2025 Commencement Ceremony

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.

Apply For Graduation

The following students are invited to participate in the 2025 Commencement Ceremony:

• Fall 2024 graduates
• Spring and Summer 2025 degree (AA, AS, AAS) and certificate (BTC, ITC, ATC) candidates
• Fourth-year apprenticeship students (Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing)
• GED completers

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 College's Online Diploma Services may be 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.

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.

Learn More About Graduation Honors

Graduates

CWI Celebrates Inclusivity at Commencement. We recognize that graduation day may pose accessibility challenges for some students. We are committed to creating an inclusive and celebratory experience for all graduates, and accommodations are available upon request.

Please notify CWI of your accessibility needs by Friday, May 9. This allows us to ensure your smooth participation in the ceremony.

Some examples of available accommodations include:

• Preferred seating: We can reserve seating near an aisle or exit for easier access.
• Standing or moving freely: If sitting for extended periods is difficult, you may stand at the back or move as needed.
• Early dismissal: You may leave the ceremony a few minutes before the official ending.

Additional considerations: Towards the end of the ceremony, there will be celebratory music and confetti bursts. Please let us know if you require any adjustments related to sensory sensitivities. We are dedicated to accommodating your needs and look forward to celebrating your achievements with you!

Commencement Guests

We encourage guests who require special accommodations, such as accessible seating or assistance with mobility, to arrive early at 6:00 PM when public doors open. This allows extra time for us to ensure your comfort and enjoyment of the ceremony.

Seating Assistance: Friendly ExtraMile Arena ushers will be available to guide guests to their seats and provide any needed assistance.

Accessibility: Guests requiring elevator access should follow signs or inquire with an usher upon arrival.

Parking: All guests will be directed to designated Commencement ceremony parking near the arena. A short walk from the parking area to the arena entrance is required. Shuttles are available from parking garages.

Graduates, please email Heather Grayson at heathergrayson@cwi.edu with questions.

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.