DigiPen’s Commencement Ceremony brings together families, friends, and DigiPen’s faculty and staff to honor and recognize our graduating students. Commencement is typically held within two weeks after the spring semester final exam week. Graduates from fall, spring, and summer semesters of the academic year are invited to participate in the ceremony as we celebrate their incredible work and the completion of their degree requirements.
2023 Commencement Ceremony Details
Ceremony Information
Reception Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have to Purchase Regalia?
Students are required to purchase a cap and gown package to participate in the Commencement Ceremony. This package includes your graduation gown, graduation cap with degree-program tassel, and red DigiPen stole. You may purchase your regalia directly from our vendor, Jostens.
All refunds and exchanges must be handled through the vendor directly, rather than through DigiPen. If you have questions regarding potential refunds, we suggest that you reach out to the Jostens customer service team prior to ordering.
How Many Guests Can I Invite?
Students are currently allowed to invite four guests to the ceremony. Tickets will be available for pick up on campus in March (students will be notified via email of exact pick up dates). DigiPen-branded announcements and invitations can also be purchased through Jostens.
Note: Due to capacity limits at the venue, DigiPen is not able to provide any more than four guest tickets per graduate with no exceptions. If families require additional tickets, we suggest that they ask their graduate to speak with their classmates about whether or not they have unused tickets. Thank you for understanding.
When Will I Receive My Official Diploma?
Since the Commencement Ceremony occurs the weekend following finals, all of your grades have not been received — therefore you will receive your diploma after the ceremony takes place. You can select whether you would like to pick up your diploma from DigiPen or have it mailed to you in Colleague Self-Service, via your Graduation Application.
Occasionally, an employer will require proof of graduation. If you need proof of graduation and you have not yet received your diploma, we can provide proof through a Graduation Verification form. Email the Office of the Registrar to request a Graduation Verification form at registrar.us@digipen.edu.
Are There Any COVID Restrictions for This Event?
We kindly ask that all guests wear masks while indoors during the ceremony. Although this is not currently required in Washington state, this is a large event with high attendance and therefore a larger risk of COVID-19 exposure. As a courtesy to our graduates, families, and honored guests, we ask that you keep everyone’s safety in mind. Thank you!
What if I Have Additional Questions?
The Commencement Committee is here to help! If you have a question that we didn’t answer here, please feel free to contact:
Maddie Caswell, Director of Alumni Relations & Commencement Chair at alumnirelations@digipen.edu.
How to Apply for Graduation
Students should apply to graduate online, using the Colleague Self-Service platform. Please fill out all portions of this form, including your diploma pick-up preferences and whether you will be walking in the ceremony.
Graduating students are responsible for making sure they have satisfied all major requirements to graduate. It is strongly recommended that you meet with your Student Success Advisor (SSA) to perform a degree audit, identify any missing requirements, and verify that you are on track to graduate. Should you have any questions regarding requirements or degree audits, contact Student Affairs.