The May university-wide Commencement ceremony is held on Francis Olympic Field, located on the west side of campus near the intersection of Big Bend Boulevard and Forsyth Boulevard. The ceremony will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. Please plan accordingly.
Tickets & Policies
Tickets
Tickets are required for guests to attend the May university-wide Commencement ceremony. Tickets will be emailed directly to graduating students. Students are responsible for sharing the ticket with their guests. Virtual and printed tickets will be accepted.
Bag Policies
WashU prohibits all bags, backpacks, and other carriers from being brought into the ceremony with the following exceptions:
- Clear bags, not to exceed 14″ x 14″ x 4″
- Small clutches or purses, not to exceed 4″ x 6″
- Medically necessary bags, including diaper bags
All approved bags are subject to inspection upon entry. Guests with bags or items that do not satisfy the bag policy are encouraged to return their bags or items to their vehicle. WashU will not provide clear bags. All attendees, including graduates, will need to go through metal detectors upon entry.
Parking & Transportation
Parking is available in all university parking garages. Garages will be available for open-parking on Commencement Day.
Accessible Parking
Accessible parking is available to those displaying a state issued accessible placard or license plate in the Danforth University Center Garage (DUC).
For those needing to drop off guests with accessibility needs, please enter via Forsyth Boulevard and northbound Wallace Drive and follow the posted signage to the designated drop-off location.
Taxi & Rideshare
We highly recommend guests utilize taxi or rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft. Taxi and Rideshare drop-off will be located on Shepley Drive near the WashU Clocktower. A secondary drop-off location will be at The Mallinckrodt Bus Plaza.
Metrolink
Avoid traffic and parking congestion by using the MetroLink, St. Louis’ light-rail system!
Lodging & Dining
Enjoy St. Louis’ great restaurants and lodging locations during your visit to campus. Visit our nearby lodging page for more information.