Commencement
The University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahuu holds two distinct Commencement Ceremonies for graduates. Candidates are invited to select their commencement experience based on preference. Each ceremony has its own “UH West Oʻahu” flavor that offers our graduates and their guests unique opportunities that commemorate this tremendous occasion.
The Mid-Year Ceremony is in December on the UH West Oʻahu campus and is a more intimate experience for our graduates and their guests. The open-air ceremony takes place in a shaded courtyard. Due to the special conditions of the on-campus event, guests for the formal program are limited to six (6) per graduate [along with two (2) parking passes per graduate]. The lei-giving portion of the day is open to all. Summer and Fall graduates are invited to the Mid-Year Ceremony.
The Annual Ceremony is in May at the SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and welcomes all for both the formal program in the arena and lei giving. The festive nature of the Stan Sheriff Center, with Jumbotron and our #PUEOPRIDE, gives attendees a chance to truly celebrate with seemingly no limits! Fall, Spring, and Summer graduates are invited to the Annual Ceremony.
Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu campus
(For Summer and Fall graduates)
Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
SimpliFi Arena, Stan Sheriff Center
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa campus
(For Summer, Fall, and Spring graduates)
Lei Vendor Proposals: If you would like to be an on-campus Lei Vendor for Commencement, please submit a written proposal, along with a copy of your HI State General Excise Tax License, and W-9 Form. You must be able to provide adequate inventory and sell fresh flower lei from 7:30 am to 9:30 am on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. We expect approximately 200 graduates and 1,500 guests. Proposals should be submitted via email, to UH West Oʻahu Event Planner, Lynn Reyes, at uhwofse@hawaii.edu. If selected, you will be notified by return email and a Certificate of Insurance will be required.
FAQs for Mid-Year Commencement
What do I need to do if I am graduating?
If you would like to participate in the optional Mid-Year Commencement Ceremony (summer and fall – December) OR Annual Commencement Ceremony (spring – May), submit your Graduation Application by the posted date found on the Graduation Page.
I submitted my Graduation Application, now what?
Once your grad app has been processed, you will receive the Commencement Registration to participate in the optional Commencement Ceremony. *NOTE – applying to graduate is separate from registering to participate in the ceremony. Registering to participate in the ceremony will close ONE month (30 days) prior to the published ceremony date.
I completed my Commencement Registration, what’s next?
- Visit the UH West O’ahu Bookstore to purchase your commencement regalia (cap, gown, and tassel). Or connect with ASUHWO if you are interested in the Cap and Gown Loan program at asuhwo@hawaii.edu.
- Attend the 2024 Mid-Year Grad Fest and the Virtual Graduate & Professional School Fair (Nov. 19-20, 2024)
- Print out your Commencement Registration PDF (Candidate Ticket)
- Pick up your vehicle parking passes (up to TWO) and guest tickets (up to SIX) @ Grad Fest on Nov. 19-20; and at the Student Development Office (C236) from Nov. 22 – Dec. 13 between Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m – 4:30 p.m.
Is there a Candidate Rehearsal?
Yes, although the Candidate Rehearsal is not mandatory, candidates are strongly encouraged to attend and learn more about what to bring, where to go, and what to expect for themselves and their guests.
- Friday, Dec. 13, 2024: 3 – 5 p.m. UH West Oʻahu Outdoor Learning Space and Courtyard
How do I get my regalia (cap, gown and tassel)?
Commencement regalia: caps, gowns, tassels, graduation with distinction (honor stole) and announcements are available at the UH West O’ahu Bookstore and online or call 808-689-2550.
- The full graduation gown set is $44.95 – $54.95. The black cap, gown and tassel are included in the set and each is required for the commencement ceremony. If you already have a black cap and gown, the tassel can be purchased separately for $9.95. Cap only is $15.95.
- Black caps, gowns, and tassels are required to be worn by all graduates. Wear lightweight attire under your gown.
- Whatever shows above/below the gown should conform to the following:
- MEN should wear collared shirts (short sleeves are acceptable), dark trousers, and closed shoes.
- WOMEN should wear dresses or dress slacks and sandals or shoes. Mu‘umu‘u are not recommended.
- Jeans, shorts, t-shirts and slippers are not considered appropriate attire.
- Candidates should order/purchase their regalia as soon as possible. There is a limited supply of gown sets (varying heights).
- Visit the bookstore to “try on” gowns at your discretion. (The gown is sold according to height, but there are some limitations, so trying on may be recommended. There are some special gowns, based on stock availability at the time.
- After purchase – candidates may pick up and/or shipping is available. If shipping – within Hawai’i – allow for 3-5 business days for delivery / if outside Hawai’i – allow for more time.
Students who have previously purchased a community college (Leeward CC, Windward CC, Kapiʻiolani CC, etc.) BLACK gown may be able to purchase a tassel or cap separately.
The Associated Students of the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu have a few gowns available for loan. Please contact them at asuhwo@hawaii.edu for assistance and more information.
Where can I get my honor cord or stole?
Graduation with Distinction Honor Stole
Candidates who meet the criteria for Graduation with Distinction (current 3.75 UH O‘ahu Overall GPA and on track for completion of 30 UH West O‘ahu credits) will be recognized during the ceremony. Your designation at the time of the ceremony is based upon the previous semester’s grades. Any change in the designation is based upon this semester’s grades will be reflected on your transcripts and diploma. To see if you might be eligible, visit star.hawaii.edu. Click on transcripts, then campus transcripts by semester. You may purchase your gold honor stole for $32.95 through the UH West O‘ahu Bookstore or call (808) 689-2550.
Student Veteran Honor Cord
UH West O‘ahu Student Veterans may receive a red, white, and blue honor cord from UH West O‘ahu Veterans Center for Excellence (C-138 / 808-689-2961). Those interested in the Veterans cord, please email uhwovets@hawaii.edu.
What happens at Grad Fest?
Candidates for graduation can prepare for the 2024 Mid-Year Commencement at Grad Fest, a two-day event that will cover all things graduation.
Grad Fest will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19, and Wednesday, Nov. 20, at the UH West O‘ahu Bookstore.
- Learn more about UH West O‘ahu’s 2024 Mid-Year Commencement Ceremony, which will be held 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, in the UH West O‘ahu Courtyard.
- Schedule a free sitting for a professional headshot (regalia or business wear) with PictureMan of Hawai‘i.
- Purchase and pick up your regalia (cap, gown, and tassel), as well as honor and service stoles/cords.
- Pick up parking passes (up to two) and guest tickets (up to six).
- Check out the Graduate and Professional School Mini Fair, an opportunity to learn about graduate and professional schools and to start early on the application process. If you are thinking about continuing your education after UH West O‘ahu, attend the event to learn more about what options are available to you. You will get a chance to meet with school representatives, learn about their graduate programs, and ask about the application process. Click here for details, including the participating graduate schools and programs.
For more information about Grad Fest, email uhwograd@hawaii.edu.
What do I need to bring?
- PRINT and bring your 2024 Mid-Year Commencement Registration PDF – Candidate Ticket
- Picture Identification (Federal or State)
- Commencement Parking Pass(es) (and Handicap Placard – as needed)
- SIX (6) Guest Tickets
- WEAR your Regalia Gown, Cap and Tassel (recommend – safety pins, bobby pins, etc.)
- WEAR appropriate shoes (covered, able to walk across uneven surfaces, etc.)
- Plan to have your guests keep your personal belongings until after the ceremony. Large bags, purses and backpacks should not be carried during the ceremony.
How do I get my TWO (2) parking passes and up to SIX (6) tickets?
2024 Mid-Year Grad Fest – Outdoor Learning Space / UH West Oahu Bookstore
- Tuesday, November 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Print and bring your 2024 Mid-Year Commencement Registration PDF – Candidate Ticket and a Picture ID to pick up your TWO (2) parking passes and up to SIX (6) tickets.
If unable to attend 2024 Mid-Year Grad Fest, visit Student Development in C-236 from Nov. 22 to Dec. 13 (Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.).
Neighbor Island candidates – if your Commencement Registration is completed by November 14; your parking passes and tickets will be mailed to the permanent address on file with the university.
Are there exceptions to the guest limit?
Due to the physical health and safety concerns presented by the physical capacity of our growing campus, we believe that SIX (6) guests per candidate to attend the ceremony will help students and their guests celebrate and commemorate this academic accomplishment in a safe, responsible manner. Non-ticketed guests are invited to join their graduates on the Great Lawn following the ceremony for lei giving.
May I have someone else’s extra guest seat?
Each candidate participating in the commencement ceremony are allowed up to SIX (6) guests. Participating candidates may choose to gift their parking passes and/or guest tickets to other candidates.
How can I get on the waitlist for more parking passes or guest tickets?
Candidates who have registered to participate in the 2024 Mid-Year Ceremony, may contact the Student Development office at uhwoadv@hawaii.edu between (Nov. 1 – Dec. 1) to join the waitlist.
Candidates on the waitlist for additional parking passes or guest tickets will be notified after December 9.
Can candidates wear lei during the ceremony?
Traditionally the academic regalia (gown, mortar board, and tassel) may be adorned with organization and honor recognition (i.e., stole, cord, pins, etc.) Additionally, some of the campus programs such as Accounting Club (yellow and black stole), Service Learning (red stole), Veteran’s (red, white, and blue cord), No’eau Center (red kihei) and others will gift the candidates with adornments prior to the ceremony. We do ask that candidates’ families and guests wait until the ceremony has concluded to gift their graduates with lei or other celebratory gifts.
What time should I arrive?
Saturday, December 14, 2024
- 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Attendees Arrive, Park, Candidates Check-in and Guests are
welcomed and directed to the Seating Area - 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Pre-Ceremony: Preparation and Line-up
- 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Commencement Ceremony (estimated time)
*Graduates greet guests on the Great Lawn following the ceremony. Guests are asked to clear the Great Lawn by 11:45 a.m., and the campus by 12:00 p.m.
NOTE: Candidates should be checked in by 8:30 a.m. Arrival, parking, check-in and pre-ceremony activities such as picture taking will take time, plan accordingly.
*TWO vehicle passes for YOU and your guests
*SIX guest tickets for YOUR guests; your Candidate Registration is your ticket
Where do I park?
Candidates MUST pick up their Commencement Parking Pass (up to 2) and Guest Tickets (up to 6) by Friday, December 13, 2024, from the Student Development Office in C-236. When the candidate and guests enter the campus, every vehicle must have a Commencement Parking Pass; and every individual in the vehicle must have a Ticket. UHWO Ambassadors will confirm passes and tickets and the vehicle will be directed to the parking area. Any vehicle without a Commencement Parking Pass will be directed to exit the campus.
Commencement Ceremony guests should not park in the Keone‘ae Skyline Rail Station Park and Ride parking lot or along Farrington Highway or Kualakai Parkway.
*TWO vehicle passes for YOU and your guests
*SIX guest tickets for YOUR guests; your Candidate Registration is your ticket
What about arriving by The Bus, Skyline, dropoff, or ride-share provider?
There will be UHWO Ambassadors welcoming you and directing you from The Bus/Skyline or the dedicated dropoff/ride-share location towards the walkway between A and C Buildings. Please show your Guest Ticket to the UHWO Ambassadors.
Where do I go and who should I check in with?
UHWO Ambassadors will be welcoming and directing candidates and guests from the Parking Area along Campus Center to the Candidate Check-in (Naulu Outdoor Learning Center) and to the Guest Access (Outdoor Courtyard Area).
Candidates – you will check in with your Commencement Registration PDF (Candidate Ticket), your Federal or State ID, and you’ll receive a name card to present to the name reader. They will announce your name before you receive your diploma scroll from the Chancellor. The name card is also necessary to match your photo proof with your contact information. Therefore, it is crucial that you have it at the ceremony.
Ticketed Guests – you will check in with your tickets to the Guest Access (Outdoor Courtyard Area) and be directed to chairs within the courtyard area (seating is on a first-come first-seated basis).
Non-Ticketed Guests – you are invited to join your graduates on the Great Lawn following the ceremony for lei giving.
What accessibility accommodations are being offered?
The distance from parking to seating is approximately 300 yards. The designated entrance has 10 steps leading into the seating area, while the designated exit has no stairs. UH West Oʻahu does not provide accessibility-related transportation (wheelchairs, scooters, shuttle, etc.) from the parking lot to the seating area.
Guests with hearing impairments may be seated in reserve seating near our sign-language interpreters.
No pets are allowed on campus. Guests with disabilities are welcome to bring their service animals that are trained to do work or to perform tasks. Any guest with a service animal who needs assistance should contact a Volunteer Guest Assistants or Campus Security officer.
If you have any questions regarding ADA accommodations, please contact Christina Pascua-Galdiano, uhwoada@hawaii.edu or call 808-689-2935.
Will the commencement ceremony be live streamed?
Yes, the ceremony will be live streamed on our UH West O’ahu homepage and the recorded footage will be available on the UH West O’ahu YouTube channel approximately two to three weeks after the semester closes.
How do I get a printed program?
We will have printed programs available at the ceremony. A digital version of the commencement program will also be available on this Commencement webpage.
Can I bring umbrellas, balloons, signs/banners?
Umbrellas and smaller signs (11” x 17”) will be allowed in the courtyard/seating area. Balloons, larger signs/banners are not allowed into the seating area for safety reasons. Please be courteous to fellow attendees and do not block their views.
I am a ticketed guest, what if I am unable to arrive before the ceremony begins at 9:00 a.m.?
Once the ceremony has begun, entry to the ceremony located in the courtyard area will not be permitted. Guests may wait for their graduate for lei greeting at the Great Lawn.
If I don’t have a ticket, may I meet my graduate in the parking lot or anywhere on campus?
Although tickets are required to attend the Commencement ceremony in the Courtyard, guests do not need a ticket for lei greeting at the Great Lawn following the ceremony. We encourage candidates for graduation to join their family and friends before or after the ceremony at an off-campus location.
I’m a ticketed guest. What will the ceremony be like? What can I expect when I arrive?
After parking, Candidates and Ticketed Guests should proceed along the guided route toward the campus center. Candidates will move through the breezeway to the Outdoor Learning Space to check in and prepare for the ceremony. Ticketed Guests will continue towards the courtyard. UHWO Ambassadors will greet, collect tickets and direct guests towards the seating area. Non-ticketed guests are invited to join their graduates on the Great Lawn following the ceremony for lei giving.
The program will begin promptly at 9 a.m. with the procession of the candidates, faculty, and platform members. The program includes short remarks by campus administration, a brief address by a selected Student Speaker and a photo opportunity, when candidates cross the stage as their names are read and they receive their diploma covers.
- Please refrain from loud or distracting celebrations until all graduates’ names have been called.
- After the program is concluded, the Master of Ceremony will release the platform party and faculty to create our “Graduation Corridor” along the Library and rock wall leading to the Great Lawn.
- The Master of Ceremony will then ask the Graduates to exit via the Graduation Corridor and gather on the Great Lawn. UHWO Ambassadors will then direct groups to leave the Courtyard and join their graduates on the Great Lawn.
- Please do not block the walkways and exit the courtyard promptly.
Will I have the opportunity to take pictures of my graduate?
Each graduate will be photographed by a professional photographer as they receive their degree, and these photos will be made available to the graduate. After commencement, you will receive an email message from the photographer with a link to view your proof online. You may order additional photographs at that time.
If you do not wish to have your contact information forwarded to the photographer so that he may give you access to your photo proof, please submit your request in writing by November 14, 2024, to Attn: 2024 Mid-Year Commencement Contact Info uhwo.advising@hawaii.edu.
Guests may take photographs and videos from their seats only. Mahalo and thank you for showing courtesy for those around you so that everyone may enjoy the event. For safety reasons, guests are not allowed to sit or stand in aisle ways to take photos, videos, or to watch the ceremony. UHWO Ambassadors and Campus Security officers will be available to assist with these safety requirements.
The University of Hawai’i–West O’ahu (UH West Oʻahu) reserves the right to photograph/videotape participants and guests in public spaces at commencement for purposes of publicizing the University’s programs or for any other lawful purpose, including the right to print, publish, broadcast, and use as appropriate for public information without additional consideration or compensation. All photographs/videos become the property of UH West Oʻahu. Check
the UH West Oʻahu flickr account following Commencement to view photos of the day.
Due to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules, UH West Oʻahu is a NO FLY and NO DRONE ZONE.
What if I need first-aid care?
A First Aid station will be located between D and E building. In case of emergency, medical or otherwise, please inform a Guest Manager or Campus Security for assistance.
Will I get my diploma during the ceremony? How do I get my diploma and diploma cover?
You will get a diploma scroll at the ceremony. Your diploma and diploma cover will be mailed to you. Degrees are conferred at the end of each semester and are posted to student records within 10 weeks of your semester graduation. Once conferred, the diplomas are ordered and available approximately in March for fall; August for spring, and October for summer. The diplomas and diploma covers are mailed via USPS to the mailing address noted in your student record within your semester of graduation. Please ensure that your mailing address is correct. View the Graduation page for more information.
How do I contact the photographer if I have questions about my photo proof or order?
You’ll be able to view your proofs at the Pictureman of Hawai’i website and send questions to Pictureman of Hawaii to cs@pmoh.com.
Commencement Archives
- 2023 Mid-Year Ceremony
- Spring 2023 Ceremony
- Spring 2022 Morning Ceremony, Afternoon Ceremony
- Fall 2021 Morning Ceremony, Afternoon Ceremony, and Prerecorded Program
- Spring 2021 Virtual Commencement Ceremony and Drive-Thru Highlights
- Spring, Summer, and Fall 2020 Virtual Commencement Ceremony
- Fall 2019 Commencement Ceremony
- Spring 2019 Commencement Ceremony
- Fall 2018 Commencement Ceremony
- Spring 2018 Commencement Ceremony
Questions?
Contact us at
E-mail: uhwograd@hawaii.edu