Graduation and Commencement Ceremonies
Save the date:
- The 2026 CEHD undergraduate commencement ceremony will be held Friday, May 15, 2026, at 10 a.m.
- The 2026 CEHD graduate commencement ceremony will be held Friday, May 15, 2026, at 3 p.m.
2025 Undergraduate Commencement (Video Courtesy of Jairus Davis)
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
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 Grad Fest, March 25 and 26, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the U of M Bookstore in Coffman Memorial Union or through the Bookstore's website.
Commencement guest information
Ticketing for guests is required this year. More information will be provided closer to the date.
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, and read Connect, your alumni magazine.