2024 Commencement Ceremony

Friday, May 10
7 p.m.
ExtraMile Arena

Plan to join us for College of Western Idaho's (CWI) 15th 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 celebrating and pointing at camera

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

    1. Apply for graduation.  See the Academic Calendar for deadlines.
    2. RSVP to attend commencement by April 1.
    3. 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.

    Commencement — Day-Of Information

    1126 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.

    Apply For Graduation

    1126 Participation

    The following students are invited to participate in the 2024 Commencement Ceremony:

    • Fall 2023 graduates
    • Spring and Summer 2024 degree (AA, AS, AAS) and certificate (BTC, ITC, ATC) candidates
    • Fourth-year apprenticeship students (Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing)
    • GED completers
    1126 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 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.

    1126 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.

    Learn More About Graduation Honors

    1126 Accommodations

    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 3. 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.

    1126 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

    student signing national anthem with stage party in the background

    Get Involved

    Make this important milestone in your life even more memorable by being part of the 2024 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. Check back for more information soon!

    Apply by March 31!

    Student Speaker Application  National Anthem Singer Application

    Have A Story To Tell?

    We are seeking story ideas for our graduating class of 2024.

    • 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. 

    CWI Alumni

    group of CWI alumni
    students smiling at camera in arena during commencement ceremony

    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 the Registrar's Office at 208.562.3000, or e-mail registrar@cwi.edu

    Graduate News

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