CEHD 2024 Undergraduate Commencement

Commencement preparation and instructions for
Friday, May 10, 2024

We look forward to celebrating with you at Commencement on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 10 a.m.

Please check-in beginning at 8:45 a.m. to Maturi Pavilion, 1925 University Ave SE. If you are being dropped off, it is recommended to get dropped off on the University Avenue side of the building and avoid 4th St. ommencement staff will be available to direct you to check-in.

Preparation

  • The ceremony is expected to last approximately three hours.
  • Bring (or wear) gown, cap, and tassel.
  • Leave all coats, bags and valuables with your guests as there will not be a secure place for you to leave them. If you do have any personal items, please make sure they are under your robe.
  • Other U of M Twin Cities colleges are also holding graduation ceremonies on campus on Friday, May 10, 2024, so it will be a busy day on campus.
  • You may want to eat before you come to the ceremony. There is a lot of waiting in line and then sitting during the ceremony.
  • Please share with your guests that balloons are not allowed in Mariucci Arena and to consider pre-ordering flowers that will be reserved and picked up through a contactless process at Mariucci.
  • Please also share with your guests that you will line up and process across the stage by department. Guests may want to sit on the side of the arena where their graduate will be sitting, which is outlined on this map.
  • Photographs will be taken at the event and may be used in University of Minnesota print and online publications, social media, promotions, and/or shared in other ways.
  • Grad Images will take an individual photo of you on the stage, and you will receive a free proof of this photo within six days following the ceremony. There is no obligation to purchase.
  • The ceremony will have a livestream on YouTube.

Check-in and procession

  • Please check-in beginning at 8:45 a.m. to Maturi Pavilion, 1925 University Ave SE.
  • Pick up your reader’s card at the entrance of Maturi Pavilion.
  • Line-up by department. If you want to sit with friends in your department, it is best to arrive with them. Commencement coordinators will be on hand to provide direction on where to line up for the procession.
  • The procession across University Avenue to Mariucci will start at 9:40 a.m.

Ceremony

  • Your tassel should start on the right side of the cap/face and then move to the left after proceeding across the stage.
  • Each row will be signaled by an usher to stand and proceed towards the stage.
  • Give your card to the staff person for scanning.
  • Name is read.
  • Proceed across the stage.
  • Greet the Dean and Regents.
  • Receive diploma cover; official diplomas are mailed to students from the Office of the Registrar and will not be in the diploma cover during the ceremony.
  • An individual commencement picture will be taken while exiting the stage.
  • Return to seat.
  • At the end of the ceremony, you will not formally process out and will be able to go into the stands to meet your guests.