Seating and arena information
Tickets are NOT required. Seating in the arena is open, and specific and/or consecutive seats are not guaranteed. Families and guests with special needs are encouraged to arrive early.
The doors to 3M Arena at Mariucci will open 60 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Guests who require seating assistance should check in at the Guest Services booth on the concourse level.
There are no vending or concessions available in the arena during the ceremony. Balloons and bags larger than 12" X 12" are prohibited in the arena. Guests with infants may bring a diaper bag and/or a stroller. All bags are subject to search. 3M Arena at Mariucci Bag Policy.
Ceremony Details
The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. with a faculty procession leading the graduates into 3M Arena at Mariucci and will conclude with the presentation of degree candidates.
Master’s degree students are seated on the right side of the arena as you face the stage and doctoral degree students are seated on the left. Master’s students will process to the stage first, grouped by college; doctoral candidates will follow in the same order. All students will be individually recognized as they cross the stage; in addition, doctoral candidates will be hooded onstage.
Professional photographers will be at the ceremony to photograph each graduate onstage. Guests may not enter the arena floor to take photographs until the ceremony has ended.
The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. and should conclude by 4:30 p.m. All graduates and their guests are expected to stay until the end of the ceremony.
Commencement Address
The keynote speaker is Nisha Botchwey, Dean of the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs.