Washington University in St. Louis confers degrees three times a year: May, August and December. Two ceremonies are available for graduating students and their guests to attend.
May Commencement Ceremony
The University Commencement ceremony is held each May on Francis Field on the Danforth Campus. The university invites all students who have been conferred degrees during the academic year to attend Commencement activities.
December Recognition Ceremony
The Recognition Ceremony is held each December inside the Athletic Complex on the Danforth Campus. The university invites students who have been recommended for degree conferral in August and December to attend Commencement activities.
Intent to Graduate
Washington University students are required to file an Intent to Graduate in order to graduate or to participate in Commencement activities. Deadlines for filing an Intent are established by each school and posted in WebSTAC.
Diplomas
May Graduates
The Office of the University Registrar submits diploma orders to our vendor after degree conferral is complete. Students graduating in May will receive their diploma after degrees are conferred, ordered and shipped to the Diploma Mailing Address in WebSTAC.
August Graduates
August degrees are conferred in September, which occurs after the degree date. Our office submits diploma orders to our vendor after the degree conferral is complete. The date printed on the diploma however will reflect the graduation date for the summer term.
December Graduates
December degrees are conferred in January, which occurs after the degree date. Our office submits diploma orders to our vendor after degree conferral is complete. The date printed on the diploma however will reflect the graduation date for the fall term.
Official Academic Transcripts
Graduates may place an order for an official academic transcript through WebSTAC or Parchment. Visit our Transcripts page for details. Transcripts may be sent electronically, by mail, or picked up in our office. Processing take 7-10 business days due to the high volume of orders immediately after degree conferral.
Degrees conferred by Washington University appear on the student’s transcript, in English, with the conferral date, majors, minors, Latin honors, certificates and awards.
Official Degree Validation
While graduates await degree conferral and their physical and electronic diplomas, they may contact the Academic Office of their school to obtain official verification of program completion before degree records appear on the transcript.
Once degree records are conferred, graduates may request an official degree verification letter in WebSTAC or by contacting our office.