Commencement 2024
The university-wide Commencement Ceremony will take place on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. on Francis Olympic Field. Additional climate-controlled and accessible viewing locations are listed below.
Tickets are required for Sunday’s Arts & Sciences undergraduate ceremony and Monday’s university-wide Commencement.
The tickets for the all-university Commencement ceremony have been sent directly to the graduates, and the tickets for the A&S undergraduate ceremony will be shared soon. The graduates are responsible for distributing the tickets among their respective guests.
Commencement is a rain or shine event. Seats are available first come, first served.
The following additional viewing locations will be available during the all-University Commencement ceremony on Monday, May 13. The locations below are accessible, provide seating with back support and are climate controlled.
New! Policy changes for Commencement
WashU has implemented several policy changes for the safety and convenience of our community during the university ceremony as well as the school recognition ceremonies and events.
Graduates may not bring any bags of any type onto Francis Olympic Field, or into the 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”. Clear bags will be available and free of charge in parking locations and at the ceremony entrances, for those who need them.
- 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.
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
2024 Calendar of Events
In addition to the university-wide Commencement Ceremony (for all schools and degrees), students are recognized at smaller events planned as part of Commencement.
Families should plan to attend their student’s school events as well as the university-wide Commencement Ceremony. School events are smaller and may include students crossing the stage for individual recognition, unlike the large university ceremony.
For questions about school or program events, click the information below for additional details.
| Friday, May 10, 2024 | ||
| 9:30 a.m. | Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences | 560 Trinity Building |
| 1:30 p.m. | McKelvey School of Engineering – PhD hooding | Emerson Auditorium |
| 3:00 p.m. | Arts & Sciences – graduate | Graham Chapel |
| 4:00 p.m. | Masters degrees within the School of Medicine | EPNEC (Eric P Newman Education Center) |
| Saturday, May 11, 2024 | ||
| 11:00 a.m. | McKelvey School of Engineering – Masters & Bachelors ceremony | Field House |
| 3:30 p.m. | Brown School | Field House |
| Sunday, May 12, 2024 | ||
| 8:30 a.m. | Arts & Sciences – undergraduate | Francis Olympic Field |
| 3:00 p.m. | Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts (Art & Architecture) | Varsity Gym |
| 5:30 p.m. | Olin Business School – undergraduate | Field House |
| Monday, May 13, 2024 | ||
| 9:00 a.m. | University-wide Commencement | Francis Olympic Field |
| 11:30 a.m. | School of Law | Field House |
| 11:30 a.m. | School of Continuing & Professional Studies | Graham Chapel |
| 1:30 p.m. | Program in Occupational Therapy | Graham Chapel |
| 1:30 p.m. | Program in Physical Therapy | Khorassan Ballroom – Chase Park Plaza |
| 1:30 p.m. | Program in Audiology and Communication Sciences | EPNEC (Eric P Newman Education Center) |
| 3:00 p.m. | Doctor of Medicine Program | Varsity Gym |
| 4:30 p.m. | Olin Business School – graduate | Field House |
Thank you for registering for the 2024 Affinity graduation ceremonies. Registration is now closed.
| Wednesday. May 8, 2024 | ||
| 7:00 p.m. | Lavender Graduation | Risa Commons |
| Thursday, May 9, 2024 | ||
| 9:00 a.m. | International Graduation | Graham Chapel |
| 3:00 p.m. | Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Graduation | Graham Chapel |
| Friday, May 10, 2024 | ||
| 9:00 a.m. | First Generation Graduation | Graham Chapel |
| 3:00 p.m. | Military & Veterans | Formal Lounge, Women’s Building |
| 6:00 p.m. | Latiné Graduation | Umrath Lounge |
| Saturday, May 11, 2024 | ||
| 1:00 p.m. | Bears with Cubs (Student-Parents) | The Graduate Center, suite 005, Women’s Building |
| 6:00 p.m. | Black Commencement | Graham Chapel |
| Wednesday, May 15, 2024 | ||
| 1:00 p.m. | Army ROTC ceremony | Graham Chapel |