Commencement 2022 - Guest information

CEHD commencement is held once a year in the spring. This in-person event will be dependent on current guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health and University guidelines.

More information for graduating students.

Friday, May 13, 2022

Commencement is held at 3M Arena at Mariucci, 1901 4th Street Southeast, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Each ceremony is expected to last approximately three hours.

  • Undergraduate Ceremony: 10 a.m. CDT
  • Graduate Ceremony: 4 p.m. CDT

    • U of M COVID-19 public event guidance

    • The safety of our guests is our top priority. CEHD follows guidance from the University, local health departments, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure the health and safety of event attendees. Effective March 21, masks are not required at spring commencement events. The University supports those who wish to continue to wear masks in any space and all community members are expected to respect the decision of anyone who continues to wear a mask for health reasons in any space. For the most up-to-date information, check the University's Safe Campus website.
    • Please be aware that public health conditions may require a change to format at the last minute, so refer to the website for the latest information.
    • As a University we continue to encourage everyone to be vaccinated and boosted. If you are sick or feel you are getting sick, we ask that you please stay home.

Remote viewing of the ceremony

Undergraduate

The CEHD Undergraduate Commencement ceremony will begin streaming at 10 a.m. (CDT) on Friday, May 13. View the livestream ceremony on YouTube. A recording will be available on this website later in May.

Graduate

The CEHD Graduate Commencement ceremony will begin streaming at 4 p.m. (CDT) on Friday, May 13. View the livestream ceremony on YouTube. A recording will be available on this website later in May.

Arrival and seating

For the undergraduate ceremony, students are instructed to check-in beginning at 8:45 a.m. to Maturi Pavilion, 1925 University Ave SE, across the street from Mariucci. If you are dropping your student off, it's recommended to drop them off on the University Avenue side of the building and avoid 4th St.

For the graduate ceremony, students are instructed to check-in beginning at 2:45 p.m. to Maturi Pavilion, 1925 University Ave SE. If you are dropping your student off, it's recommended to drop them off on the University Avenue side of the building and avoid 4th St.

The doors to Mariucci will open 45 minutes before the start of the ceremony. At this time, no tickets are necessary. If conditions change and it's necessary to move to a guest-ticketing system, that will be communicated to all graduating students and on this page.

Graduates will line up and process across the stage by their department. Guests may want to sit on the side of the arena where their graduate will be sitting. Refer to the maps below.

Parking

There are several U of M parking lots and ramps near Mariucci Arena on the East Bank. Recommended lots:

  • Lot 37
  • Maroon Lot
  • 4th Street Ramp
  • University Avenue Ramp

3M Arena at Mariucci bag and food/drink policies

View the bag policy. Concession stands will be closed. Water fountains are available and reusable water bottles and small snacks will be allowed. 3M Arena at Mariucci tends to be drafty, so we suggest wearing layers.

Photographs

Due to strict fire codes, guests are restricted to hand-held portable video units only please. For your convenience, we have made arrangements with Grad Images for a professional photographer to record the moment graduates receive their diploma cover on stage. Graduates will receive a free proof of this photo within six days following the ceremony. There is no obligation to purchase.

Please direct any questions regarding commencement photographs to Grad Images.

Guests needing special accommodations

Guests may be dropped off at the entrance on the northeast corner of the Mariucci Arena (access to this area is located between 5th and Oak Streets). We encourage guests with accessibility or other accommodation needs to arrive early. Seats cannot be reserved in advance. There are a limited number of parking spots for ADA guests in Lot 37.

Guests should visit the guest services kiosk located on the concourse level of Mariucci when they arrive for your ceremony. Staff will be available to answer questions and help direct your family or guests to their seats. A limited number of complimentary wheelchairs are available for check out at the guest services kiosk. Complimentary wheelchairs are for use to assist guests to their seats only. Complimentary wheelchairs are not available for people requiring a wheelchair for the duration of the program. Due to limited space, the reserved seating area is restricted to the guest with the disability and one additional guest. The rest of your guests should sit in nearby regular public seating areas.

  • Wheelchair seating is available at the top of sections 2, 3, and 24, and these sections have additional seating for other friends and family. These sections are the closest to the main doors (east side of the building facing Oak Street).
    Directions: When first entering the building, go directly to the elevator located on the left side of the main lobby; take it to the second floor (concourse level), and the sections are straight ahead.

Live captioning

Live captioning will occur during both ceremonies.

Flowers

To further contribute to a safe environment for all, please consider pre-ordering flowers that will be reserved and picked up through a contactless process at Mariucci.

Balloons

Balloons are not allowed in Mariucci Arena.

Hotel accommodations

Check with hotels for special U of M rates.

Graduate Minneapolis
615 Washington Ave. S.E.

Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown
1500 Washington Ave S.

Days Hotel by Wyndham University Ave SE
2407 University Ave. S.E.

The Depot
225 South 3rd Ave.

Delta Hotels Minneapolis Northeast
1330 Industrial Boulevard