Spring 2026 Commencement
UW–Madison Commencement is a celebration of our graduates’ achievements, bringing together university leadership, student voices, a keynote speaker, and the official conferral of degrees by school and college. Our Spring Commencement ceremonies will take place Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Doctoral, MFA, and Medical Professional Degree Candidate Ceremony
Friday, May 8, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
The Kohl Center
601 W. Dayton Street
Bachelor’s, Law, and Master’s Degree Candidate Ceremony
Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 12 p.m.
Camp Randall Stadium
1440 Monroe Street
Top things to know
Arrival and seating
Prior to accessing the candidate seating area, all graduates need to go through a mandatory screening process. Degree candidate seating is not pre-assigned by graduate name and is first-come, first-served.
- Friday ceremony. On Friday, May 8 doors open at the Kohl Center at 3:30 p.m., and graduates should be seated by 4:50 p.m. Graduates and guests can enter the arena at Gate A or B.
- Saturday ceremony. On Saturday, May 9 doors open at Camp Randall at 10 a.m., and graduates should be seated by 11:10 a.m. Graduates should enter Camp Randall at Gate 5, and guests may enter through Gates 1 and 7-10.
Ceremony duration
Both ceremonies typically last approximately two hours. A live stream of the ceremonies will be available. Please remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony, which is marked by the platform party recession.
Inviting guests
There is no limit to the number of guests that graduates may bring. No tickets are required to attend, and guest seating is general admission, first-come, first-served. Only graduates and faculty escorts are allowed on the floor or field before and during the ceremony. Review accessibility information for accommodations.
Carry-in policy
Food and beverages are not permitted in either ceremony. Flowers are allowed inside the Kohl Center and Camp Randall, however glass containers, balloons, bags larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″, and wrapped gifts are not. Review the carry-in policy.
Reading of graduate names
Only Doctoral, MFA, and Medical Professional Degree Graduates will have their name read and receive a diploma folder as they cross the stage. No name reading or stage crossing will occur at the Camp Randall ceremony due to time.
Graduate checklist
Check out the graduate checklist for smooth sailing into commencement and beyond.
Parking
Review lot availability for both the Kohl Center and Camp Randall ceremonies.
Construction impacting Saturday ceremony
Ongoing construction and temporary closures may alter travel to Camp Randall Stadium. Allow extra time for both arrival and departure.
Final preparations
Join a celebration event
Schools, colleges, and other organizations may host their own events during commencement weekend. Check when a special recognition event will be hosted.
Pick up your cap and gown
Academic attire is required to participate in the ceremony. Cap and gown rentals can be picked up at the University Book Store (711 State Street). Orders can still be placed for an additional late fee up until the day of commencement.
Find your seat
Check out the graduate seating map to find where you will be located during the ceremony. Designated seating areas are grouped by school, college, or degree. Seating is first-come, first-served.
News
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Meet some of our notable grads for spring 2026
From creating community, to serving others and bringing home Olympic gold, these soon-to-be-grads define what it means to be a Badger.
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The world’s best-selling author James Patterson will give this year’s Spring Commencement keynote
The master storyteller, who will deliver the charge to graduates on May 9, shares early advice ahead of the ceremony.
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Tia Nelson, champion of environmental stewardship, to receive honorary degree from UW–Madison
Nelson, who has been instrumental in advancing local, national and global conservation efforts, will be honored on May 8 at the spring commencement ceremony.
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