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. For the arena bag policy and a full list of prohibited items, see 3M Arena at Mariucci - Event Information. All guests will go through metal detection upon entering the arena.
Traffic impacts: construction projects on Interstate 94 and University Avenue this spring may result in delays in travel time. Plan extra time for your commute if you are entering campus via University Avenue through Dinkytown. For up–to–date information, including detours, visit the Parking & Transportation Services projects tracker.
Ceremony Details
The ceremony will begin 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 left side of the arena as you face the stage and doctoral degree students are seated on the right. 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.
The ceremony will begin at 1:00 p.m. and should conclude by 3:30 p.m. All graduates and their guests are expected to stay until the end of the ceremony and remain in their seats or on the upper concourse level. Plan to meet your graduate after the ceremony on the concourse level or the plaza outside the main doors on Oak Street.
The keynote speaker is Ethelind Kaba, M.A. '22 Strategic Communication, Executive Director of the Ann Bancroft Foundation.