Commencement 2018: For Graduates

Preparing for Commencement

This information is subject to change so please check back frequently. UPDATES will be posted when available.

Graduate Fair

  • Visit the campus bookstore for the Graduate Fair held from February 20 through the 23rd. Learn more here.

Regalia

  • ORDER REGALIA 
    Order your regalia at the Graduation Fair, February 20 – 23, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Danforth Campus bookstore. If you are unable to attend the fair, please order your regalia online by March 23.
  • REGALIA PICKUP: MAY 14-17, 2018
    May 14-May 16
    10 a.m.-6 p.m.
    May 17
    10 a.m.-7 p.m.
    Rental regalia will be available for pickup in the Danforth Campus bookstore, lower level coursebook area, Mallinckrodt Center.
    Students will be required to present their university photo ID to claim their orders.
  • RETURN REGALIA
    May 18-20, 2018
    Rental regalia must be returned no later than Sunday, May 20, 2018. On May 20, return regalia to the lower level of the Danforth Campus bookstore. An additional site will be available between Simon Hall and Seigle Hall.For more information, please contact the Danforth Campus bookstore’s general merchandise department at (314) 935-5606 or rick_parker@wustl.edu.

Submit the RSVP Form

  • All graduating students should complete this form before May 12. After that date, contact Beverly Owens directly at 314.935.6482.

Diplomas

  • You can check your name on WebSTAC to see how your diploma will be printed. If your name is incorrect, you must request a name change in the Student Records’ office. In addition to completing a change of name request, you will be asked to present proof of legal name (birth certificate, court order, passport), with picture ID.
  • Only official degree titles will appear on diplomas.
  • Immediately following the ceremony diploma distribution will occur in A-B Hall on the 4th floor, at the Law Library Circulation Desk. YOU WILL NEED A PHOTO ID TO PICK UP YOUR DIPLOMA.
  • All diplomas not claimed at the special ceremonies on the day of commencement are then returned to the Office of Student Records, where diploma distribution will continue for approximately 3 weeks.

Mandatory Training

  • All graduating students are required to attend a mandatory training session.  There are three training sessions; you may attend any one you choose as best fits your schedule.
    • April 20, 2018 – Classroom 204 – from 1:00-2:00 p.m.
    • April 27, 2018 – Bryan Cave Moot Courtroom, No. 310 – from 1:00-2:00 p.m.
    • May 04, 2018 – Bryan Cave Moot Courtroom, No. 310 – from 1:00-2:00 p.m.
  • If you have any questions or unable to attend any of the training sessions listed below, contact Beverly Owens| by email:  owensb@wustl.edu | by phone: 314.935.6482

Download the App

  • Download WashU events to access your guide to Commencement.
    Learn about individual recognition ceremonies for your school or division. Plan your visit and customize your schedule.

Commencement Day

  • Click here to view a combined schedule for Commencement day.

Severe Weather Plan

Hints to Help

  • Check the Law School website for weather-related updates beginning at 7:00 a.m.
  • Please travel light on the day of commencement – we suggest only items that fit in your pockets (your regalia should also have a pocket).
  • Be sure to bring the email with your Line-up Number.
  • The class photo will be taken promptly at 7:40 a.m. outside the 3rd floor entrance of Anheuser-Busch (A-B) Hall on commencement morning. Arrive early to be sure that you will be in the class photo.
  • You may sit by your friends during the main University commencement ceremony. (They should be in the front and back of you when you line up).
  • The Law School line-up will take place at the Athletics Complex. Use the sidewalk behind Fraternity Row to enter the Varsity Gym. Report to your spot in the line-up area. Follow the signs. Bring your email with your Line-up Number.
  • Each student will walk across the stage (stay in order) and hand their card to Dean Walsh. When your name is read, proceed to Dean Staudt. She will shake your hand, and a professional photo will be taken.  After the photo is taken, exit the stage to return to a seat. It may not be same seat in which you were sitting earlier.
  • The reception immediately follows the ceremony in A-B Hall, Crowder Courtyard (3rd floor) and Janite Lee Reading Room (4th floor).
  • Immediately following the ceremony diploma distribution will occur in A-B Hall on the 4th floor, northwest section of the Law Library. YOU WILL NEED A PHOTO ID TO PICK UP YOUR DIPLOMA.
  • Regalia should be returned by May 20 to the lower level of the Danforth Campus store.
  • Law School staff will be available to answer questions and assist you and your guests.
  • Tickets are not needed to attend the commencement ceremony or the reception.
  • Guests with mobility needs should click here for parking and seating information.

If you have any questions – please call Beverly Owens, 314-935-6482.

What to Bring

  • Class Photo – 7:40 a.m.
    Please travel light on the day of commencement – we suggest only items that fit in your pockets.
    Candidates should be wearing their regalia – including the hood. The hat, however, should be carried in the hands.
  • University Ceremony – 8:30 a.m.
    Candidates receiving graduate degrees should wear their hood and their hat with the tassels positioned on the left for the entire ceremony.
  • Law Recognition Ceremony – 11:30 a.m.
    Bring your email with your Line-up Number.
    Candidates receiving graduate degrees should wear their hood and their hat with the tassels positioned on the left for the entire ceremony.

You will need a photo ID to pick up your diploma after the ceremony. Click here for more information.

 

Commencement Speakers

  • Foreign policy expert and scholar Anne-Marie Slaughter will deliver the Commencement address at the University Ceremony. Click here for more information.
  • The faculty speaker is Rebecca Hollander-Blumoff, vice dean for research and faculty development and professor of law; student speakers are Sarah Watson and Meire Ferreira.

Parking and Transportation

Photographs and Class Photo

  • Class Photo

    7:40 am | Law School Photo
    Being late means not being pictured.

    WHERE: AB Hall, Outside 3rd Floor Entrance
    BRING: Candidates should be wearing their regalia – including the hood. The hat, however, should be carried in the hands.
    After the photo has been taken, remove the hood and follow the instructions below.

    Please note that professional pictures of each individual student will be taken and made available for purchase. Click here to view the Grad Images website. In addition, there will be a designated area where guests will be able to take photos.

Disability Accommodations

  • For full information regarding disability accommodations for the University ceremony, click here.

After Commencement

  • For information about activities and events after Commencement, click here.

Maps

Law School Details

University Ceremony: Assembly Points & Procession Order

Golf Cart Routes 

Additional Viewing Locations 

Campus Map 

#WashU18 and Email Updates

Help celebrate the Class of 2018 by sharing your tweets, photos, and videos using our official commencement hashtag. Don’t forget to sign up to receive email updates, as well.

Download the App

Download WashU events to access your guide to Commencement.
Learn about individual recognition ceremonies for your school or division. Plan your visit and customize your schedule.

Questions? Contact

Beverly Owens| by email: owensb@wustl.edu | by phone: 314.935.6482