2025 Graduate Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m.
Whitworth Pine Bowl

Tickets & Seating

The gates to the bleacher and field seating will open at 9 a.m. Guests should not congregate before the gates open as this may block vital entryways for setup or the Loop Road. 

Tickets will not be required for guests wishing to attend the graduate commencement ceremony. Guests will be seated on the field of the Pine Bowl. There will be ample seating for any guests with mobility concerns on the field; no special tickets or reservations will be needed.

Parking

Parking will be open across campus on Saturday, May 17. Accessible parking will be available for guests with disabilities along Graves Gym and the WALT. A Commencement Weekend map will be available in the spring.

Prohibited Items/Security Procedures

To ensure a safe and pleasant ceremony for you and your guests, the following will not be permitted at the commencement ceremony:

• Weapons of any kind are prohibited on Whitworth's campus. Please see Whitworth's University Policies for additional information.
• Umbrellas or balloons, as they will obstruct the sightlines for other guests.
• Large bags or backpacks; small handbags only. All bags are subject to search. 
• Noisemakers, as they are disruptive and may add significant time to the ceremony.
• Tripods or large photography/videography equipment. These can obstruct aisles and sightlines. A professional photographer will be capturing photos of the graduates as they cross the stage, and a video of the ceremony will be available for purchase.
• All food and drink, with the exception of water. Guests are encouraged to bring water with them, especially, if the weather is warm.
• Pets or emotional support animals. Per the campus animal policy, only service animals will be permitted at the ceremony.

Weather Preparation

The commencement ceremony is held outside, rain or shine. We strongly encourage all guests and participants to check the weather forecast and come appropriately attired (weather-friendly clothing, hats, sunscreen, water, etc.). Water is allowed into the ceremony, and all are encouraged to bring water with them.

Ceremony Photography

Prior Moments Photography is the official Whitworth commencement ceremony photographer. They will take photos as graduates walk across the stage, as well as during the ceremony in general. Photos will be available for purchase in June 2025 on their website.

Ceremony Livestream

The ceremony will be livestreamed for those unable to attend on the Whitworth University YouTube channel.

Accommodations

As May is a busy month for the city of Spokane, we highly recommend that guests who will be traveling to commencement book accommodations soon. A list of nearby hotels is available here.

Public Health Protocols

Whitworth will follow all public health guidelines in place at the time of commencement weekend.

Please contact commencement@whitworth.edu or 509.777.3320 with questions.