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Convocation FAQ

Each year, we celebrate the graduating classes of Informatics, MLIS, MSIM and Ph.D. students at Convocation. Residential and online students are invited to participate. Information below applies to typical Convocation ceremonies. If you have specific questions about this year’s Convocation ceremony, check your email for messages titled “Convocation Update” or email iConvocation@uw.edu.

iSchool Convocation General Communication Timeline

Autumn quarter:

  • iSchool community: Announcement about Convocation date and anticipated time.
  • Bachelor’s degree: If you plan to graduate this year, please apply to graduate by following the instructions linked in the Informatics resource site.
  • Master’s degree: Autumn quarter graduates apply for graduation through the Graduate School. Eligibility starts on the first day of your last quarter.
  • Ph.D.: Schedule your final exam. 

Winter quarter:

  • iSchool community: Announcement about Convocation date and anticipated time.
  • Bachelor’s degree: If you haven’t applied but plan to graduate this academic year, please apply to graduate by following the instructions linked in the Informatics resource site.
  • Master’s degree: Winter quarter graduates apply for graduation through the Graduate School. Eligibility starts on the first day of your last quarter.
  • Ph.D.: Schedule your final exam.
  • International students: Request an "Invitation to Graduation Ceremonies" letter. The iSchool will send an email announcement about how to submit a request and the deadline for submitting a request.
  • Graduation participation survey will be sent to summer and autumn graduates about their interest in participating in graduation ceremonies.
  • UW Office of Ceremonies updates its website with information on the current academic year's Commencement Ceremony.

Spring quarter:

  • Bachelor’s degree: If you haven’t applied but plan to graduate this academic year, please apply to graduate by following the instructions linked in the Informatics resource site.
  • Master’s degree: Spring quarter graduates apply for graduation through Graduate School. Eligibility starts on the first day of your last quarter. The iSchool will set a priority deadline by which you should apply for graduation.
  • Ph.D.: Schedule your final exam.
  • The iSchool Convocation Participation Survey is sent to all iSchool Students. Students who are graduating in spring or summer quarters should complete the survey by the announced deadline (generally around the end of April) to indicate their participation plans in the iSchool Convocation.
  • The UW will send communications about the UW Commencement Ceremony as well as ordering caps, gowns, and other graduation items.
  • The iSchool will provide information on requesting loaner caps and gowns.
  • Announcements about the convocation speaker, finalized start time, and other details about the Convocation event will be shared.
  • At least a week prior to the event, participating students (i.e., those graduating students who indicated they are participating in the ceremony) receive details on when and where to check in for the ceremony as well as other pertinent information.

iSchool Convocation Frequently Asked Questions: 

Q: I think I’m ready to graduate. What should I do?

Q: Who should I contact if I have questions?

If you have questions about the Convocation event, email iconvocation@uw.edu. 

If you have questions about your eligibility to graduate or participate in ceremonies, email your program’s academic advisor.

Q: I have guests who need an Invitation to Graduation Ceremonies for non-U.S. citizens. How do I request that?

The iSchool can provide Invitation to Graduate Ceremonies letters for our family/friends who need to secure a visa to enter the U.S. The request process opens in January and runs through February. If you miss the window to request a letter, email iConvocation@uw.edu. We will try to accommodate your request.

Q: Are tickets required?

A: Guests of graduating students do not need tickets to enter the ceremony, but the students themselves will need to register for the event via the iSchool Convocation Participation Survey by the deadline. 

Q: Where is the iSchool Convocation Participation survey?

A: The iSchool Convocation Participation survey is sent to summer and autumn graduates in January. All other graduating students (winter, spring and the following summer graduates) planning to participate in the annual Convocation ceremony will receive the survey at the beginning of spring quarter. The survey is sent by email and has a strict deadline by which students need to respond to participate in Convocation.

Q: Can I participate virtually?

A: Yes. The Convocation ceremony is livestreamed via the iSchool YouTube channel, and graduating students are able to participate virtually by submitting materials in advance to be integrated into the ceremony. You need to complete the Convocation Participation survey to indicate your participation virtually.

Q: What do I need to wear to Convocation?

A: Regalia (proper academic attire) is required to participate in Convocation and can be ordered through the UW Commencement site.  Information is available in spring quarter. The iSchool also has a limited number of caps and gowns (primarily master’s degree regalia) that we can loan to students. 

Q: I am not going to participate, but I still want to order a tassel (or other regalia) and I will need these materials shipped to me. What is the process for this?

A: The UW Bookstore sells tassels in many different colors. To order a tassel, please call the bookstore directly at 1-800-335-7323 and ask for the Husky Shop. Payment and shipping can be arranged through the bookstore.

Q: When do graduates need to arrive the day of Convocation?

A: Information on when you need to arrive and other day of details will be sent to participating students at least a week prior to the ceremony.

Q: When does Hec Edmundson Pavilion open for the day of Convocation?

A: Students should plan to arrive at 10:30 a.m. Additional information will be provided in the day-of event instructions that will be emailed to participating students approximately a week before the ceremony.

Q: Where is Hec Edmundson Pavilion?

A: Hec Ed is located on Montlake Boulevard, just north of Husky Stadium.

Q: What if my guest or I need disability seating or access?

A: For students, you will be able to indicate these needs in the Convocation survey. The survey will be sent to all graduating students once it is available.

For guests, Hec Ed has assigned accessibility seating areas.  Please have your guests arrive early and ask a Hec Ed employee to guide you to that seating.

Q: When is UW Commencement?

A: UW Commencement is a separate ceremony from iSchool Convocation. The 2025 UW Commencement ceremony is on June 14. You can find more information on the UW Commencement website. 

Other questions? Email iConvocation@uw.edu.

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