University of Washington Honors Program

Honors Graduation in two parts

Earning the College or Interdisciplinary Honors distinction is a huge accomplishment that often includes lots of special memories with the people who joined you from the start of your UW journey. We are all disappointed not to be celebrating together in person this spring!

The Honors Program is adapting to our current public health mandates and to honor the University of Washington’s institutional commencement decisions. We plan to create fun, intimate connections online while formally acknowledging the members of this graduating class in June and we also intend to host a reception for the class of 2020 next spring.

Part 1: Celebrate virtually this spring

When: June 12, 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

What: Social interaction with event speakers, graduates, and other guests. Speaking program featuring members of the class of 2020, alumni awardees, and UW Honors leadership. Inspiring messages for and from this wonderful cohort.

Where: Registered guests will receive a link to the event launch page, which will invite them into Zoom and share links to pre-recorded elements that can also be viewed after the live event.

Requirements: Requires device with internet connection. Built-in camera preferred but not required. Email forcarey@uw.edu if you wish to participate but are unable to connect to the internet.

RSVP here

You will then be added to our approved guest list and will receive login details a few days prior to the event.

You can download the image below including the RSVP link (in the caption) to invite your friends and family, too!

Photo of Honors graduation invitation for 2020
RSVP link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXzv3DERLyci2MXDgUIzTD91GOgIlCLe3_igoQsZhoS6AvIQ/viewform

Part 2: Celebrate at an in-person event next spring (conditions permitting)!

Please be sure we have your best email address and you will receive an invitation to that event once we have more details, including instructions on how to include additional guests. You can update your email address in the RSVP process or while completing your Honors Grad Profile (more info below).

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Grad Profiles and why do I need one?

If you are graduating (or have recently graduated) from the University of Washington with Honors, please be sure to make an Honors Grad Profile. Your profile will help our community to celebrate you and recognize the things that have mattered most to you on this journey.

We also want to make sure we have your best email and mailing address as we hope to reach you later with invitations to your in-person graduation party. You’ll be able to update your email in this form.

Here is the link to the Grad Profile Entry page: https://honors.uw.edu/secure-netid/grad-profile-entry/

How do I share my photos/video clip for graduation?

You are invited to share a few images or a short video clip (approximately 5-10 seconds), featuring your unique memories, wishes for the people who have made this journey with you, a small piece of music, inspiring quotes, or whatever you want your peers and their guests to see you doing or saying as part of this special day. 

Because we intend to edit these clips together, we prefer more visual or kinetic content, but a few heartfelt words are certainly welcome if you’re feeling that form of expression.

Please limit the size of your uploaded video to 20-200 MB. If you have a very large video file, please contact us for alternate uploading directions. Please also remember that we’ll be publicly sharing these videos and don’t upload anything you’d be uncomfortable sharing with a wide audience.

Upload your video clip here

How do I get Honors cords?

If you are graduating, Honors cords are part of the regalia you may buy along with your cap & gown. If you qualify to graduate with Honors then you may order your cord (Interdisciplinary or College) along with your other regalia. You do not need to contact the Honors office but should already be approved to order Honors cords (this permission is attached to your Husky ID).

For more info on ordering cords, cap & gown, registration for other UW graduation ceremonies, etc. visit UW Commencement website or email ceremony@uw.edu. Again, ignore their suggestion that you contact Honors and proceed with your order form. If you are eligible for a cord and are unable to place the order, then reach out to Carissa: cdmayer@uw.edu.

What if I have a slow internet connection or other tech concerns?

We are pre-recording some of our graduation event elements so that it will be available for anyone who experiences trouble with the live interface. We do hope you will participate in the live social aspects of the event and if you have particular concerns about that, please get in touch and our staff will help think through your options.

Who is my best contact?

Direct event-related questions to: forcarey@uw.edu; Carey Christie, Associate Director of Public Relations.