The Graduate School

Graduate Commencement

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It's Your Day!

graduate students receiving diploma.

Commencement is a celebration of all you have accomplished. Participation is voluntary but strongly encouraged!

Students who anticipate completing all degree requirements by the end of Fall 2017 are eligible to walk, with program approval. Please consult with your program advisor and Director of Graduate Studies if you wish to participate, but will not have completed all degree requirements by the end of May 2018.

UMD Commencement 2018 is scheduled for 
Saturday, May 5, 2018
at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center, Amsoil Arena.

There will be two separate ceremonies.

Requirements and deadlines

March 1 is the deadline to register for Commencement.

Log in  to "Commence! UMD Commencement Manager" to participate in commencement exercises, and to have your name included in the printed Commencement Program.

Graduation requirements for EdS, MEd, MEng, MEEd, MEHS, and MTAG programs

  1. Check with your program office to be sure you have met all requirements for graduation.
  2. Complete the Commencement Questionnaire online using the "Commence! UMD Commencement Manager" by Thursday, March 1st, even if you do not plan to attend. This is the only way we will know whether or not you intend to participate in commencement exercises and for your name to appear in the printed Commencement program, so it is very important that you log in to check your information and complete the Questionnaire.
  3. Apply to Graduate online through your MyU Portal by the first day of the month in which you intend to complete all degree requirements. Note: This is not the same as Step 2. You must complete this step to get your degree. 
  4. Remember, Graduate School policy requires that you register every fall and every spring until your degree is awarded. Please contact the Graduate School Office or your program office with any questions.

Individual programs may have additional requirements for degree completion. Please check with your program office.

Graduation requirements for all other graduate programs

  1. Download your Graduation Packet, which contains degree completion forms and a link to instructions on the application for degree process. An approved Graduate Degree Plan must be on file with the Graduate School, and an Examining Committee (if applicable) must be assigned before you will be able to access your Graduation Packet.
  2. Complete the Commencement Questionnaire online using the "Commence! UMD Commencement Manager" by Thursday, March 1st, even if you do not plan to attend. This is the only way we will know whether or not you intend to participate in commencement exercises and for your name to appear in the printed Commencement program, so it is very important that you log in to check your information and complete the Questionnaire.
  3. Apply to Graduate online through your MyU Portal by the first day of the month in which you intend to complete all degree requirements. Note: This is not the same as Step 2. You must complete this step to get your degree. For more information on degree progress and completion, please contact the UMD Graduate School Office.
  4. Remember, Graduate School policy requires that you register every fall and every spring until your degree is awarded. Please contact the Graduate School Office or your program office with any questions.

Additional notes for those participating in Commencement Ceremonies

  • The UMD Graduation Fair will be held in March in the Kirby Ballroom. Save 20% during the Grad Fair only!
  • Students must obtain the proper academic attire at UMD Stores in order to participate in the ceremonies.
  • Purchase your cap, gown, hood, and tassel at Lower Level UMD Stores, or at the Grad Fair. Find the hood color for your degree by clicking on the link.
  • Participating Doctoral degree students can find more information about their regalia by clicking on the link.
  • Participating Master's degree students can find more information about their regalia by clicking on the link.
  • ***NOTE: When ordering Graduation Hoods, please include your Discipline/Degree in the comments area.***
  • If you have any questions about the proper regalia and deadlines by which regalia need to be ordered, please contact UMD Stores.
  • More details regarding Commencement are available on the UMD Commencement Information page
  • Questions? Contact the UMD Graduate School Office at (218) 726-7523, or email umdgrad@d.umn.edu.

Other Information

Visit the One Stop Student Services website for information on the following: