2023 Commencement Ceremony
Friday, May 12
7 p.m.
ExtraMile Arena
Plan to join us for College of Western Idaho's (CWI) 14th commencement ceremony in recognition of this year's degree, certificate, GED, and apprenticeship graduates. In addition to in-person attendance, the ceremony will also be streamed on the College’s website.
Graduate Information
Congratulations, graduates — you made it! We are looking forward to celebrating you and your accomplishments during this year's commencement ceremony.
Next Steps
- Apply for graduation by Monday, April 3.
- RSVP to attend commencement by Monday, May 1.
- Purchase your cap and gown, available at the CWI Bookstore beginning the last week of March.
Stay in the Know
Graduates are encouraged to check their student email account, the CWI newsroom, the College's social media channels, and the Commencement page regularly for announcements and up-to-date information. Please email registrar@cwi.edu with any questions.
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Commencement vs. Graduation
Graduation is receiving a degree or certificate from College of Western Idaho. A student graduates by 1) completing all degree or certificate requirements, and 2) completing a graduation application.
Commencement is the graduation ceremony - a celebration of the graduate’s accomplishments. Students are encouraged to participate in the commencement ceremony. Participation in the ceremony does not guarantee graduation. Therefore, it is important to meet with your advisor and review your program evaluation to confirm you are on track to graduate.
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Participation
The following students are invited to participate in the 2023 Commencement Ceremony:
- Fall 2022 graduates
- Spring and Summer 2023 degree (AA, AS, AAS) and certificate (BTC, ITC, ATC) candidates
- Fourth-year apprenticeship students (Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing)
- GED completers
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Degree Postings and Diplomas
The process of awarding degrees begins the week after grades are final. This process takes at least 3-4 weeks. Once awarding is complete, the degree or certificate information is available on your transcript. Be sure to select “After Degree is Posted” when ordering an official transcript from College of Western Idaho. This will ensure the degree has been posted before the transcript is sent.
Diplomas are mailed to the address you provided on your application and you should receive them approximately 5-7 business days from the time CWI places the order. You will receive an email from CWI's third party vendor once the diploma order has been placed.
The Diploma Reorder Form is used to order replacement diplomas. You should not use this form if something was wrong with your original diploma, i.e. name, degree, etc. In the event that something was incorrect on your original diploma, contact One Stop Student Services.
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Graduation Honors
Honor cords will be available for purchase at the beginning of April, at the Bookstore for $10.00 + tax.
Degree candidates who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance with a minimum institutional grade point average of 3.50 are academically distinguished at the Commencement Ceremony. Eligible students can purchase an honor cord at the Bookstore. This is based on the student's institutional GPA as of the most recent fall semester.
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Accommodations
Graduates
Accommodations are available to graduates that are in need of assistance. Graduates in need of accommodations must notify CWI by Friday, May 5, so arrangements can be made.
Some examples of accommodations for Commencement are preferred seating, ability to stand in the back row, if you cannot sit for long periods at a time, and the ability to leave the ceremony a few minutes before the rest of the graduates. Towards the end of the ceremony, there are cannons that release confetti, along with fun celebratory music that can be a trigger for some.
We are happy to accommodate you, and look forward to working with you.
Commencement Guests
Guests who need accommodations should arrive a little early to the ceremony, public doors open at 6pm. ExtraMile Arena ushers will be available to assist with seating.
Email Heather Grayson at heathergrayson@cwi.edu with questions.
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Receiving Your Diploma
Diplomas are mailed to the address you provided on your application and you should receive them approximately 5 – 7 business days from the time CWI places the order. You will receive an email from CWI's third-party vendor once the diploma order has been placed.
In the event that something was incorrect on your original diploma, contact One Stop Student Services.
Get Involved
Make this important milestone in your life even more memorable by being part of the 2023 Commencement Ceremony. Showcase your personal achievements as well as those of your classmates as this year's student speaker, or share your talents by applying to sing the national anthem. Applications are due by Wednesday, April 5!
Have A Story To Tell?
We are seeking story ideas for our graduating class of 2023.
- What is your CWI story?
- Do you have other family members graduating at the same time, e.g. mother/daughter?
- Are you a first-generation college graduate?
- Have you returned to school to get your dream job?
- Have you overcome major obstacles to receive your degree?
Email registrar@cwi.edu with your story and contact information. We cannot guarantee we will use every story but will do our best to follow-up. Your story may be used in CWI publications, other campus news media, or in the President’s commencement address.
Alumni
Join CWI's growing community of successful alumni. Committed to providing graduates with ongoing support through their continued achievements and milestones, we invite you to stay connected, get involved, give back, and discover resources as you embark on the next chapter of your journey.
Past Commencement Ceremonies
Each year, CWI honors its newest class of graduates during a commencement ceremony. From the College’s first commencement in 2009 held outside the Nampa Campus Academic Building to recognizing the achievements of thousands of graduates in-person and virtually over the past 14 years, these ceremonies mark a significant milestone in our students’ lives.
Relive the Excitement of Past Commencement Ceremonies
Questions?
For questions about commencement, please contact One Stop Student Services at 208.562.3000, or e-mail registrar@cwi.edu.
Graduate News
View all News
Congratulations to Class 12 of College of Western Idaho’s Law Enforcement program who were honored during a ceremony, May 10.
College of Western Idaho’s Registered Nursing program recognized its 2023 graduating class during a pinning ceremony Wednesday, May 11.
College of Western Idaho celebrated its 2023 class of graduates, May 12, in a commencement ceremony held at ExtraMile Arena in Boise.
With hundreds in attendance and a good time had by all, 2023 Grad Fest was a success!
Congratulations, 2023 graduates! Gather your friends, family, and classmates to celebrate all your accomplishments at Grad Fest!
College of Western Idaho’s Fire Service Technology and Practical Nursing programs will honor their Fall 2022 graduates with ceremonies.
College of Western Idaho celebrated its 2022 class of graduates, May 13, in a commencement ceremony held at ExtraMile Arena in Boise.
Speak Up! Ink Up!, a charity event hosted by 2022 College of Western Idaho graduate, Craig Petersen, raises nearly $11,500 for Idaho foster children.
Graduates, alongside their friends, family, and classmates, kicked off the countdown to graduation with a good time and great food during Grad Fest, May 4.
College of Western Idaho will celebrate its 2022 graduating class in a commencement ceremony Friday, May 13, at 7 p.m. at ExtraMile Arena in Boise.
Gather your friends, family, and classmates, and plan to join us for a good time and good eats during this year’s Grad Fest, May 4.
"Because of CWI, I am in a position to give back to my community and be a role model to those around me."