A Page Dedicated to Rising Graduates, their Family, and Friends
CONGRATULATIONS
The Master of Human-Computer Interaction and Design (MHCI+D) program welcomes you all to Commencement 2026!
We are very excited to have you join our faculty and staff in celebrating the outstanding Class of 2026 (Cohort 13). This page will be your one-stop guide to all activities, logistics, and tips to make your time in Seattle seamless.
Cohort 13 graduation Week schedule
Formal Events:
August 19 (Wednesday) at 3:00 PM
Graduation Rehearsal & Wall Signing at MHCI+D Studio
Staff will guide students through a dry run of the commencement ceremony followed by the inaugural wall signing at the new studio. Friends and family are welcome to swing through the space and have a refreshment on the patio.
August 20 (Thursday) at 3:00 PM
Capstone Showcase at Zillow Commons
This exhibition is a celebration of creativity and highlights a diverse array of projects completed over three quarters of work from our talented Class of 2026. Light refreshments will be served following the formal program. (ZOOM LINK will be live at 2:50PM PDT)
Getting There (step-by-step walking instructions)
From Red Square, exit at its southeast corner, between Suzzallo Library and Gerberding Hall, and follow the path downhill to Drumheller Fountain. From the fountain, head east past the Paul G. Allen Center for Computer Science & Engineering (CSE1) to the Bill & Melinda Gates Center (CSE2), directly adjacent. Enter the Gates Center through the main entrance and take the elevators on your right to the fourth floor.
August 21 (Friday) at 9:00 AM
Commencement Ceremony at Husky Union Building, South Ballroom
Please join in recognizing our graduates as they walk in formal graduation exercises. A light continental breakfast including coffee and pastries will be served beginning at 9:00AM. Immediately following the ceremony, a professional photography session will occur. (YouTube LIVE LINK will go live at 9:15AM PDT.)
Getting There (step-by-step walking instructions)
From Red Square, face Suzzallo Library (the building with the gothic architecture), then walk east, passing Suzzallo on either its north or south side. Continue straight ahead and you’ll see the Husky Union Building (HUB) directly in front of you across the lawn.Once inside the HUB, head to the second floor. The South Ballroom is near the southwest corner of the building, adjacent to the Starbucks and Husky Den Food Court. Look for signage or ask the front desk for directions if needed.
Parking
We encourage taking Link light rail to campus as both the University of Washington and U District stations are a short walk away. If you will be driving, we recommend parking in the Central Plaza Garage (CPG), located directly beneath Red Square (entrance at NE 41st St and 15th Ave NE) or in Campus Lot 12 (C12).
For more information, check out the UW self-serving parking page.
exploring Seattle
To all traveling from near and far: Welcome!
We are confident that the student you are here to support and celebrate will be prepared to guide you through the Emerald City during your stay. Just in case you need a few activities to fill your down time:
Water Taxi to Alki Beach, in West Seattle – Best view of the downtown Seattle skyline! Take the water taxi (walk on) from downtown, and then enjoy a fabulous view while eating tacos outside at Marination (right off the water taxi).
Underground Tour – An offbeat historic tour beneath the streets of Seattle.
“Cheers” your graduate at the Mountaineering Club – Located down the street from the MCHI+D Studio, enjoy sweeping views of the area from the top of the Graduate Hotel.
Walk in Magnuson Park (on Lake Washington near campus) or Discovery Park (on the Puget Sound in the Magnolia Neighborhood).
Where to EAT around the U District!: Check out this short video as former students share some of their favorite places to eat around the studio and campus.