Commencement

Top 5 things to know

1. Doors open at 8 a.m., graduates are asked to be seated by 9:40 a.m. Please note the ceremony typically lasts approximately 2.5 hours. A livestream of the ceremony will be available on YouTube.
2. Guests, family members, and friends are welcome to attend. There is no ticketing for attendance and seating is general admission, first-come, first-served. Anyone needing accommodations should meet with Guest Services at Gate A for assistance. If you are a graduate in need of accommodations, please email accessibility@chancellor.wisc.edu. Additional information is also available on our accessibility page.
3. Graduate names will be read as candidates cross the stage. Each degree candidate will receive a name card upon arrival to the Kohl Center. This card will have each graduate’s information printed out on it, including the phonetic pronunciation of their name. The card also includes a QR code that will be scanned when the graduate crosses the stage so their name appears on the screen. Degree candidate seating will be in designated areas by school, college, or degree on the floor of the Kohl Center. Seating is not pre-assigned by graduate name and is first-come, first-served.
4. Each graduate will receive a diploma folder from their dean as they cross the stage. We request that graduates please refrain from giving handshakes at this time. Diplomas will be mailed out to graduates 6-8 weeks after grades are entered. To ensure that diplomas are mailed to the correct address, update your home address in MyUW.
5. No guests, including children (with the exception of nursing parents) are permitted in the candidate seating area. No food or beverages of any kind are permitted. Please review the carry-in policy as well as the metal detector procedures to plan accordingly. Flowers are allowed inside the Kohl Center, however glass containers, balloons, backpacks, and wrapped gifts are not allowed.