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Volunteer for Commencement

Join us in creating a memorable occasion for the graduating Class of 2026. Volunteer at the 2026 Commencement Ceremony on June 18, 2026 Alaska Airlines Arena University of Washington.

Sign Up to Volunteer

Volunteers make this event possible and help graduates feel special on their commencement day. Please sign up now by completing a short form. After signing up, volunteers will receive more detailed information.

Sign Up Now

The reasons we volunteer remain true. Flashback to 2024 to hear why commencement day is always our favorite day of the year.

Participation and Staffing Opportunities

Here's a brief look at what commencement looks like behind the scenes, and why we need your support. 

We have space for volunteers to check-in, rest and fuel-up, and deploy to assignments in The Founders' Club, located in the west end of Alaska Airlines Arena above the Husky Hall of Fame. At the end of the event after everything is packed up and loaded, we invite volunteers to join us for an after-party to continue the good vibes of the day and close out the academic year.

Volunteer Entrance

Please note, volunteers should enter Alaska Airlines Arena via the loading dock entrance on the north side of the building off Snohomish Lane N. All those who use the main entrances are subject to the UW Clear Bag Policy and a security check. If you enter through the loading dock, you do not need to bring your personal items in a clear bag. However, there is no locked storage space in the Founder's Lounge. We recommend keeping your personal items to a minimum and keep your valuables with you.

Map of Alaska Airlines Arena pointing out the loading dock entrance on the north side of the building as the volunteer entrance

Setting Up for the Day

9 a.m. to Noon

  • Unloading, distribution of signage, concourse set-up, steaming of faculty/staff gowns

Before and During the Ceremonies

11:30 to 3:30 p.m. - Ceremony #1 begins at 1 p.m.
4:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Ceremony #2 begins at 6 p.m.

  • Before: parking and transportation support, welcoming grads and guests, tabling with registration, gown assistance, supporting the selfie booth, faculty and staff regalia check-out
  • During: assisting with student movement, ushering students into seats, cheering grads on

After the Ceremonies / Cleanup

8:30 to 9:30 p.m.

  • Staffing: ushering grads and guests out, encouraging donation to cap and gown loaner program, packing/cleaning up
  • Faculty and staff regalia check-in

After Party

8:30 to 11 p.m.

  • Celebrate the end of the academic year and the conclusion of commencement at the employee After Party in Connibear Shellhouse.

Volunteer Training Slides

Review the volunteer training slides below or open the slide deck in a new tab.