WGU Graduation 2025: Venues, Ticket Information, and Timeline
The WGU Commencement Office is thrilled to share the finalized dates and locations for the 2025 commencement ceremonies. Check out the complete list of upcoming commencement dates and locations for 2025 here. Don’t forget to review the revised commencement participation guidelines.
Upcoming Commencement Weekends
We have compiled the complete list of upcoming commencement dates and locations for 2025. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the Upcoming commencement participation guidelines, Schedule, tickets, locations, Speakers, and additional details.
WGU Commencement 2025 Schedule
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- Spring 2025:
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- March 7-8: Dallas
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- April 25-26: Las Vegas
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- May 10: Virtual
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- June 6-7: Louisville
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- July 18-19: Seattle
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- August 22-23: Boston
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- September 26-27: Chicago
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- Spring 2025:
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- Fall 2025:
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- October 11: Virtual
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- November 14-15: Atlanta
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- Fall 2025:
How to Register for Commencement 2025
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- Eligibility:
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- Are you a graduate?
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- Has your Graduation Application been submitted to Student Records?
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- Or, are you completing one final course (e.g., capstone, certification), excluding direct hours for field experience or student teaching? If yes, follow these steps.
Review Upcoming Ceremonies: Check the available ceremony dates and locations.
- Or, are you completing one final course (e.g., capstone, certification), excluding direct hours for field experience or student teaching? If yes, follow these steps.
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- Eligibility:
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- Choose Your City: Select the city where you plan to participate in the commencement ceremony. Be sure to review specific details for that location, including the deadlines for cap and gown orders (located at the bottom of the page).
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- RSVP Now: Click the blue button on your city’s page.
Instructions for Final Course Enrollment
If you are enrolled in your final course (e.g., capstone, certification) excluding direct hours for field experience or student teaching, please contact [email protected] for eligibility confirmation.
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Making Commencement Special
WGU is dedicated to crafting a commencement celebration that graduates and their family members will treasure. We foster a respectful and joyous environment for everyone to recognize academic accomplishments.
Graduate Attire
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- Required: Navy cap, gown, and tassel. Master’s graduates require a degree-specific hood.
- Order Now: Regalia from Oak Hall.
- Underneath: Wear suitable, professional attire under your gown.
- Honors: Display honor society pins, cords, or sashes. Leis are also permitted.
- Cap Decoration: Decorations must be flat and in accordance with WGU’s Decorum Policy (see below).
- Military: Active duty military and veterans will receive honor cords upon check-in.
- How-to Videos: Watch videos on proper cap and gown wear for bachelors and masters.
Commencement Etiquette
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- Silence Cell Phones: Please set phones to vibrate or silent during the ceremony.
- Participate in Recessional: Remain seated until the ceremony has concluded.
- Positive Cheers Only: No outbursts.
Commencement Decorum Policy
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- Conduct: Disruptive or disrespectful behavior could lead to removal from the ceremony venue.
- Cap/Sash Decorations:
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- Avoid: Obscene, vulgar, defamatory, hateful, inappropriate, profane, or copyright-infringing content.
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- All decorations must remain flat.
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WGU Graduation Locations 2025
Celebrate your accomplishment! WGU will host a Virtual Commencement on Saturday, May 10, 2025, to honor our graduates. Join us live or watch at your convenience with friends and family. Access the ceremony on this page or WGU’s official YouTube channel. Bookmark this page for easy access on commencement day.
WGU Commencement 2025 Tickets
Tickets are not required for the WGU commencement ceremony held online.
However, tickets are mandatory for in-person ceremonies in Atlanta, Georgia, at Gas South Arena, and in Seattle, Washington, at Climate Pledge Arena.
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- Official WGU Commencement Website: The most accurate source will be the official WGU website’s commencement page. Look for specific details about ticket requirements and distribution for the 2025 ceremonies.
- WGU Student Portal: Your student portal may contain information about commencement, including ticketing details.
- Commencement Office: Reach out to the WGU Commencement Office directly. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on tickets.
Support Future WGU Students with a Philanthropy Cord
What it is:
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- A blue and gold cord worn with your cap and gown at commencement.
- A symbol of your dedication to WGU’s legacy of supporting future generations.
How to Earn It:
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- Donate $25+ to the Night Owl Scholarship
- Assist current WGU students facing financial challenges to achieve their graduation goals.
Impact of Your Donation:
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- 100% of contributions support Night Owl Scholars.
- We’re aiming for $25 donations in celebration of WGU’s 25th anniversary!
- Visit wgu.edu/give for more information on WGU Advancement.

Commencement Items
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- Cap and Gown
- WGU Spirit Necklace
- Diploma Covers
- Order Announcements
WGU Philanthropy Cord FAQs
What is the WGU Philanthropy Cord?
The WGU Philanthropy Cord is a blue and gold cord worn by graduates at Commencement. It represents their commitment to supporting WGU and its mission. By wearing the cord, graduates contribute to a philanthropic legacy that will benefit future WGU students.
How Can I Receive a WGU Philanthropy Cord?
You can receive a WGU Philanthropy Cord by donating $25 or more to the WGU Fellow Night Owl Scholarship. This scholarship fund assists current WGU students facing financial challenges to complete their degrees.
To donate and receive your cord, text “WGUCord” to 41-444.
What does my donation support?
All donations for the WGU Philanthropy Cord directly support the WGU Fellow Night Owl Scholarship. This fund helps current WGU students experiencing financial difficulties achieve their degree goals.
How to Receive Your WGU Philanthropy Cord After I donate
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- In-Person Commencements:
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- Mail: Have your cord mailed directly to you.
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- Pickup: Collect your cord at the WGU Advancement table during the Alumni Celebration or at graduate check-in on the morning of the ceremony.
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- In-Person Commencements:
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- Virtual Commencements: Your Philanthropy Cord will be mailed to you before the ceremony date.
What is WGU Advancement?
WGU Advancement functions as the fundraising division of Western Governors University. They focus on raising funds to support WGU’s mission of offering affordable, high-quality education to students.
If I am not interested in receiving a Philanthropy Cord, Can I donate to the WGU Fellow Night Owl Scholarship?
Yes, you can contribute to the WGU Fellow Night Owl Scholarship even if you do not wish to receive a Philanthropy Cord. Your donation will still significantly impact helping current WGU students facing financial hardships achieve their educational objectives.
To donate, simply text “WGUGrad” to 41-444.
Celebrate Your Success!
Share your WGU graduation story with friends and family – they will be proud!
What is “Confetti”?
Once your graduation application is approved, you will see “confetti” within your student portal. This special feature signifies a significant milestone in your WGU journey. Please be aware that it may take up to four weeks for the confetti to appear in your account.
How to Share Your Successful Journey:
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- Capture the Moment: Take a screenshot of your confetti page in the student portal.
- Spread the Word: Share your screenshot on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
- Use the Hashtag: Include #WGUgrad in your social media posts to connect with fellow graduates.
Let’s celebrate your hard work and dedication!
