Planning Guide for Spring 2026 Ceremonies
Spring Commencement includes two separate ceremonies: one for Doctoral, MFA, and Medical Professional degree candidates, and another for Bachelor’s, Law, and Master’s degree candidates. Graduate candidates and guests are encouraged to review the following instructions for detailed information. If you have questions, please contact us.
Commencement dates and locations
Doctoral, MFA, and Medical Professional Degree Candidate Ceremony
Date: Friday, May 8, 2026
Time: 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Location: Kohl Center, 601 W Dayton St., Madison, WI 53715
Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Graduates should arrive no later than 4:50 p.m. to check-in and pick up their name reader card.
Bachelor’s, Law, and Master’s Degree Candidate Ceremony
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 12–1:30 p.m.
Location: Camp Randall Stadium, 1440 Monroe St., Madison, WI 53711
Doors open at 10:00 a.m. Graduates should arrive no later than 11:10 a.m.
Before you arrive
Attire
Cap and gown rentals can be picked up at the University Book Store, 711 State Street. Academic attire (cap and gown) is required to participate in the ceremonies.
Parking
Complimentary parking is available in several campus parking lots over the weekend. Additional parking details to come closer to event. Learn about accessible parking options at the Kohl Center and Camp Randall Stadium.
Carry-in policy
To provide a safe environment and to expedite entry into both venues, please review our carry-in policy, which includes a list of allowed and permitted items.
Inclement weather
The safety of our graduates and guests is our top priority. In the case of severe weather prior to the ceremonies, any updates and impacts to the ceremonies will be communicated in advance.
When you arrive
Entry and seating
Kohl Center – graduates should enter the arena either at Gate A or Gate B.
Camp Randall Stadium – graduates should enter Camp Randall at Gate 5. This is the only gate with access to graduate seating.
Guest seating is general admission, first-come, first-served. There is no guest limit. More information to come closer to date.
Accessibility
Our accessibility resources for the Kohl Center and Camp Randall Stadium include information on day-of-the-ceremonies parking and drop-off, mobility, and accommodations for seating and hearing. Email accessibility@chancellor.wisc.edu to make arrangements.
During the ceremony
Live stream
The Commencement ceremonies will be streamed live on the Commencement homepage. Shortly after Commencement weekend, archived video of the ceremonies will be available.
Ceremony programs
The program agendas, speaker bios, and other ceremony information will be available on our program page closer to the date.
Reading of graduate names
- Bachelor’s, Law, and Master’s degree candidates – due to the high number of candidates in attendance and limited time available, graduate names will not be read.
- Doctoral, MFA, and Medical Professional degree candidates – graduate names are read as candidates cross the stage.
Diplomas
Doctoral, MFA, and Medical Professional degree candidates will receive a red diploma folder at the Commencement ceremony. The actual diploma will be mailed six to eight weeks after grades are entered to the permanent home address listed in the MyUW Student Center.
Graduate photographs
Doctoral, MFA, and Medical Professional degree candidates will be photographed as graduates receive their diploma folder and as they leave the stage. Complimentary proofs will be emailed out approximately 48 hours after the ceremony.
Ceremony etiquette
To create and preserve a memorable experience for graduates and guests, we ask that all attendees adhere to our ceremony etiquette guidelines and decorum.
Stay connected
Sign up to receive ceremony updates, and catch up on the latest commencement emails on our communications page.