Graduation and Commencement Ceremonies
Congratulations to our 2025 CEHD graduates!
The 2025 CEHD commencement ceremonies will be held Friday, May 16, 2025. The undergraduate ceremony will begin at 10 a.m., and the graduate ceremony will begin at 3 p.m.
Look for email invitations from the college in early 2025, and check this page for updates. The CEHD community looks forward to celebrating all of our graduates!
Frequently asked questions
Get answers to common questions about CEHD Commencement on our FAQ page. We will continue to update this page, so check back often.
Resources
Post-Graduation Survey
Please share your insights and tell us what you are doing after graduation! Log in to The Post-Graduation Survey to tell your post-graduation plans, whether it's employment, graduate school, internship, service program, military service or you are still deciding. Your responses will help current and future CEHD students in their career decision-making.
*Grads can fill out the survey now and update their response if their circumstances change
Ready to graduate?
In order to ensure a seamless road to graduation, we recommend you review and follow the checklist for your degree. Know your degree requirements, and talk to your academic advisor.
Order academic regalia
You can order your cap and gown and other graduation items at the U of M Bookstore in Coffman Memorial Union or through the Bookstore's website.
Featured speakers
Dean Michael C. Rodriguez
Dean Michael C. Rodriguez
Michael C. Rodriguez, PhD, is dean of the College of Education and Human Development and a professor of educational measurement and assessment. He holds the Campbell Leadership Chair with a focus on education equity and is a member of the University’s Academy of Distinguished Teachers. He directs the MN Youth Development Research Group that explores the role of the social and cultural contexts of learning and positive youth development through the measurement of social and emotional learning. He currently chairs the Technical Advisory Group of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards and is a member of the Design and Analysis Committee of the National Assessment of Educational Progress.
He is the recipient of the Albert J. Harris Research Award from the International Literacy Association. Perhaps most importantly, he is a fifth-generation Minnesotan and a first-generation college graduate.
Undergraduate student speaker
Wajd Suliman is a first-generation college student graduating with a degree in Business and Marketing Education with an emphasis in analytics. She has made the Dean’s List for three consecutive years and is committed to personal and professional growth through challenging and hands-on experiences.
Wajd interned at KPMG as a Governance Risk and Compliance intern, where she worked with SAP systems, supported client delivery, and gained hands-on experience in risk analysis. She also held an IT internship at CSM Corporation, where she played a key role in centralizing company operations and worked cross-functionally with finance, architecture, and marketing teams.
Currently, Wajd serves as a Red Bull Student Marketeer and the Formula 1 Lead for her state — a role that allows her to channel her passion for motorsport into dynamic event planning and student outreach. She is also passionate about fitness and is currently training for her first HYROX race, which she will be competing in at the end of May in Bangkok, Thailand.
She is honored to represent the Class of 2025 at commencement.
Wajd Suliman
Commencement guest information
Undergraduate: The CEHD Undergraduate Commencement ceremony will begin streaming at 10 a.m. (CDT) on Friday, May 16. 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 3 p.m. (CDT) on Friday, May 16. View the livestream ceremony on YouTube. A recording will be available on this website later in May.
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
University Avenue and parts of I-94 near the Twin Cities campus will be under construction throughout Spring–Summer 2025. This may impact travel for commencement. Please visit the parking and transportation page for more details and updates on the project.
After the ceremony, graduates can exit up through the aisles to meet with their family and friends.
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.
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.
Arriving at Mariucci Arena
- Guests with mobility issues can use the Sundet entrance (1901 4th St. SE); it is closer to the street for those patrons to get into the building.
- 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 and the Maroon Lot.
- Guests should visit the guest services kiosk/table 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. Wheelchairs cannot leave the building.
- Wheelchair seating is available at the top of sections 2, 3, 8, 18, and 24, and these sections have additional seating for other friends and family. These sections are the closest to the main visitors entrance (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.
Lactation space
A Mamava Flex pod is available in the main concourse near Section 12. Guests can unlock the pod using the free Mamava app. For more information or to find additional lactation spaces, visit Mamava’s website.
Live captioning and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be available during both ceremonies.
Please consider pre-ordering flowers and other gifts that will be reserved and picked up at Mariucci.
Balloons are not allowed in Mariucci Arena.
Visit the Office of Admissions website for a list of nearby hotels, some with special U of M rates.
If a student’s guests are traveling internationally and require official documentation from the University in order to receive a visa to travel, students may use the Dean’s congratulatory letter/email inviting them to commencement, sent to students in February, for this type of documentation. This letter/email can be sent to the appropriate embassy; however often students need something more personal. If you need a letter like this, you can request a personalized letter to be sent via email from Dr. Marina Aleixo, Director of International Initiatives. You can request this letter and they will work with the student on getting the information they need for their particular embassy. Students should note that it may take 7-10 business days to receive the letter. Note that this process can take a long time on the home-country’s part as well so encourage students to start early! If you have further questions about the letter, contact CEHD International initiatives (cehdintl@umn.edu).
Stay connected!
After you graduate, stay connected with the CEHD Alumni Society & read Connect, your alumni magazine.