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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.

2024 Commencement Ceremony Details

Ceremony Information

  • Date: Sunday, April 28, 2024
  • Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. PDT
    • Graduates are required to arrive at the venue wearing their regalia no later than 11:30 a.m.
    • Doors open for guests at 12:00 p.m.

  • Location: Lynnwood Event Center, 3711 196th St. SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036

  • Parking: Parking is available on site until the lot is full. We recommend carpooling if possible.

Reception Information

  • Time: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (immediately following ceremony)

  • Location: DigiPen Campus, 9931 Willows Rd. NE, Redmond, WA 98052

  • Parking: Parking available on site.

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. Approximately 4–6 weeks after the end of their graduation term, graduates will be notified about when diplomas will be available and they will be given the option to have the diploma shipped or picked up in person.

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.

What if I Have Additional Questions?

The Commencement Workgroup 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.