Commencement

One-Stop Degree Planning:

• Graduation Checklist

Cap & Gown Information
Students will receive a 20% discount on cap, gown and/or hood, and optional graduation items during Grad Fest, DATE TBD. This is an on-line event through the MGear website. Grad Fest is a great way to save time and money while preparing for commencement.

Please contact umrgrad@r.umn.edu if you have any questions and/or concerns.

Commencement Rehearsal Schedule, Friday, May 12, 2023

11:00 a.m. - Graduates and Student Marshals rehearsal 
12:00 p.m. - Graduates and Student Marshals rehearsal 
1:00 p.m. - Student and Faculty speakers rehearsal 

Commencement Schedule, Saturday, May 13, 2023

10:00 a.m. - Gather in Green Rooms at the Mayo Civic Center (Room TBD)
10:30 a.m. - Class pictures with Chancellor Carrell
10:45 a.m. - Lined up and ready to move
11:00 a.m. - Ceremony begins

Dress Code
Commencement is a formal ceremony that recognizes the academic achievements of our graduates. The traditional academic cap and gown are worn by graduates and faculty. The cap is to be worn with the top parallel to the floor. The tassel is worn over the right temple until the degrees are conferred.

All students participating in commencement are expected to dress in a manner that is in keeping with the occasion:

• Comfortable, business-casual clothing is acceptable for students walking at commencement
• Men: slacks with a collared dress shirt with tie is suggested
• Women: slacks with a blouse or a dress is suggested

Candidates will march and stand a good part of the time; thus, low-heeled, comfortable dress shoes are recommended. Sneakers, beach sandals and flip-flops are discouraged.

Graduating students can wear cords and stoles that are organized and distributed by University of Minnesota offices or departments. On the day of Commencement, military cords (for students with military status) and honor cords (for students graduating with distinction or high distinction) will be distributed. Students can choose to purchase and wear flag stoles that symbolize their country of citizenship, nationality or visitation through participation in a University-approved learning abroad program.
 

Ceremony
UMR commencement is held yearly at the end of spring semester. Attendance at the commencement ceremony is optional. Commencement will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 13 in the Mayo Civic Center Ballroom. Students who expect to complete their degrees in the spring semester or summer session 2023 may participate, as well as those who have fifteen or fewer credits remaining. Students who have graduated but not previously participated in a ceremony are also invited to participate.

Please note that the Mayo Civic Center does not allow outside beverages or food to be brought into the Mayo Civic Center. Anyone under the influence of alcohol or other drugs will be asked to leave and will not be allowed to participate in the commencement ceremony.

Disability Resources
If you, or someone in your party has mobility or hearing difficulties, please contact Jeff Baier, Disability Resources Coordinator, jbaier@r.umn.edu or 507-258-8058. 

Graduate Guests
UMR encourages graduates to invite family members, friends and colleagues to the commencement ceremony. Graduates are not limited to a set number of guests and no tickets are required for entry. This guest policy may change based on the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and guidance from public health officials.

Please note the Mayo Civic Center strictly prohibits balloons in any area of the Civic Center. Please leave balloon bouquets in cars until after the ceremony. 

Do your family and friends have questions? See the Family & Friends section for additional information.

Commencement Photography
Arrangements have been made with Legacies by Laura Commencement Photography  to photograph each graduate during the Commencement ceremony. Graduates who give consent to be contacted by the photographer will have the opportunity to purchase their pictures when they are available. All inquiries should be directed to legaciesbylaura@gmail.com

Parking
View driving directions and parking information to the Mayo Civic Center. A drop off location is located outside of the main entrance. We recommend that graduates and guests park in the Civic Center Parking Ramp.

2023 UMR Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, May 13 at 11 am at the Mayo Civic Center Ballroom. 

UMR commencement is held yearly at the end of spring semester. Attendance at the commencement ceremony is optional. Commencement will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 13 in the Mayo Civic Center Ballroom. Students who expect to complete their degrees in the spring semester or summer session 2023 may participate, as well as those who have fifteen or fewer credits remaining. Students who have graduated but not previously participated in a ceremony are also invited to participate.

Livestream Link 
We will be livestreaming the event for parents, families and friends who are unable to attend in person. To join the livestream event visit UMR's YouTube page.

Number of Guests
UMR encourages graduates to invite family members, friends and colleagues to the commencement ceremony. Graduates are not limited to a set number of guests and no tickets are required for entry. This guest policy may change based on the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and guidance from public health officials 

Please note that the Mayo Civic Center does not allow outside beverages or food to be brought into the Mayo Civic Center. Anyone under the influence of alcohol or other drugs will be asked to leave the premises.

The Mayo Civic Center strictly prohibits balloons in any area of the civic center. Anyone entering the civic center with balloons will be asked to return balloons to their cars. 

Disability Resources
If you, or someone in your party has mobility or hearing difficulties, please contact Jeff Baier, Disability Resources Coordinator, jbaier@r.umn.edu or 507-258-8058. 

Parking        
View driving directions and parking information to the Mayo Civic Center. A drop off location is located outside of the main entrance. We recommend that graduates and guests park in the Civic Center Parking Ramp.                                                                                                                                      

Commencement Photography
Arrangements have been made with Legacies by Laura Commencement Photography  to photograph each graduate during the Commencement ceremony. Graduates who give consent to be contacted by the photographer will have the opportunity to purchase their pictures when they are available. All inquiries should be directed to legaciesbylaura@gmail.com

Commencement Rehearsal Schedule, Friday, May 12, 2023
1:00 p.m. - Faculty and student speakers rehearsal 

Commencement Schedule, Saturday, May 14, 2022

10:00 a.m. - Gather in Green Rooms at Mayo Civic Center (Room TBD)
10:45 a.m. - Gowned up and ready to move
11:00 a.m. - Ceremony begins

Commencement Contact
Anne Kowal
Events Manager
amkowal@r.umn.edu

Friday, May 12 from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Location: TBD

Chancellor Carrell invites graduates and their families to an open house farewell reception. Appetizers, desserts, coffee and soft drinks will be provided.

Commencement Contact
Anne Kowal
Events Manager
amkowal@r.umn.edu or umrgrad@r.umn.ed

Disability Resources Contact
Jeff Baier
Disability Resources Coordinator
disability@r.umn.edu