Commencement 

The Commencement ceremonies are not held on campus, they are in AMSOIL Arena which is at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) located in downtown Duluth.

Please note the DECC bag policyThe following bags may be carried into the venue:

• Small bags not exceeding 4.5” x 6.5” such as a clutch purse, wristlet, or wallet
• Medically necessary bags, including breast pumps
• Diaper bags for individuals/families with a child/children under age 3

Important Dates

March 15, 2024

Last day to apply to graduate to ensure your name will be in the 2024 commencment program.

April 15 - 19, 2024

Kirby Commencement (more information to come)

April 25, 2024

Alumni Relations Senior Grad Party at the Great Lakes Aquarium, 

Graduates RSVP No later than Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 11:59 PM Tickets are limited and this event sells out

May 4, 2024 - COMMENCEMENT DAY

 

Graduation checklist for undergraduate students

Click Graduation checklist above for the links to apply to graduate and RSVP to attend the 2024 ceremony.  

If you are a fall 2024 graduate and plan to attend the 2025 ceremony, on the RSVP form please choose NO; then go into the form again this coming fall and choose YES for the 2025 ceremony.

 

Graduation checklist for graduate students

Click Graduation checklist above for the links to apply to graduate and RSVP to attend the 2024 ceremony.  

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1 - How do I check or change the name listed on my diploma: follow this path: OneStop - Personal Information - Student Record - Update Personal Information - Diploma Name

The name listed on your diploma will be the name read at commencement.

2 - There is no rehearsal for students.

3 - Do I have to buy a cap, gown and tassel?  Although not required, almost all students wear a cap and gown.  These items can be purchased on-campus at Grad Fair or at the UMD Bookstore before the ceremony.  Students are advised to purchase these items before May 4.  Students should bring their cap and gown to the DECC; a limited number are available to purchase on commencement day.

4 - Students who have earned Latin Honors, Departmental Honors, University Honors and/or a Red, White and Blue Miliary cord, will be notified via email in early April.  Students can pick up their medallion/cord during Kirby Commencement, on Commencement Day before they line up or if unable to attend either event, email [email protected] and we can make arrangements for you to pick it up or it can be mailed to you. 

5 - Students are welcome to decorate their caps.  

6 - Each ceremony will be about 2 hours long.

7 - Doors open an hour and a half before the ceremony for both guests and students.

8 - Tickets are not required; the event is free of charge and seating is on a first come basis.

9 - Programs are available at the door; there is no charge.  Students will have a program on their chair in AMSOIL.

10 - The DECC bag policyThe following bags may be carried into the venue:

• Small bags not exceeding 4.5” x 6.5” such as a clutch purse, wristlet, or wallet
• Medically necessary bags, including breast pumps
• Diaper bags for individuals/families with a child/children under age 3

All guests will be subject to a search of their person and possessions prior to entering DECC facilities for applicable events. All permissible bags will be subject to inspection by security personnel. Guests should be prepared to open their bags for inspection and may be asked by a security representative to shift and/or remove the contents of their bag.  DECC security personnel reserve the right to confiscate items that may cause damage to DECC facilities or danger/disruption to an event. Guests who violate building policies or decline to be searched may be denied entry or ejected from DECC facilities.

11 - After the ceremony students will leave their respective rows and exit through the Zamboni doors at the front of arena. They can then meet their guests in the DECC Arena where students lined up, or upstairs near the DECC Ticket Office.

12 - The difference between graduation and commencement.  

Graduation is the process of submitting an online graduation application, completing all academic requirements for your degree, and settling all financial obligations.  The administrative process of degree conferral will indicate your official date of graduation. Conferral date is defined as the date on which your degree is officially awarded. 

Commencement refers to the ceremony that honors graduating students. Commencement refers to the start of something, and in an academic context, this ceremony signifies that you're starting your career and the next phase of your life. It is also a time for UMD to pay special tribute to you for the outstanding efforts you have shown in earning your degree.  Participation in the commencement ceremony does not imply that you have officially graduated.

Anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be asked to leave the premises.

Double Majors

Students' names are in the program first by college, and then by degree.  Students majors are listed under their name.  On commencement day students cross the stage and their name is read, but the specific degree is not noted.  

  • If you are a double major in the same college but with different degrees, we need to know which degree you wish to be recognized as a graduate.  Your name will be listed in the program twice under your college, under both degrees.  
  • If you are a double major in two different colleges that have their ceremony at the same time, we need to know which college you wish to be recognized as a graduate.  Your name will be listed in the program twice, under each college of your degree. 
  • If you are a double major in the two different colleges that have their ceremony at different times, we need to know whether you wish to attend both ceremonies or just one.  Your name will be listed in the program twice, under each college of your degree.

 *IF ANY OF THE ABOVE APPLY TO YOU please contact us at [email protected] and let us know which major(s) you wish to cross the stage as or if you have any questions.

  • If you are a double major, in the same college with the same degree - you do not need to contact us.  Your name wll be listed in the program once, under your college with both your majors listed under your name.

 

Please note - if you are a double major, with the same degree, on the RSVP form only your first major will be listed.  The program will list both your majors.

 

Inviting International Family to Visit

Commencement day information for students

Commencement day information for guests

Photos

Students have their photo taken three times during the commencement ceremony.  First before they cross the stage, then as they receive their diploma cover from their Dean or Associate Dean, and finally at the back of the arena in front of a University of Minnesota Regents Seal banner as they hold their diploma cover.  Students may find their pictures to purchase on the GradImages website approximately 2 weeks after the ceremony.   To find your photos, for the school name type in: University of Minnesota - Duluth  All students who participated in the spring 2024 ceremony will be listed on the GradImages website as spring 2024 graduates no matter what term they completed or plan to complete their degree requirements.  

Diplomas

Assuming all graduation requirements have been met, diplomas are mailed to students within three months following the end of the semester in which a student applied to graduate. Holds may prevent you from ordering a transcript or receiving your diploma. Check MyU for any holds on your record. All diplomas are the same size.

Information on diplomas should be directed to One Stop Student Services, 218-726-8000, [email protected]. For questions regarding degree requirements contact your college Advising & Academic Services office.