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Offices & Services
Commencement
Dear class of 2025 - We heard you! Because we have outgrown the Field House, our largest indoor venue on campus, you will be the first McKelvey School of Engineering class to utilize the beautifully impressive set up outside on Francis Olympic Field. Tickets are still required, no differently than any other ceremony on our campus. Please request as many tickets as you need during the ceremony registration process. We want to see all of the special people in your life celebrating along side you!
WashU Class of 2025
We are McKelvey!
The McKelvey community is excited to celebrate with 2025 graduates and their loved ones this May. Consider this your central hub for all ceremony information and updates.
Contact us:Email McKelvey_Commencement@wustl.edu
Get information about:
McKelvey PhD Hooding Ceremony & Reception
Friday, May 9, 2025
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Ceremony — Athletic Complex, Varsity Gym
2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Reception — Knight Hall, Anheuser Busch Dining Room
The Hooding Ceremony for all graduating McKelvey PhD candidates will take place on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. the Varsity Gym at the Athletic Complex. Each PhD candidate will cross the stage as their name is announced. A celebratory reception immediately follows in the Anheuser Busch Dining Room at Knight Hall.
Friends and family will need a ticket to enter the venue.
Ticketing information for PhD ceremony
Each PhD candidate who plans to take part in the Hooding Ceremony is required to register. During the registration process, participating candidates will specify the number of tickets requested for their guests, and distribute them accordingly.
Reception
There will be a celebration immediately following the ceremony for all McKelvey PhD graduates and guests. Drinks, appetizers, music and fun provided! Many faculty, staff and administrators will be present.
McKelvey Bachelor & Masters Ceremony & Celebrations
Saturday, May 10, 2025
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Ceremony — Francis Olympic Field (Rain or Shine)
This Recognition Ceremony is for McKelvey students graduating with bachelor’s and/or master's degrees and takes place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 11 a.m. on Francis Olympic Field. Each degree candidate will cross the stage as their name is announced.
Tickets required for BS | MS ceremony
No different than any of Washington University’s graduation ceremonies, candidates who plan to take part in the McKelvey School of Engineering Recognition Ceremony will need to request tickets at the time they register for participation in the ceremony. There is no limit to how many tickets each graduate may request. All guests will be required to show a ticket at the gate for entry.
Department open house information
McKelvey School of Engineering academic departments are hosting open houses on Monday, May 12th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., giving students an opportunity to show their families & friends where they have spent so much time. Make arrangements in advance to connect with your favorite faculty members and those that have had an impact on your WashU experience. Department offices will have light refreshments and swag while supplies last.
University-wide Commencement & Festival
Monday, May 12, 2025, at 9 a.m. in the Francis Olympic Field (rain or shine)
Questions regarding the University-wide Commencement event should be directed to the Commencement Office at 314-935-5985 or visit the Commencement website.
- Following the University-wide Commencement, the Chancellor will be hosting the Commencement festival for all WashU graduates and their friends and family. Learn more.
PhD Graduate Check-list & Logistics for May 9 Ceremony
Register for the event
Registration for McKelvey's PhD Hooding Ceremony is now open.
Request Guest Tickets
GUEST TICKETS ARE REQUIRED
Order Regalia (Cap and Gown)
Deadline for Regalia Rental: April 11
The deadline to reserve your cap and gown with the Campus Book Store is April 11. Rented regalia should be worn for the Chancellors' ceremony and the McKelvey Engineering Doctoral Ceremony.
Arrival, Check-in, & Lineup
Time & Location
- Check-in will begin at noon. The McKelvey Hooding ceremony will begin promptly at 1:30 pm. Please plan to arrive at the Varsity Gym no later than noon.
- Individual and group photos will all be taken before the ceremony.
- There will be NO SPACE at the varsity gym to leave personal belongings.
Do not bring large items with you (Large purses, backpacks, stuffed animals, etc.) A designated storage area is not available, and these items will be a tripping hazard under your chairs during the ceremony. We recommend leaving large items with family members/friends. Small cross-body bags or fanny packs can fit under your regalia.
- Please pick up your name card at the check-in tables located in the Field House Lobby.
- Please DO NOT BEND your name card. It will damage the QR code, causing your pre-recorded name not to play. Please confirm the accuracy of your name and degree.
- Be careful not to misplace your name card; you will need it during the ceremony.
McKelvey Commencement Volunteers will direct you into the line for the procession.
Bachelor and Masters Graduate Student Check-list & Logistics for May 10 Ceremony
Register for the event
Registration for McKelvey's bachelor's and master's degree ceremony is now open.
Graduates will claim guest tickets during the registration process. You may request as many tickets as you would like for your friends and family. Accessibility requirements can also be captured during registration.
Request Guest Tickets
GUEST TICKETS ARE REQUIRED
Order Regalia (Cap and Gown)
Deadline for Regalia Rental: April 11
The deadline to reserve your cap and gown with the Campus Book Store is April 11. Rented regalia MUST be worn for the Chancellors' ceremony and the McKelvey Engineering Recognition Ceremonies.
Arrival, Check-in, & Lineup
Time & Location
- Graduate check-in begins at 10 a.m. just inside the Edison Courtyard. McKelvey Recognition ceremony will begin promptly at 11 a.m. Please plan to arrive at the Edison Courtyard no later than 10 a.m. Do not bring large items with you (Large purses, backpacks, stuffed animals, etc.) There will be a designated storage area for graduates at Mudd Field. Items will be a tripping hazard under your chairs during the ceremony. We recommend leaving large items with family members/friends. Small cross-body bags or fanny packs can fit under your regalia.
- Please pick up your name-specific card at the appropriate check-in station based on your last name. Located in the Edison Courtyard. Check-in will begin at 10 a.m. Do not wait until the last minute. This step could take more time than you anticipate.
- Please DO NOT BEND your name card. It will damage the QR code, causing your pre-recorded name not to play. Please confirm the accuracy of your name and degree.
Be careful not to misplace your name card; you will need it during the ceremony.
McKelvey Commencement volunteers will direct you into the line for the procession. All graduates must be in the line by 10:45 a.m.
Regalia
The deadline to reserve your cap and gown with the Campus Book Store is April 11. Rented regalia should be worn for the Chancellors' Ceremony and the McKelvey Engineering Recognition Ceremonies
- Bachelor rental cost: $57 + tax
- Master rental cost: $87 + tax
- Doctoral Regalia Rental Fee: $90 + tax
You must return your regalia rental to the lower level of the bookstore after your ceremony. For questions, call the Campus Bookstore Customer Service Desk at 314-935-5500.
Diploma
The registrar’s office will coordinate your diploma shipment once your degree is conferred by the Board of Trustees and Chancellor Martin. Please pay careful attention to the information below to ensure the delivery of your diploma. More information on your diploma can be found here.
- Diplomas will be shipped to your Diploma Mailing Address in WebSTAC. If you do not have a Diploma Mailing Address listed, your diploma will be shipped to your home address listed in WebSTAC.
- You will NOT receive your diploma during the ceremony. The university offers certified electronic diplomas to all graduates along with your paper credentials.
- Your certified electronic diploma will be ordered on your behalf and will be emailed. Instructions on how to obtain and download your diploma will be sent to your @wustl.edu email address. Note: The link to download your degree has an expiration date, so be sure to download it when you receive the email. Your paper diploma will arrive approximately 8+ weeks after degree conferral and you will receive notification once your diploma has been shipped. **International diploma shipments could be 8+ weeks, depending on customs and international shipping restrictions. The Registrar’s office monitors this information closely and will communicate with graduates as needed.
Tassel Pre-Ceremony Slideshow
The McKelvey School of Engineering allows graduating students to pre-submit congratulatory messages that will be displayed on large screens prior to the start of the BS/Masters Recognition Ceremony. The University reserves the right to regulate content that is not aligned with this stated purpose.
Three Graduation Dates Explained
- The McKelvey Engineering PhD Graduation Hooding Ceremony will take place on Friday, May 9 at 1:30 p.m. in the Athletic Complex, Varsity Gym
TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS CEREMONY. Please remind your graduate to request tickets when registering for the ceremony. - The McKelvey Engineering Bachelor Masters Recognition Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 10 at 11 a.m. on Francis Olympic Field *RAIN OR SHINE.
TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS CEREMONY. Please remind your graduate to request tickets when registering for the ceremony.
For clarification, McKelvey School of Engineering is hosting two separate ceremonies. The first is the PhD Hooding on Friday May 9, Bachelor Masters Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, May 10. These two ceremonies are for McKelvey only. Each degree candidate will cross the stage as their name is announced.
Questions regarding the McKelvey Engineering ceremonies should be directed to mckelvey_commencement@wustl.edu.
- The third date is the University-wide Commencement, which will be held on Monday, May 12 at 9 a.m. in the Francis Olympic Field, rain or shine.
Questions regarding the University-wide Commencement event should be directed to the Commencement Office at 314-935-5985 or visit the Commencement Website.
Following the University-wide Commencement, the Chancellor will be hosting the Commencement festival for all WashU graduates and their friends and family. Learn more.
Tickets, while unlimited, are required for all ceremonies.
Ticket Information
Tickets will be required for guest entry at all Washington University graduation ceremonies. Candidates who plan to take part in the McKelvey School of Engineering Recognition Ceremony will request tickets at the time they register for participation in any of the ceremonies. There is no limit to how many tickets each graduate may request. Graduates may go back in to the Tassel system after initially registering, and request additional tickets.
Parking
Please refer to the WashU Commencement parking page.
Accessibility
Please refer to the WashU Commencement accessibility page.
Your student will have the oppoprtunity to make note of any accessibility needs for themselves or their family during the registration process. Other inquiries can be emailed to: McKelvey_Commencement@wustl.edu
Closed Captioning
Closed captioning will be available on our jumbotron screens during the McKelvey Engineering ceremony. There will also be an ASL interpreter on stage during each ceremony.
Emergency Services
During the ceremony, ambulance services will be standing by in case of any emergency. Anyone needing assistance should come to the entrance to the Field House or alert a volunteer for emergency assistance.
When will tickets become available for the ceremonies?
TICKETS ARE REQUIRED TO ENTER THE CEREMONY. Ticket requests are completed by each student during the registration process when they indicate their intention to participate in the May ceremony. Digital, sharable tickets will be sent directly to your graduate for both the McKelvey Engineering and all-university commencement ceremonies. Graduates are responsible for distributing tickets among their respective guests. There is no limit to the number of tickets a registered graduate may request.
Do my guests need to register?
Guests do not need to register to attend the ceremonies. However, tickets will be required for entry.
Clear bag policy & prohibited items
Check back soon for updated policies regarding tickets, bag policy and prohibited items.
Bag Policy
Graduates may not bring any bags of any type onto Francis Olympic Field, or into the engineering school ceremonies.
Guests are strongly encouraged not to bring bags. Only the following types of bags will be allowed:
- Clear plastic bags, not to exceed 14”x14”x4”.
- Small clutch-type wallets or purses not to exceed 4”x6”. Diaper bags are allowed for those with small children, but will be inspected.
- Medically necessary equipment is permitted after inspection.
Prohibited Items
The following items are prohibited in all university and school ceremonies and events, and are subject to confiscation:
- Air horns and other artificial noisemakers
- Animals, except assistance animals
- Banners or signs larger than 2’x3’ (no poles of any kind will be allowed)
- Food and drink (except water)
- Firearms and weapons
- Laser lights
- Balloons, glitter and confetti
- Unmanned aircraft/drones
Which ceremony should I attend? WashU Commencement or McKelvey’s Recognition Ceremonies?
You can attend either or both. This decision is completely up to you. Graduates must register for each ceremony separately. If you want to attend both ceremonies, please be sure to register for each one.
- WashU’s Commencement registration will open in the spring. You will receive an email with registration instructions.
- McKelvey Graduation Recognition Ceremony registration for both PhD and Bachelor Masters is now open. You will receive an email with registration instructions.
What if I did not register by the deadline, but would like to attend?
We encourage everyone to register before the deadline – registration closes April 7. If you did not register in time, send an email to McKelvey_Commencement@wustl.edu as soon as possible and include your SIS number, first name, last name, and degree. We will do our best to add you to the registration system.
What if I registered, but am no longer attending? Do I need to tell anyone?
If you are sure you will no longer be attending, you can email McKelvey_Commencement@wustl.edu to let us know. Please include your SIS number, first name, last name and degree.
Why are there two different registration links?
There are two registration links because the ceremonies are two separate ceremonies. Each ceremony needs to plan for the number of chairs, photographers, etc. Commencement has a larger attendance since its focus is WashU-wide, whereas the McKelvey graduation ceremonies focus only on Engineering graduates.
McKelvey has a unique registration link to ensure accurate seating and, most importantly, the pronunciation of your name during the ceremony. Our unique link will ask you to provide the phonetic pronunciation of your name and have you record it so we can ensure it is pronounced as accurately as possible when you cross the stage. You will receive a registration email from your WUSTL email address with registration instructions.
What if I am unable to attend the ceremony(ies) but would like to order regalia for pictures?
You can order regalia for pictures here. We recommend you contact the bookstore at 314-935-5500 for further questions about renting for photos only, pick up and return.
Can my family sit with me at the ceremony?
No. All graduates sit together. Guests of the graduates can sit in the bleachers on the lower and upper levels.
I would like to request a letter of invitation for my family.
Per the Office of International Students and Scholars, invitation letters are no longer required for visa appointments. If you have further questions regarding visa applications for your family, please email oiss@wustl.edu, or you may contact your OISS advisor directly at https://students.wustl.edu/oiss-hours-advising-locations/.
Livestream information
For family members who are unable to make it to the ceremony in-person, they can view the livestream of the ceremony or watch a recording of the ceremony. The livestream will be on the Engineering home page during the event.
We are pleased to inform you that an indoor venue will be available on May 10th to accommodate those who prefer not to be outside. This option ensures that all attendees can participate comfortably, regardless of their preference for indoor or outdoor settings. The two livestream locations are:
- Seigle Hall L006
- Simon Hall Room 1
The recording will be on this page after the event.
Will I receive my actual diploma during the ceremony?
No. The registrar’s office will coordinate your diploma shipment once your degree is conferred by the Board of Trustees and Chancellor Martin.
Diplomas will be shipped to your Diploma Mailing Address in WebSTAC. If you do not have a Diploma Mailing Address listed, your diploma will be shipped to your Home Address listed in WebSTAC.
Where do I return my regalia after the ceremony has ended?
You return your regalia to the Danforth Bookstore in the lower level coursebook area, Mallinckrodt Center. We recommend you contact the bookstore at 314-935-5500 for further questions.
How do I sign up a guest for mobility assistance?
For mobility assistance that was not noted during the student's registration, please e-mail McKelvey_Commencement@wustl.edu. The events team will contact sign-ups a week before each ceremony.
Does the university provide wheelchairs for guests attending graduation ceremonies?
We have a limited number of wheelchairs available for WashU graduation festivities. If you need further assistance, please contact the McKelvey Commencement Office at McKelvey_Commencement@wustl.edu.
My question is not listed here. Where can I find the answer?
You can contact either your Program Office or email McKelvey_Commencement@wustl.edu.
Resources
- WashU Commencement Website
- McKelvey Engineering PhD Hooding Program 2024
- McKelvey Engineering BS/MS Ceremony Program 2024
- McKelvey Engineering Honors Ceremony Program 2024
- McKelvey Engineering Recognition program 2023
- Latin Honors for the Class of 2023
- Gradimages from Recognition Ceremony
Contact us