May 30, 2025
We’re excited that you’ll be joining us for the UW ECE Graduation Celebration on Wednesday, June 11th, 2025!
Here are some important details and reminders to keep in mind:
Venue
Alaska Airlines Arena at the Hec Edmundson Pavilion
3870 Montlake Blvd NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Schedule
6:15 pm: Graduating students arrive at Loading Dock Check-in (see map). The main doors open, and guests may find their seats.
7:00 pm: Ceremony begins with faculty and student procession
9:00 pm: Estimated conclusion
Please enter through the loading dock (see the attached map for directions) and leave all bags with your guests. Once you check in, you’ll need to stay in the backstage area and will not be able to go meet your guests at their seats.
If you arrive late, you will be seated in the back row. Please arrive on time!
IMPORTANT NOTE: There will be a security bag/gown check (security will ask you to show the interior of your gown before entering the building, and there will be metal detectors). Concessions will not be sold. Guests may bring in an empty reusable bottle to fill with water inside the arena or may bring in an unopened disposable water bottle. Graduates will be provided with a water bottle at their seats.
Name Card
If your schedule allows, you can pick up your graduation name card before graduation at the ECE front desk on Monday, June 9, and Tuesday, June 10, from 9 am-12 pm and 1 pm-5 pm, or Wednesday, June 11, from 9 am-12 pm. Bring this card with you to graduation. If not, we’ll have your name card for you at the check-in table at graduation.
Instructions for Walking to the Stage
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A staff member will direct you to stand when it’s time for your row to walk towards the stage.
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You will be directed to walk up the stairs to the stage by a staff member.
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You will then hand your name card to the name reader. They will read your name, and you will walk across the stage.
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(PhD students only: There will be a stool located on the stage. You will sit on the stool to be hooded by your faculty adviser. After being hooded, please pause for the photographer to take a picture of you and your faculty adviser.)
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Approximately mid-stage, you will shake hands with Professor Klavins.
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At the end of the stage, please pause for our photographer to take an individual picture of you.
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Exit the stage by walking down the ramp, pick up your graduation gift, and return to your seat.
Tickets
Tickets are not necessary, so please bring as many guests as you’d like!
Dress Code
Please wear UW graduation regalia or semi-formal attire.
PhD Students
Please take your hood out of the packaging prior to lining up for the ceremony, and fold it over your right arm as you approach the stage. Your Faculty advisor or designated faculty representative will then take the hood and place it on you when you are on stage. Please make sure you have confirmed with your faculty advisor that they will be attending and will be able to hood you during the ceremony.
Parking
If you did not arrange for parking through UW Commencement, regular visitor parking rules apply. Visit this page for more information.
Accommodations
For accessible seating, ushers at the front doors will be available to guide and assist your guests to the designated area. Listening devices will also be available at the concession stand, and ushers can help with those as well.
Strollers
Guests can ask attendants for directions to the designated stroller storage area.
Balloons
…are unfortunately not allowed in the arena.
Donate Regalia after the Ceremony
If you would like to donate your graduation cap and gown to support future graduates who may not be able to afford regalia, please drop it off after the ceremony at the check-in tables or at the ECE Main Office during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.).
Livestream
A livestream link will be available on the ECE Graduation events page on Wednesday, June 11th.
Looking forward to celebrating with you on June 11th!