Graduation and Commencement

Step 1. Apply for your degree:

• Log in to your ctcLink account with your ID and password.
• In the sidebar, go to Academics, then Apply for/View Graduation.
• Under Program, click the arrow next to your program name to expand it. Check that your program and degree information is correct. If it looks good, click Apply for Graduation. If not, reach out to your advisor.
• On the next page, make sure the correct program is selected. Under Term, choose the term in which you will complete your degree. (This is the last quarter you’ll be taking classes for your degree.) Then click Apply. If the term you’re looking for isn’t in the list, reach out to your advisor.
• When done, under Status, you should see Graduation application received.

Step 2. Confirm your name and address.

• In the sidebar, go to My Profile, then Biographical Information.
• If you don’t have a degree name listed, click on Add Name, then Degree. This is your name, not your area of study.
  
• Type your full name exactly how you want it to appear on your diploma. Then click Save.
• Next click on Contact Info and check your current mailing address. If your current mailing address is incorrect, please edit it.
• If you don’t have a mailing address listed, go to Add Address, then Mailing.
• Type in the address where you want your diploma to be sent. Then click Save.

Step 3. Watch for updates.

• To check for updates, go to the same place you applied for your degree. Under Status, you’ll see This degree has been awarded once the degree has posted to your transcript.

• Read this step-by-step guide.
• Watch this instructional video.
• Ask your advisor for help.
• Reach out to the Office of Admissions and Records at admissions@wwcc.edu or 509-524-5168.

You need to apply for your degree to receive your diploma.

The application is our way of checking:

• That you are on track to complete your degree/certificate requirements.
• Which degree(s) or certificate(s) you are completing.
• The name you would like printed on your diploma.
• The mailing address where you want to receive your diploma.

You can apply for your degree as soon as you are within 20 credits of completing your degree/certificate.

When applying, be sure to choose the correct term you will actually complete your degree. Applying too early can create errors in the system and can cause financial aid complications.

Please note: If you want your name to appear in the commencement ceremony program, you must apply for your degree no later than May 22, 2026.

You can still apply for your degree up to the last day of your final term. After that, contact Admissions for assistance.

Talk with your advisor. They can help you check how many credits you have left before you can graduate.

After your final quarter, it may take six to eight weeks for your degree to be posted to your transcript. Once posted, a digital version of your diploma will be emailed to you from Parchment. You will have three days to confirm or change your mailing address for your printed diploma. If you do not confirm your address, your diploma will be mailed to the address the College has on file for you. You should receive your printed diploma in about 2-4 weeks after receiving notification from Parchment.

No. Commencement is optional.

You can participate with the Class of 2026 if you completed or will complete your degree in Fall 2025, Winter 2026, Spring 2026, or Summer 2026.

Please note: If you are completing your degree in Fall 2026, you will be eligible to participate in the June 2027 graduation ceremony.

Signing up to participate in the commencement ceremony is NOT the same as applying for your completed degree in ctcLink.  For those wanting their degree posted on their transcript AND to participate in the commencement ceremony, you’ll need to submit both.

Note: If you want your name to appear in the commencement ceremony program, you must apply for your completed degree in ctcLink no later than May 22.

You can still apply for your degree up to the last day of your final term. After that, contact Admissions for assistance.

Nuestra Celebración de Graduación Sign Up Here

Commencement Ceremony Sign Up Here

Absolutely! We hope to see you at both. Be sure to register for each event separately.

Diploma covers are handed out at commencement. Your actual diploma will be mailed to you. Please refer to When will I receive my diploma? above.

• Name in the commencement program: Your name will not be listed in the commencement program. You may still sign up and participate in commencement.
• Cap and gown: You will be put on a waitlist if you sign up for commencement after this deadline. You may not receive your preferred gown size.
• Applying for your degree: You can still apply up to the last day of your final term. After that, contact Admissions for assistance.

Accessibility Information

Access for Graduates and Guests

WWCC makes every effort to provide access for our guests and grads, to experience the graduation events fully.

Accessible Parking

Walla Walla Campus

ADA-accessible parking spaces are marked on the event map.

A temporary lot with limited parking will be available near the ceremony site for guests with DMV ADA permits.

Clarkston Campus

ADA parking is located in the Clarkston High School Parking Lot off 6th Street.

Accessible Seating

Wheelchair-accessible seating is available during Commencement. Look for signage on-site, or ask a staff member for assistance.

Accommodations for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Guests

Real-time captioning will be available during Commencement and the Nursing Pinning for both campuses. To access live captions, scan the QR code provided at the event using a smartphone.

Restrooms

Walla Walla Campus

Two ADA portable restrooms and handwashing stations will be located near the entrance to the Commencement Ceremony site.

Additional restrooms are inside the Dome.

Clarkston Campus

ADA restrooms are available in the auditorium.

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome per WWCC policy. We kindly ask that guests leave pets at home.

Walla Walla Campus Only

Shuttle Service

During the Commencement Ceremony, WWCC staff will provide golf cart shuttle service to assist guests traveling between the parking lot and the ceremony site.

Indoor Viewing Location (Dome Classroom)

Due to the outdoor location of the Commencement Ceremony, a limited indoor viewing space will be available in a classroom located in the Dome for guests with mobility concerns or those impacted by weather conditions.

The ceremony will be streamed live via Zoom. Seating is limited and available by advance reservation only. Capacity is not guaranteed without confirmation.

Indoor Commencement Viewing RSVP Form

Live YouTube Viewing Option

Because the Commencement Ceremony is held outdoors, a live YouTube stream will be available for guests who are unable to attend in person due to mobility concerns, age-related needs, or weather conditions.

This option allows family and friends to view the ceremony live from any location.

Student and Guest Accommodation Requests

If you need additional accommodations not listed above, requests must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Monday, June 1.

For Walla Walla Campus Requests

Contact Kristen Duede

For Clarkston Campus Requests

Contact Heather Markwalter

• You can personalize your cap and wear your own stoles.
• If you are an honors student, you will receive special cords with your cap and gown.
• You do not need to return the cap and gown. They’re yours to keep!
• There is not a rehearsal.
• Graduates should plan to arrive at 8 a.m. and check in inside the Dome. Please line up by your first name. You will be given a card with the Degree Name listed on your ctcLink account (or Primary Name if you did not specify a Degree Name), along with the title of your degree(s) or certificate(s).
• Parking is free. Signs will direct you to parking areas upon arrival.
• For the main commencement ceremony there is no limit to the number of guests you may bring.
• For nuestra celebración, you may invite up to four guests. Use the celebración signup form to RSVP for your guests.
• Guests should arrive early. There is no reserved seating.
• We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible event and are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations. We ask that all requests be made 3 weeks prior to the event. We will attempt to implement late requests but cannot guarantee they will be met. Use the event signup forms to request accommodations. Please refer to the Disability Support Services page for more information.
• Commencement is held outdoors, rain or shine! There may be limited shade. Please plan and dress accordingly (bring water, hat, sunscreen, etc.).