For Graduates

What Graduates need to know for Commencement

Instructions for Graduates

There is no rehearsal for commencement at Evergreen. Review this page to know what you need to do at the commencement ceremony.

Check-in Cards

All graduates are required to have a Check-in Card to cross the stage to receive their diploma cover. You will be able to check in and pick up your Check-in Card at the following times:

  • Monday 6/12 - Thursday 6/15 in the CAB, from 10 am to 3 pm daily
  • Friday 6/16 on Red Square, from 9 am - 1:30 pm

Please spell your name phonetically on your Check-in Card to assist the reader.

You must have applied to graduate for the 2022-23 academic year to receive a graduation Check-in Card. Check-in Cards for Tacoma Campus and Graduate Program students will be available through your program. Please contact the Program Assistant Directors for more information.

Event Details for June 16

Processional 

Plan to line-up on Red Square for the commencement processional at 12:15-12:30 pm. Bring your Check-in Card with you. The processional line will form between Purce Hall and Lab One. Use our procession map (PDF) to learn where to line-up for the processional and where you will walk as you process in. Staff will assist you with lining up.

image of map available as pdf

When the ceremony begins at 1 pm, faculty will lead the procession through the guest seating. Staff will direct the graduates to the designated seating area. Once all graduates are seated, the speakers will begin. After the speakers have concluded, graduates will be invited to cross the stage and receive their diploma covers. Graduate students cross the stage first, followed by undergraduate students.

Each row of students will be directed to rise and form a line up to the stage. Remain seated until a marshal directs you to line up to cross the stage. At the stage entrance, a marshal will direct you into one of two lines. At the top of the ramp, present your card to the name reader. A marshal will direct you across the stage to receive your diploma cover where you will have your first photograph taken. After you receive your diploma cover, a marshal will direct you off the stage for your final photograph. You will then return to your seat.

Accessibility

Chairs are set aside for disabled and elderly seating in the seating area designated for graduates. If you cannot stand for the time period from 12:15-1:00 pm while graduates are assembling for the procession, there is seating reserved in the lower left corner of general seating for disabled and elderly graduates. You can remain seated there until it is time for your program to process in, then join the processional.

If you cannot stand while you are waiting to walk across the stage, there will be chairs set up by the ramp entrance for graduates who need them. The stage ramps are in compliance with ADA regulations. The stage is accessible to wheelchair users and others with accessibility needs.

Learn about the accommodations we have available for all attending commencement at our accommodations page. If you have additional accessibility needs, please contact the Graduation Office by Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at GraduationOffice@evergreen.edu or (360) 688-8245.