Will there be a virtual component to the graduation this year?

• SPH Graduation Celebration is an IN-PERSON ONLY event. The school will not be providing any live streaming.

Do graduates have to RSVP? 

• Yes, if you are planning to participate at the Graduation Celebration, please RSVP. Reminder: If you would like a graduation gift, please remember to submit your RSVP!  

Who is eligible to participate in SPH Graduation?

• SPH major students who have applied to graduate and have their degree conferred in Autumn ’23 – Summer ’24 are eligible to participate.

When will we hear more information? 

• Please check your @uw email for more information! If you think you may have missed an important communication, please email sphsas@uw.edu

Can we order regalia? 

• Visit the UW Commencement page, as well as monitor your UW email for more information!

What is the dress code should I not decide to wear regalia?

• We suggest that graduates dress in a manner they feel fits the occasion of the SPH Graduation Celebration; if not a cap and gown, then clothing with personal or cultural significance, or simply a nice outfit.

Are tickets needed to enter?

• No. Tickets are not needed. There is no limit to guests.

If I have a mobility or access accommodation, who can I talk to about this? 

• Please indicate any mobility or access needs in the RSVP. For further support, please contact sphsas@uw.edu 

Where can I leave my coat and purse during the graduation?

• Please take your personal belongings with you to your seats, we will not have a coat rack available. Try to travel light!

How long is the ceremony?

• 2.5 hours, with a one-hour reception immediately following. 

Can I leave the ceremony after my name is called with my program or department?

• Graduates should remain in their seats during the entire ceremony, unless utilizing the restrooms. Once your name has been called, you are to return to your seat to respect and honor the graduation celebrations of your SPH student colleagues and to cheer them on!

Parking. Where do I park? How much is parking?

• For more information regarding parking, visit Parking 
• Reminder: The University of Washington Link Light Rail & U-District Light Rail Station are within walking distance.  For more information on planning your trip, please visit Link Light Rail planning or Sound Transit trip planning

Can I bring my own food and beverages to this event? 

• Graduates and guests can bring their own water bottles. There will be a concession stand open where you can purchase food and drinks.
• A reminder regarding UW’s Alcohol & Drug Use Policy: To help ensure the safety and well-being of employees, students, volunteers, and the general public, the University of Washington is committed to maintaining a campus environment that is free of illegal drugs, and of drugs and alcohol that are used illegally. (citation) The UWSPH requires all guests & graduates to adhere to University policy. 

Would there be place where I can purchase food and drinks?

• Yes, a concession stand will be open during the ceremony.

Celebration Speaker 

Biraj Karmacharya, MPH, Ph.D. ’15, ’17 

2024 SPH Alumni Impact Award Recipient 

Biraj Karmacharya, a public health leader in Nepal, is the administrative director at Dhulikhel Hospital and associate professor in the Department of Public Health at Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences.  

He founded and has been leading the Department of Community Programs/Public Health at Dhulikhel Hospital since 2006, through which he is engaged in developing and setting up innovative community-based health and integrated health and development programs. He has also been instrumental in advancing public health training and research in Nepal, leading the pioneering programs MScPH (Epidemiology and Global Health) and lately the Ph.D. Program in Public Health at Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences. 

Karmacharya studied at University of Washington School of Public Health as a Fulbright Science and Technology Awardee and received two degrees: a Ph.D. in Epidemiology in 2015 and an MPH in Global Health (Leadership, Policy and Management track) in 2017. He also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in cardiovascular epidemiology from the UW. Karmacharya is an affiliate associate professor in the School’s Department of Global Health and was the founding co-director of Nepal Studies Initiative at the Jackson School of International Studies at the UW. 

In addition to his UW degrees, he obtained an MBBS (2003) from Kathmandu University and an MS (Tropical Medicine, 2006) from Mahidol University, Thailand.  

• Currently, verification of vaccination status or proof of a recent negative test for COVID-19, are not required for entry into this event. Wearing a mask is optional but highly encouraged. Requirements may change as we approach Commencement, so please check back frequently.


• For more information on UW public health guidance, please visit: https://www.washington.edu/graduation/public-health-guidance/