Spring 2023 Commencement

• Mobility Aids
• Accessible Parking
• Drop-Off Locations
• Seating Accommodations
• Entrances and Getting Around
• Restrooms
• Concessions
• Hearing Accommodations
• Emergency Information
• Contact Information

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Emails sent to students will be uploaded here as they are sent.

Email #1, 2/21/2023: Prepare for Graduation

Email #2, 3/22/2023: Deadline to Apply to Graduate

Email #3, 4/20/2023: Commencement Keynote Speaker Announced

Email #4, 4/27/2023: Class of 2023 Capture the Moment

Email #5, 5/02/2023: It’s Time to Celebrate Commencement

Email #6, 5/09/2023: Kohl Center, Camp Randall

Commencement is a celebration of the achievements of our graduates, and in this regard the escorts of the candidates are intended to be their major professors who have contributed significantly to their academic growth and success. Degree candidates are responsible for identifying an appropriate professor to serve as a faculty escort, and asking that person to perform the role. Degree candidates will be asked to provide the name of their faculty escort when they complete the “apply to graduate” application. Although the identities of the escorts are not confirmed, we do ask that this practice of major professor escorts be followed whenever possible.

The faculty escort for a doctor of philosophy, doctor of musical arts and master of fine arts candidate sits with the candidate during the ceremony and accompanies the candidate across the platform during the march.

A faculty escort is expected to wear academic attire appropriate to her or his degree.

There are instances when a major professor is not able to escort a candidate, and in those circumstances other degree committee members or other departmental faculty fulfill the escort role. When that is not possible, the marshals at commencement are prepared to serve as the escort.

Faculty members who cannot afford to rent their academic attire, should contact the Commencement office for information on how to participate in the ceremony as a Marshal and have the costs associated with renting a cap and gown covered.

DURING THE CEREMONY

Faculty escorts always should seat themselves and march on the candidate’s right, allowing the candidate to move ahead as the candidate approaches center stage to receive the diploma folder from the dean of the Graduate School. The candidate and escort then return to their seats.

Faculty escorts with more than one candidate should sit with all of the candidates as close as possible to the front of the Ph.D./DMA/MFA section. This “group” of graduates and escort will march together to the platform on-ramp. The escort may accompany all of the candidates as a group across the platform or the escort may accompany one candidate at a time across the platform while the remaining candidates wait by the on-ramp until the escort returns and repeats the routine.

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We are hopeful that Mother Nature will cooperate in the celebration, but because inclement weather is possible, we have put in place plans to ensure a safe commencement celebration.

1. The ceremony is scheduled to take place rain or shine. Given the size of the gathering, it’s not feasible to move the ceremony to an alternate date.
   • In the event of severe weather, the ceremony may be delayed, paused or canceled. The safety of our guests is our highest priority.
   • If a schedule adjustment is required prior to your arrival, information will be shared via email, our website, social media (@UWMadison on Twitter, UWMadison on Facebook) and local news media.
2. At the venue, instructions will be given via public address announcements and video screen messages. Graduates and guests are asked to listen for announcements and remain seated until instructed otherwise.

Complimentary parking is available in several campus parking lots on Friday and Saturday. A map regarding complimentary parking can be viewed here.

A complimentary commencement shuttle will be available on Saturday, May 13 to transport participants and guests around campus to Camp Randall Stadium. Wheelchair accessible shuttle buses will be available on the free shuttle routes. A map of this route can be viewed here.

A full list of available accessible parking can be viewed here.

Find more information about accessible accommodations and how to request parking or wheelchair seating on the Kohl Center Accessibility webpage or the Camp Randall Accessibility webpage.

Spring 2023 PhD, DMA, MFA and Medical Professional Degree Candidates will have their photo taken as they cross the stage to receive their diploma cover, and a solo portrait after they exit the stage. Photo stations at Gates A and B will be available before and after the ceremony for graduate portraits with friends and family.

Spring 2023 Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Law Degree Candidates will have the opportunity to get their photo taken as they enter Camp Randall Stadium. More details to come.

UW–Madison is proud to continue to work with Empire Photography, a locally owned small business established in 1983 by UW–Madison alumni Mark and Maggie Smith.

Empire Photography has been photographing our commencement ceremonies for many years. Each graduate is photographed as they receive their diploma and a solo portrait is also taken after they exit the stage. Proofs will be sent to graduates and their families within 48 hours of the ceremony. Your commencement is a once-in-a-lifetime moment so don’t miss out! If you have any questions, please email Empire Photography at customerservice@empirephotos.com.

Portrait Sessions

May 1st: 10am-5pm, May 4th: 10am-6pm, May 5th: 10am-6pm

Memorial Union in the Old Madison Room

Your $10 deposit to hold your time will be returned as a coupon code after your photos are taken. A no show will forfeit your sitting fee.

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Photos with Abe

May 2nd: 9am-3pm, May 3rd: 9am-3pm

Bascom Hill, Abe

Your deposit to hold your time is an optional gift to the senior class gift. As a thank you, you will receive a 4×6 print to take home that day. If you choose to not donate to the senior class gift you’ll get a coupon code after your photos are taken. A no show will forfeit your sitting fee.

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Camp Randall 50 Yard Line

May 6th: 11am-2pm

Camp Randall Stadium

Your $10 deposit to hold your time will be returned as a coupon code after your photos are taken. A no show will forfeit your sitting fee.

If you have a group. Each person in your group needs a reserved time.

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Well Red Bucky

May 4th: 9am-3pm

Bucky Statue, Alumni Park

Your deposit to hold your time is an optional gift to the senior class gift. As a thank you, you will receive a 4×6 print to take home that day. If you choose to not donate to the senior class gift you’ll get a coupon code after your photos are taken. A no show will forfeit your sitting fee.

If you have a group. Each person in your group needs a reserved time.

Book Now

Camp Randall Arch

May 6th: 11am-2pm

Camp Randall Arch

Your $10 deposit to hold your time will be returned as a coupon code after your photos are taken. A no show will forfeit your sitting fee.

Book Now