Graduating Seniors

Important Deadlines

• March 8, 2024: Nomination deadline for the Distinguished Teaching Award.
• April 6, 2024: Deadline to order new caps and gowns.
• Beginning May 6, 2024: Recycled caps and gowns available for pick-up at the WCTS building. Purchased caps and gowns available for pick-up at the Bookstore.

Senior Handbook

Please read the senior handbook cover-to-cover to make sure you know all of the academic deadlines and requirements for graduation. See also the Senior Degree Checklist.

Participating in the Commencement Ceremony

The Commencement Ceremony will consist of one ceremony for graduating students. Participation is a requirement for graduation. Family, friends and members of the Whitman community may attend in person or participate online through the livestream, which will be broadcast on whitman.edu/commencement.

Caps and Gowns

All seniors participating in the commencement ceremony are required to obtain their commencement regalia (cap, gown and tassel). 

1. Option 1: Choose from Whitman’s supply of free-to-use recycled caps and gowns. Starting on May 6, 2024, these items can be picked up (first come, first serve, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at Whitman College Technology Services, 416 E. Main St., Room 132. All students must purchase a tassel, either at the campus bookstore or online.
2. Option 2: Purchase a new cap, gown and tassel online. April 6, 2024 is the deadline for online orders, which can be shipped to a designated address or picked up at the Whitman College Bookstore beginning May 6.

Commencement Announcement Cards & Diploma Frames

If you would like to purchase announcements or a special frame for your diploma, they can be purchased online through Herff Jones. They will be shipped to the address of your choice.

Senior Memo

The Senior Memo is sent directly to graduates. The memo includes important information and logistics about the Commencement ceremony.

Transcripts

Order official transcripts via web, mail, fax or in person.

Post-Grad Careers & Networking

Contact the Career and Community Engagement Center to get the career advice you need from networking sessions and workshops, fine-tuning job research materials, identifying potential employers, researching graduate programs and post-baccalaureate internships. Get trained to obtain a list of alumni mentors from Whitman Connect, our online alumni database, who can help you learn about career fields, employers and possible job leads.

Have questions about Commencement? See the Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, then call the Office of Conferences, Events and Scheduling at 509-527-5251 or email commencement@whitman.edu.