Congratulations!
Share your accomplishment with friends and family on social using #WGUgrad. Brag a little!
Part of Western Governors University
Virtual commencement.
Welcome to virtual commencement at WGU!
In light of the cancellation of WGU Commencement Weekends in Anaheim, Seattle and Denver, WGU is excited to announce another option for graduates who had registered to walk in one of the cancelled ceremonies. WGU will hold a Virtual Commencement on Saturday, August 22, to celebrate these graduates along with any others who are eligible to participate. Virtual commencements allow graduates to participate live or the option to celebrate at their convenience with friends and family at their own commencement watch party.
Please note, graduates who participate in a virtual commencement may still join us for an in-person commencement in the future.
To watch the virtual commencement visit this page or WGU’s official YouTube channel. You may also watch via WGU’s official Facebook page. Bookmark this page for easy navigation on commencement day.
Kudos to WGU's newest grads! We have some special congratulations for you:
Virtual Alumni Celebration.
Friday, August 21, 6 p.m. MDT
We're excited to announce our first ever Virtual Alumni Celebration! This fun event is a great way to kick off the Virtual Commencement Weekend where we will celebrate you and your accomplishments!
Tune in live on Facebook and YouTube Friday, August 21 (the night before commencement) at 6:00 p.m. MDT where you will:
- Enjoy comedian Steve Soelberg
- Hear from some WGU mentors
- Learn about unique opportunities for graduates
- Have a chance to participate in fun virtual games and giveaways!
You won't want to miss it! Don't forget to share the night on social media using #WGUgrad.
If you have any questions contact us by emailing alumni@wgu.edu.
Watch the Virtual Alumni Celebration live stream on August 21st.
6:00 p.m. MDT.
Virtual commencement communication FAQs.
Which email address can I expect information to be sent to me?
Communications are sent to the email address provided on the virtual commencement RSVP form. Graduates who register for virtual commencement will receive the following email communications: video clip instructions, deadline reminders, final details with instructions on how to view the virtual commencement, and a survey after commencement. If you have not received an email from us, contact commencement@wgu.edu.
What if I have not received a confirmation email that my RSVP has been received?
Please contact us commencement@wgu.edu.
Virtual commencement FAQs.
What is the virtual commencement?
WGU’s virtual commencement is an opportunity to honor graduates who planned to participate in a scheduled commencement this year but was canceled due to COVID-19. Please note, participating in virtual commencement does not replace a graduate’s option to walk in an in-person commencement in the future.
The virtual commencement program consists of a keynote address, graduate speeches, and the conferral of degrees (reading of names). Graduates are invited to participate live or on their own time.
What is the link to watch virtual commencement?
The link to watch virtual commencement is www.wgu.edu/virtual.
Is there a special login or credentials needed to view virtual commencement online?
No. The virtual commencement will be posted at www.wgu.edu/virtual and be available for viewing also on WGU Facebook and YouTube for viewing at your leisure.
Will both my name and degree be read at virtual commencement?
Graduates who RSVP and submit a video clip for this virtual commencement will be recognized. Each graduate’s name will be announced, while their name and degree will be displayed on screen.
I would like to be recognized for more than one WGU degree at virtual commencement. How do I go about requesting this?
When you RSVP for virtual commencement, please note this in the comments section, or email commencement@wgu.edu with this request before the RSVP deadline.
Will there be a separate ceremony for master’s and bachelor’s graduates?
No, graduates and guests will be able to view commencement content (e.g. graduate speeches and conferral of degrees) by selecting master’s or bachelor’s ceremony.
Do I have to watch the full commencement ceremony, or will it be segmented?
No. The commencement will be organized by segments (e.g. welcome and opening remarks, anthem singer, graduate speeches, keynote speaker, reading of graduate names), allowing graduates to select which content they view.
Virtual ceremony participation and RSVP FAQs.
Does my RSVP from a cancelled ceremony (Philadelphia, St. Louis) automatically RSVP me for virtual?
No, graduates will need to submit a new RSVP for the virtual commencement.
I did not RSVP for an in-person ceremony because I thought it would be cancelled. Can I participate in virtual commencement?
Yes, graduates will have an opportunity to participate in virtual commencement. Please bookmark this website where information will be posted about the next virtual commencement and eligibility guidelines.
Is there a limit on how many graduates can participate in virtual commencement?
To make virtual commencement the best experience possible for our graduates, the ceremony will be limited to the first 1,000 graduates who RSVP.
Virtual commencement video clip FAQs.
When will I receive instructions on how to submit my video clip?
Graduates who RSVP for virtual commencement will receive instructions within two business days. If you have not received your video clip instructions, please contact commencement@wgu.edu
I messed up my video and would like to submit again. Am I allowed to do this?
Yes, as long your new video clip is submitted by the submissions deadline.
What happens if I submit a video after the deadline?
Due to production schedules, late videos will not be accepted for virtual commencement.
I would like help with submitting my video. Can I email the commencement team to submit my video on my behalf?
The Commencement team is happy to assist you with your video submission. Please email us at commencement@wgu.edu
Regalia FAQs.
How can I order regalia?
WGU graduate regalia can be ordered from Oak Hall Cap and Gown.
Am I required to wear a cap and gown for my virtual commencement?
We encourage you to wear a cap and gown, but this is not required to participate in virtual commencement. If you choose not to wear regalia or do not have regalia, business professional attire is encouraged.
Diploma cover FAQs.
Will I receive a diploma cover if I participate in virtual commencement?
All graduates who participate in virtual commencement will receive a complimentary diploma cover via mail.