Commencement Office

Anna Quindlen to deliver
Commencement address

Bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Anna Quindlen has been selected to give the 2017 Commencement address, according to Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton.

Chancellor Wrighton made the announcement to the Class of 2017 during the annual Senior Class Toast Tuesday, April 4, in the Danforth University Center. Read more.


Congratulations, graduates! Welcome, family and friends! This is your guide to Commencement 2017. Please forward this information to family and friends who plan to join us for this celebration.

Save the dates: May 17–19

Visit commencement.wustl.edu for the latest information.


Preparing for Commencement

Order your cap and gown

If you haven't ordered your regalia, place your order online or at the bookstore. Deadline: April 15, 2017

Get ready for #WashU17 Senior Week

Seniors (and senior parents): Don't forget to order a senior week package.

Honor the tradition

Trace the history of Commencement from the first ceremony in 1862. Learn about the university ring, regalia and shield.

Two options to honor your graduate

Families are invited to honor their graduate through the commemorative bricks and bookplates program.

Commencement flowers now available

Place your order today for a graduation bouquet. Flowers will be available for pickup at Commencement.

Download the app – WashUevents

Plan your visit and customize your schedule using WashUevents Commencement Guide available for download.


Commencement overview

Commencement will be Friday, May 19, 2017, at 8:30 a.m. rain or shine. Tickets are not needed for Commencement. Seats are available first come, first served. Please note, graduation ceremonies take place May 17–19. Be sure to check the calendar of events for ceremonies affiliated with your school and program.

Assembly points, procession, seating and diploma distribution

All candidates must report to their assembly point by 8 a.m. The procession will begin at 8:30 a.m. sharp.

Coming to campus

Learn about campus accessibility, Metrolink and parking. View maps and find hotels.

Severe weather planning

If the weather is sufficiently threatening, an alert will be posted online by 7 a.m. on the morning of Commencement.

School and college ceremonies

Each school and college holds a separate ceremony recognizing each graduate, with graduates walking across the stage.


Preserve your memories and share your story

Capture and preserve your memories in a custom photo book

Create your own photo book featuring images from our award-winning photographers. Sign up for information today.

Share your story

Share the news of your degree with your hometown paper. Submit your information by May 24, 2017.

Tag your memories with #WashU17

Celebrate graduation by sharing your tweets, photos, and videos using the #WashU17 hashtag.

Take WashU with you

Washington University invites all students and alumni to be a part of the university ring tradition.

What are you doing after graduation?

Share your success. Report your plans with the Career Center. Are you still working on your post-graduate plan? Contact the Career Center today.


Additional Information

Photography and Video

Visiting St. Louis

Weekend Alumni Activities