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Annual Commencement Ceremony

The University of Montana Western
127th Annual Commencement Ceremony

10:00am Saturday, May 4, 2024
Straugh Gymnasium

Commencement Ceremony

The University of Montana Western’s 127th Annual Commencement Ceremony is scheduled for 10:00am on Saturday, May 4, 2024 in Straugh Gymnasium.

This ceremony is to recognize all students who have completed a certificate, Associate’s degree, or Bachelor’s degree during the Summer or Fall 2023 terms, or have applied for an are on track to complete a certificate or degree in Spring 2024. Students must formally submit an Application for Graduation within the posted deadlines and receive a degree audit confirming they have completed or will complete their certificate or degree in the 2023-24 academic year. Students completing their degree in Summer 2024 must apply and receive approval by the Registrar’s Office for Early Graduation if they wish to walk in Commencement in Spring 2024. Any questions regarding eligibility to participate in Commencement should be directed to the UMW Registrar’s Office.

Tickets

All students who RSVP and are approved by the Registrar’s Office will receive 4-6 tickets for guest seating in the Straugh Gymnasium. The final number of tickets per student will be announced the first week of April and is based on the total number of students participating Commencement. Tickets are free of charge, hold no monetary value, and can only be picked up by the student in person with a photo ID. For students who are bringing more than the 4-6 ticketed guests, an additional viewing area with open seating is available for a live stream viewing of the ceremony in the Keltz Arena (in the same building as the Straugh Gymnasium). Seating in the Keltz Gymnasium does not require tickets.

RSVP to Commencement

Graduates and degree candidates need to let us know if they plan to “walk” in Commencement by submitting an online RSVP. Graduates and degree candidates can RSVP to the 127th Annual Commencement Ceremony by clicking the link below beginning January 1, 2024. All RSVPs must be submitted no later than Wednesday, March 17, 2024 and will be verified by the Registrar’s Office.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR COMMENCEMENT

Required Regalia (cap & gown)

Degree candidates and graduates planning to participate in Commencement will need to wear a solid black cap and gown. Graduates and degree candidates can purchase regalia through our preferred provider, Oak Hall, for $25.00 beginning January, 1, 2024. All orders placed through Oak Hall will be shipped directly to UMW for pick-up the week of Commencement and must be placed no later than Wednesday, March 17, 2024. Students also have the option to order the regalia from other vendors, however the color and style may not match those ordered through Oak Hall.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR REGALIA

Honors Cords

Associate or Bachelor degree candidates and graduates with qualifying institutional cumulative GPAs have the option to purchase honor cords from the UMW Bookstore for $10.00 in May 2024. Please check the Catalog for Institutional GPA Honors requirements.

Rehearsal & Legacy Plaza Celebration

Rehearsal for all graduates and degree candidates is scheduled for Friday, May 3, 2024 at 2:00pm in the Lucy Carson Library and end in the Straugh Gymnasium. Attendance is not required but is strongly encouraged! This is a great opportunity to review where to go and what to expect on Saturday morning. UMW’s Director of Campus Events and Commencement Staff will be available to answer any last minute questions. Family and friends are welcome to join students for Rehearsal.

Legacy Plaza Celebration begins at 3:30pm in the Legacy Plaza and welcomes the Class of 2024 to the UMW Alumni Family. All students in attendance will receive a special UMW Alumni tassel to wear during commencement. Family and friends are invited to attend this fun celebration. Follow these links to order your Alumni License Plate and Legacy Brick now!

Important Information

  • Graduates, candidates and guests must follow all staff instructions during the event
  • Guests must remain in the audience for the duration of the ceremony
  • UMW is a tobacco free campus
  • Pets are not allowed but registered service animals are welcomed

Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities

If you or a family member requires any special assistance at the ceremony due to a disability or mobility challenges, please email [email protected] by April 28, 2024.

Event Parking & Campus Map

Parking will be available throughout campus as well as on the public streets surrounding campus. Please view this campus map to become familiar with campus before arriving.

Livestream

The livestream for the University of Montana Western’s 127th Annual Commencement Ceremony will be available for viewing the day of the ceremony.

Digital Program

The digital program for the University of Montana Western’s 127th Annual Commencement Ceremony will be available for viewing the day of the ceremony.

Diplomas

Students who complete their degree at the end of the Spring term will have their diploma(s) mailed to the diploma mailing address listed on their Application for Graduation. Generally, diplomas are mailed approximately twelve (12) weeks after Commencement. Students can email updated diploma mailing addresses to [email protected]

Holds

If you have a hold on your account, you will be allowed to participate in the commencement ceremony.  However, you will not receive your diploma or transcript until all holds have been lifted.  Please check your DAWGS account to see if you have any holds.

Please contact [email protected] with questions.

Updated February 8, 2024