Frequently Asked Questions

Visit the Student Center’s instruction page. Master’s and Ph.D. students can also find information on the Graduate School’s “Completing Your Degree” webpage.

Your diploma will be mailed after grades have been entered, 6-8 weeks after commencement. Update your address to ensure it delivers to the correct location.

Graduates participating in the Friday ceremony at the Kohl Center will receive their diploma cover at the ceremony. 

Graduates participating in the Saturday ceremony will receive their diploma folder when they pick up their cap and gown rental at the University Bookstore, except for business and engineering degree candidates, whose school or college will distribute their diploma folder to them at their respective celebrations.

Business and engineering grads not attending their school or college celebration, or anyone not reserving a cap and gown, can pick up their folder at the University Book Store or the Registrar’s Office.

Yes, graduates are required to complete the application, even if they have missed the deadline for their name to be listed in the program. All graduates are also required to have a cap and gown in order to attend the ceremony.

Graduates who are completing their degree requirements within one semester of Spring 2023 can participate in the ceremonies. Complete your Apply to Graduate and indicate when you are completing your degree and that you would like to participate in the Spring 2023 ceremony in order to be included in the program and receive all of the necessary information.

Please consult the UW-Madison COVID-19 response page for the most up to date information on masking requirements.

Visit the Student Center’s instruction page. Master’s and Ph.D. students can also find information on the Graduate School’s “Completing Your Degree” webpage.

Graduates who are unable to participate in-person are invited to join virtually and celebrate from wherever they are. More details will be provided on virtual ceremony details at a later date.

Reserve your cap and gown through the University Bookstore (click on the cap and gown tab).

Please take a look at our Camp Randall Accessibility Page or Kohl Center Accessibility Page. Any specific questions or requests can be addressed to accessibility@chancellor.wisc.edu

All programs are archived here in PDF form.

The commencement ceremony will be streamed live online. The ceremony will be streamed through the University’s YouTube channel. A YouTube display will appear on the commencement home page about 15 minutes before the start of the ceremony. Archived video of the ceremony will be available shortly after commencement weekend.

Your diploma will be mailed after grades have been entered, 6-8 weeks after commencement. Update your address to ensure it delivers to the correct location.

Graduates participating in the Friday ceremony at the Kohl Center will receive their diploma cover at the ceremony. 

Graduates participating in the Saturday ceremony will receive their diploma folder when they pick up their cap and gown rental at the University Bookstore, except for business and engineering degree candidates, whose school or college will distribute their diploma folder to them at their respective celebrations.

Business and engineering grads not attending their school or college celebration, or anyone not reserving a cap and gown, can pick up their folder at the University Book Store or the Registrar’s Office.

Yes, graduates are required to complete the application, even if they have missed the deadline for their name to be listed in the program. All graduates are also required to have a cap and gown in order to attend the ceremony.

Please visit the Academic Calendar page for more information on future commencement dates.

You can obtain an invitational letter through the International Student Services. Their website will provide you with more information and the form with how to do so.