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2025 School of Social Work Graduation

The 2025 graduation will be held Thursday, June 12th at 7 p.m. at the Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. For those who may not be able to attend in person, the ceremony will be livestreamed on the School’s Youtube page here. The program will include remarks from Dean Michael Spencer, recognition awards, student performances, conferral of student degrees, and an inspiring presentation from our keynote speaker.

Family and Guests: Please enter only through the main entrances on the concourse. The doors will open at 6:00 PM. Graduation Committee Staff volunteers can be identified by SSW lanyards with colored name tags. If you have an issue and need assistance – please seek someone with a colored name tag. 

parking map

disability drop off

disability seating floor map

Entrance Map

Accessible Accordion

Venue: Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion, 3870 Montlake Blvd NE, Seattle, WA 98105

The Univ of Washington Light Rail stop is right in front of the pavilion and is a 4 minute walk.

General parking will be available in E1/E18, E12/19 parking lots. Parking will be available for purchase for $20.25 (via PaybyPhone). If you prepaid for parking through the UW Commencement Registration form, you will need to display that permit. Disabled parking is available in E17 and a disability placard is required to park there. There is also a drop-off area very close to the entrance where people with mobility impairments may be dropped off. Additional parking info available here.

Please enter only through the main entrances on the concourse. The doors will open at 6:00 PM. Seating inside the arena is first come, first serve. For mobility/hearing impaired guests- The family member or guest for whom you requested disability accommodation, and one (1) guest can sit in the designated areas. We ask that you please follow this seating request so we can accommodate other guests who have also requested disability accommodations. If there is space available once other guests have settled and the program has begun, other family members and guests may join that area. Seating on the left side of stage (while facing stage) are bleacher/stadium seating (there are no backs to this seating area). 
  • The sign language interpreters will be located off the left side of the stage (while facing the stage) and within clear view of the disability accommodation seating area.

For those who may not be able to attend in person, the ceremony will be livestreamed on the School’s Youtube page here. A recording of the ceremony will also be available online after the ceremony completes.

SSW Graduating Students in the BASW, MSW, and PhD programs:

  • Please enter and check in at the SE Loading Dock at 6:00pm. Those with mobility issues may enter the main entrance and go to the elevator in the southeast corner of the building (above the loading dock) to access the bottom floor.
  • We highly recommend NOT to bring any personal belongings when you line up. Please leave all personal belongings with family, friends or your guests ahead of time. We are not responsible for any misplaced or lost items.
  • The Masters’ Regalia (Black master’s gown, mortarboard with citron tassel, and citron hood) is NOT required.  “How to Hood Your Grad” Instructional Video
  • Please help each other with your hoods in the hallways before you enter the arena – all graduation regalia should be on prior to entering the arena floor. There’s a button on the inside of the MSW gown to secure the hood, but we recommend if you are using an undergrad gown that you secure the hood with a safety pin. We recommend watching this video and practicing beforehand. 

For SSW Instructors, Lecturers, and Faculty participating in the event:

  • Please enter and check in at the SE Loading Dock at 6:00pm. Those with mobility issues may enter the main entrance and go to the elevator in the southeast corner of the building (above the loading dock) to access the bottom floor.
  • Please arrive no later than 6:15pm in preparation for the Faculty Photo that takes place at 6:20PM on the opposite side of the stage.

2025 graduation ceremony overview

The 2025 graduation will be held Thursday, June 12th at 7 p.m. at the Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. The program will include welcoming remarks from Dean Michael Spencer, student & faculty recognition awards, student performances, conferral of student degrees, and an inspiring presentation from our keynote speaker, Dr. Kirk “Jae” James, a clinical associate professor and director of the DSW program at the NYU Silver School of Social Work. For more information and answers to faculty & staff FAQs you can also visit the Student Services public Canvas pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that you are on the way to graduating, it’s time to celebrate! There are two events – one hosted by the UW and one by the School of Social Work. We encourage you to participate in both and celebrate your hard work and success. Please review our 2025 Graduation Canvas page for answers to frequently asked questions.

Student FAQ

Faculty/Staff FAQ