Marshal Information
About Commencement Marshals
Each year, more than 100 staff and faculty members provide volunteer support at the UW–Madison commencement ceremonies. Serving as a Marshal at commencement is an excellent opportunity to celebrate our students’ achievements, cheer on your favorite graduates, and sing “Varsity” with our new Badgers as they are welcomed into alumnihood.
Many events during commencement week may be seeking volunteer support. This information relates only to the university commencement ceremony. We are grateful for your consideration of this important role.
Please register by Friday, November 13. See below for answers to frequently asked questions!
Doctoral, Law, Medical Professional, Master’s, and Bachelor’s Degree
Date: Sunday, December 13, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. Marshals are asked to arrive at the Kohl Center by 9:30 a.m.
Location: Kohl Center, 601 W Dayton St., Madison, WI 53715
Frequently Asked Questions
Any faculty or staff member can serve as a Marshal. We ask Marshals to identify which school, college, unit, or division they are affiliated with to assist with our assignments, but anyone, even if they are not affiliated with a school or college, can serve as a Marshal.
No. Marshal service is volunteer-based, and we are very grateful to our university employees who already work long hours and support our graduates at our commencement ceremony in addition to related activities. Thank you for your generosity of spirit!
Doctoral, Law, Medical Professional, Master’s, and Bachelor’s degree candidates from all schools and colleges are participating in this winter’s commencement ceremony.
Marshals assist in getting students to their seats, answering questions, and leading students as they march across the stage to have their names read and collect their diploma covers.
All Marshals must attend a mandatory training prior to the ceremony and need to be able to stay for the entire ceremony.
Marshal training (required): Friday, December 11 from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the Kohl Center.
Ceremony: Sunday, December 13 at 10 a.m. Marshals are asked to arrive at the Kohl Center by 9:30 a.m.
All Marshals will be provided with cardinal and white academic regalia (gowns), which will be waiting for you when you arrive in the robing room. We ask that you wear appropriate dress clothes and comfortable shoes. A button down shirt is recommended for attaching the hood to your clothing. If you own your own academic regalia, we encourage you to bring it and wear it! Just indicate that you will bring your own regalia on the registration form.
All campus lots are free and there will be a shuttle available along Dayton and Johnson Streets. For those Marshals who need parking, we offer parking passes in Lot 91, located next to the Kohl Center.
You can register to be a Marshal at commencement by completing this registration form. Registration is required by Friday, November 13. In advance of our Marshal training, each Marshal will receive an instruction packet to review prior to the mandatory training session. You will receive your parking permit at the training session if you have requested one.
Questions regarding marshal service can be directed to Carrie Olson in the Chancellor’s Office at (608) 890-1238 or carrie.olson@wisc.edu. Thank you for your consideration!