacks, greener gear, and more! Orders can be placed online for free in-store pickup or just stop by on commencement day.
A cap and gown are not required; Evergreen’s graduation is well-known for creative garb! But many students do wear cap and gown as part of their regalia.
For other regalia, announcements, gifts, and more, please visit the Greener Bookstore!
Graduation, commencement, and diplomas
Graduation refers to receiving a degree once Evergreen certifies you have finished and completely fulfilled all degree requirements.
Commencement is the symbolic ceremony marking the closing of your academic career where you receive commendation for your hard work at Evergreen. It is an opportunity for you, your family, friends, and the Evergreen community to celebrate your accomplishment.
Diplomas will be mailed to you once all your evaluations are turned in by faculty and your degree is certified, assuming all holds and charges have been reconciled. Deans will contact faculty with overdue evaluations to make sure they are turned in.
Also, your diploma and academic record will correctly reflect your BA, BS, or BAS, regardless of how it may be listed in the commencement program.
If you have questions about your diploma or transcript, or need confirmation of your degree for grad school or work, send email to registration@evergreen.edu.
For questions about the ceremony itself, email GraduationOffice@evergreen.edu.