Commencement

One-Stop Degree Planning

Graduation Checklist

Commencement Rehearsal Schedule, Friday, May 15

11:30 a.m. -- Graduates and Student Marshals rehearsal 

12:30 p.m. -- National Anthem rehearsal 

1:00 p.m. -- Stage Party rehearsal

1:30 p.m. -- Faculty and student speakers rehearsal 

2:30 p.m. -- Graduates and Student Marshals rehearsal 

Commencement Schedule, Saturday, May 16, 2020

10:00 a.m. -- Gather in Suites 106 (graduates) & 107 (faculty and staff)

10:20 a.m. -- Group photo (graduates and Chancellor Carrell)

10:45 a.m. -- Gowned up and ready to move

10:50 a.m. -- Lined up outside Ballroom

11:00 a.m. -- Procession begins

Cap & Gown Information

Attend Grad Fest at UMR March 18 & 19. The event will be at the M Gear Bookstore or you can order online through the MGear website. Attending Grad Fest is a great way to save time and money while preparing for commencement.

During this time, you can purchase the following:

• Cap, gown and/or hood

• Receive information regarding ordering graduation announcements and college rings

Students will receive a 20% discount if these items are purchased on Grad Fest days.

During Grad Fest, students will be able to get the information and discounts during the bookstore's regular business hours of 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Please contact umrgrad@r.umn.edu if you have any questions and/or concerns.
 

Additional Information

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.

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 required for students walking at commencement
• Men: slacks (no jeans or shorts) with a collared dress shirt with tie
• Women: slacks (no jeans or shorts) with a blouse or a dress

Candidates will march and stand a good part of the time; thus, low-heeled, comfortable dress shoes are recommended. DO NOT wear sneakers or beach sandals or flip-flops.

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. Flag stoles will be distributed in advance.

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. Students can indicate their interest in purchasing a flag stole when completing the Commencement Survey.

Disability Resources
If you, or someone in your party has a 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.

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

Commencement Photography
Arrangements have been made with Lifetouch to photograph each graduate during the Commencement ceremony. Graduates have been provided with information regarding the option to purchase portraits. All images from the ceremony may be viewed/purchased at www.events.lifetouch.com in two weeks. All inquiries should be directed to events@lifetouch.com. Thank you for your cooperation.

Parking
Click here to view directions to Mayo Civic Center. A drop off location is located outside of the main entrance.

We recommend parking in the Civic Center Parking Ramp .Other ramps accessible by skyway include 1st Street Parking Ramp, 2nd St. Parking Ramp.

Commencement Contact
Anne Kowal
Events Manager
507-258-8090
amkowal@r.umn.edu

Saturday, May 16 | 11 a.m.
Mayo Civic Center | 30 Civic Center Dr SE
Rochester, MN 55904

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

- PLEASE NOTE -

The Mayo Civic Center strictly prohibits balloon bouquets.

Please leave balloons in your cars until after commencement.

Doors open at 10:00 a.m.

Seating
Seating in Mayo Civic Center Ballroom is first-come, first-served, and tickets are NOT required. Guests who require seating assistance should check in with UMR ushers at the Auditorium doors.

Personal Photography
To respect the dignity of the ceremony and allow all guests to see their degree candidate recognized, we ask that all guests remain seated.

Hotel Accommodations
If you are traveling to Rochester, please click here for hotel accommodations in the area. Be sure to book your hotel accommodations in advance because there are a number of events and graduations during this weekend in Rochester.

Commencement Photography
Arrangements have been made with Lifetouch to photograph each graduate during the Commencement ceremony. Graduates have been provided with information regarding the option to purchase portraits. All images from the ceremony may be viewed/purchased at www.events.lifetouch.com in two weeks. All inquiries should be directed to events@lifetouch.com. Thank you for your cooperation.

Parking
Click here to view directions to Mayo Civic Center. A drop off location is located outside of the main entrance.

We recommend parking in the Civic Center Parking Ramp .Other ramps accessible by skyway include 1st Street Parking Ramp, 2nd St. Parking Ramp.

Commencement Contact
Anne Kowal
Events Manager
507-258-8090
amkowal@r.umn.edu

Regalia
An order form will be sent to all processing faculty and staff in March. Faculty/Staff are welcome and encouraged to wear their own regalia if they have it otherwise regalia will be rented through MGear.

Commencement Rehearsal Schedule, Friday, May 15

11:30 a.m. -- Graduates and Student Marshals rehearsal 

12:30 p.m. -- National Anthem rehearsal 

1:00 p.m. -- Stage Party rehearsal 

1:30 p.m. -- Faculty and student speakers rehearsal 

2:30 p.m. -- Graduates and Student Marshals rehearsal 

Commencement Schedule, Saturday, May 16, 2020

10:00 a.m. -- Gather in Suites 106 (graduates) & 107 (faculty and staff)

10:20 a.m. -- Group photo (graduates and Chancellor Carrell)

10:45 a.m. -- Gowned up and ready to move

10:50 a.m. -- Lined up outside Ballroom

11:00 a.m. -- Procession begins

Commencement Contact
Anne Kowal
Events Manager
507-258-8090
amkowal@r.umn.edu

Disability Resources Contact
Jeff Baier
Disability Resources Coordinator
disability@r.umn.edu
507-258-8058