Graduates
On Friday, June 20, 2025, graduates from all three Seattle Colleges will join together to celebrate their accomplishments in front of proud family members, friends, faculty, staff, and guests. The anticipation and preparation for this day is long-awaited. Chancellor Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap and the leadership of Seattle Colleges will be there to confer degrees as each graduate makes that milestone walk across the stage at Alaska Airlines Arena on the campus of the University of Washington in Seattle.
Graduates should plan to arrive when doors open to ensure enough time to pass through security and get your GradPass/StagePass. Doors open 90 minutes before each ceremony.
- 3 p.m. Ceremony: Doors open at 1:30 p.m.
- 7 p.m. Ceremony: Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Read more about which ceremony to attend on the Event Information and Updates page.
First Stop: Get Your Grad Pass / Stage Pass
Graduates, you will need a physical GradPass/StagePass card to walk across the stage at the commencement ceremony. Pick up your GradPass/StagePass when you arrive at Alaska Airlines Arena. After security check, you will pick up your GradPass/StagePass by entering a line with the first letter of your last name.
Keep your GradPass/StagePass card with you. You will be asked to show your GradPass/StagePass before you walk across the stage.
Click on the topics below for important information to assist as you plan for your commencement day.
Before you can register to attend commencement you need to apply for graduation. Refer to your college’s graduation website for information about applying for graduation, deadlines, and related information.
Commencement is the annual shared event on Fri., June 20, 2025, where we celebrate our graduates’ accomplishments along with family, faculty and staff, and the community.
Eligible graduates are invited to register to attend the commencement ceremony through the email address and mobile phone on file in ctcLink. The link to register for Commencement will be emailed to eligible students by Wednesday, May 15. The registration process allows you to record your name to ensure it is pronounced correctly and allows you to leave a quote about your experience at Seattle Colleges. Once you register for Commencement, it will activate your Grad Pass, which is required to cross the stage on June 20. Learn more.
Parking and Transportation
The Alaska Arena website shows the various ways to get to and places to park at or near Alaska Arena. We encourage graduates and guests to use convenient Sound Transit Link Light Rail transportation (UW Station) and close walking access to the Alaska Arena.
- Accessible parking is available. ADA and mobility-limited parking may be purchased in advance through the Husky Ticket Office at tickets@uw.edu or (206) 543-2200. A valid state-issued disability parking placard or identification (ID) card is required for purchase.
Facilities
- Alaska Airlines Arena requires everyone to go through security and metal detectors before entering the arena.
- Please read the clear bag policy for a full list of prohibited items.
- Refreshments will be available for purchase at arena concession stands.
- Gender-neutral restrooms are available.
- The quiet lounge is located in room 145. Ask an attendant or usher for assistance.
Accessibility
- Ceremony
- Captions will be displayed on screen.
- ASL interpreters will be displayed on the screens.
- Service animals are welcome at Alaska Airlines Arena.
- All restrooms are ADA accessible.
- If requested, a student with a disability can be accompanied by a companion.
If you or your guests require other disability-related accommodations, contact your campus Disability Support Services office.
Concourse Map, Food, Restrooms, etc.
A map of the concourse at Alaska Arena will be available shortly.
After you pick up your Grad Pass/StagePass, you can enjoy the selfie station and take professional headshots. Concession stands will be open where you can purchase refreshments, as well as a charging station for your phone. Restrooms are available for your use on the concourse. You can also take the time to relax before lining up for the processional 30 minutes before the ceremony.
Schedule:
| 1:30 p.m. | Doors open for graduates and guests attending ceremony #1 |
| |
| 2:30 p.m. | Graduates line up. |
| |
| 3 p.m. | Ceremony #1 begins with processional. |
| 4:30 p.m. | Ceremony concludes. |
| 5:30 p.m. | Doors open for graduates and guests attending ceremony #2 |
| 6:30 p.m. | Graduates line up. |
| 7 p.m. | Ceremony #2 begins with processional. |
| 8:30 p.m. | Ceremony #2 concludes. |
Conduct Agreement
The commencement ceremony is a dignified academic event that recognizes the achievements of graduates and honorees. By participating, you agree to adhere to the following guidelines:
- Silence all cell phones and devices.
- Keep aisles clear.
- Refrain from blocking anyone’s view of the stage.
- No alcohol or smoking.
Graduates are encouraged to return to their seats after they receive their diploma cover and remain until the ceremony concludes. Please plan accordingly.
Diplomas and Diploma Covers
Graduates participating in commencement ceremonies will receive a Seattle Colleges diploma cover. Upon successful completion of your degree requirements, your official diploma will be mailed to the address in your student ctcLink account approximately 8 to 10 weeks after the end of the quarter.
Visit your college’s graduation page for more information about diplomas and ordering duplicate diplomas.
Cap and Gown
A cap and gown are required for all graduates participating in the commencement ceremony.
Attire and Personal Items
- Wear comfortable shoes. Graduates will be walking and standing for extended periods of time.
- Heels are not recommended. Graduates will be walking on a warming track during the processional and up and down multiple sets of stairs during the ceremony.
- Personal storage is unavailable. Bring only small necessary items (phone, wallet, keys, tiny purse) to the ceremony.
- Concessions will not be accepting cash. Please bring another method of payment if you choose to purchase snacks.
- Balloons are not allowed inside the arena. There will be balloon parking outside the building for those that bring balloons.
GradImages, will be taking the photos of graduates as they are recognized on stage. Proofs will be emailed and mailed to your home address.
- If you have questions regarding your proofs, contact GradImages Customer Service Department: Phone at (800) 261-2576 or email at giservice@gradimages.net.
- You may preregister your email address at gradimages.com/Preregistration to ensure an accurate address is on file. By pre-registering, you will receive a coupon for 20% off your order.
Guests
Graduates are encouraged to bring guests to attend the ceremony.
- Seattle Colleges does not use a ticketing system for guests.
- There is no limit on the number of guests a graduate may bring.
- Information for guests
Invitations
You may invite as many guests as you would like. Invitations and/or tickets are not required for entry to Alaska Airlines Arena.
Download a digital invitation to send friends and family.
Use the PNG file if you want to insert the invitation into the body of an email.
coming soon
Sharing on Social Media
Congratulations, you will soon be a Seattle Colleges alum. We know you will do great things. Please share your successes with Seattle Colleges on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X/Twitter. We encourage you to use the tags #SeattleCollegesAlum and/or #SeattleCollegesGrad25.
Livestream
Watch the livestream of Seattle Colleges Commencement on Friday, June 20, starting at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. PDT at www.scctv.net.
For those unable to attend commencement in person, SCCTV will livestream the ceremony on Friday, June 21, starting at 5 p.m. PDT at www.seattlecolleges.tv. Following the ceremony, SCCTV will post the video for on-demand viewing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Didn't find the information you were looking for? Check out this list of answers to frequently asked questions about commencement.