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 10,000 new Badgers as they are welcomed into alumni-hood.
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 Wednesday, April 2. See below for some answers to Frequently Asked Questions!
Commencement Dates and Locations
Doctoral, MFA, and Medical Professional Degree Candidate Ceremony
Date: Friday, May 9, 2025
Time: 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Location: Kohl Center, 601 W Dayton St., Madison, WI 53715
Bachelor’s, Law, and Master’s Degree Candidate Ceremony
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Time: 12–1:30 p.m.
Location: Camp Randall Stadium, 1440 Monroe St., Madison, WI 53711
Frequently Asked Questions
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Who can serve as a Marshal?
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.
Do Marshals get paid?
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!
What would I do serving as a Marshal at the ceremony?
Marshals assist in ensuring a well-organized and celebratory atmosphere by getting graduates to their seats, answering questions, helping with ceremony clean up, leading students as they march across the stage for their names to be read, and to collect their diploma covers (Kohl Center only).
What is the time commitment for the Kohl Center ceremony?
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): Thursday, May 8, from 3:30–4:30 p.m. at the Kohl Center
Ceremony service: Friday, May 9 from 4:30–7:45 p.m. at the Kohl Center. The ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m., and will last approximately 2-2 ½ hours. If the ceremony ends sooner and graduates have exited, Marshals would be released by their Captain earlier.
What is the time commitment for the Camp Randall ceremony?
All Marshals must attend a mandatory training prior to the ceremony and need to be able to stay for the entire ceremony.
Marshal training (attend only one of these training times):
- Thursday, May 8, from 9–11 a.m. at Camp Randall Stadium
- Friday, May 9, from 9–11 a.m. at Camp Randall Stadium
Ceremony service: Saturday, May 10 from 9:30 a.m.–1:45 p.m. at Camp Randall Stadium. The ceremony begins at noon, and will last approximately 90 minutes. If the ceremony ends sooner and graduates have exited, the Marshals would be released by their Captain earlier.
Can I Marshal at both ceremonies?
Yes, we appreciate all of the support from our volunteers and welcome participation at both ceremonies.
What should I wear?
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 weather appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes under the robe.
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 – this is the opportunity to represent your own academic achievements and personal attire is welcomed! Just indicate that you will bring your own regalia on the RSVP form.
What about parking?
All campus lots are free over the commencement weekend. For those who need parking, we are offering parking passes for Friday’s ceremony in Lot 91 next to the Kohl Center, and for Saturday’s ceremony in Lot 41/93 next to Camp Randall, located on Campus Drive.
This sounds great! How do I sign up?
You can register to Marshal at commencement by completing this registration form. Registration is required by Wednesday, April 2.
In advance of our Marshal training, each Marshal will receive detailed instructions about the ceremony they have signed up for.
I still have questions…
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!