How can I contact ASE Commencement if I have questions?
For more information, contact [email protected].
Do my family and friends need tickets to attend the ceremony?
Yes, tickets are required for guests. All tickets are free, general admission, and must be claimed by the graduating student.
What if my international guests need an invitation letter to attend the ceremony?
If your guests need an invitation letter in order to apply for a visa, please contact [email protected].
Is registering for the commencement ceremony the same as applying to graduate?
No, they are different processes. For information regarding the steps required for the award of your degree or certificate, refer to the University's graduate degree completion checklists.
Will I get my diploma at the ceremony?
No. Diplomas are mailed 4-6 weeks after you are officially cleared for graduation. A University of Minnesota diploma is printed on 8.5 x 11" paper and includes the following information: your name, the degree you earned, and the confer date. The diploma does not indicate your major or minor; these details are recorded on your official transcript.
Where can I purchase a cap and gown?
Regalia and other graduation related items can be purchased at the U of M Bookstores. Graduate degree apparel consists of a gown, cap, tassel and hood.
What is GradFest?
GradFest 2026 will be held Wednesday, March 25th and Thursday, March 26th, 2026, from 10am - 6pm at the Coffman Memorial Union Bookstore. Gradfest is the U of M's official "one-stop" source for graduation information, services and products, and the only time academic attire is offered at a discount. You can pick up your cap and gown, order graduation announcements, and much more.
Can I walk for more than one degree?
Students are recognized on stage for one degree only. If you are completing multiple degrees, e.g. a master’s degree and a doctoral degree and want them both printed in the commencement program, send a request to [email protected]
Will I be hooded on stage?
Doctoral candidates will be hooded on stage. Master’s students wear their hood throughout the ceremony and are not hooded on stage.
Can I ask my advisor to hood me?
Yes! If you want your advisor to hood you onstage, you can add their email address to the commencement registration form. They will receive an invitation to the ceremony with instructions on the hooding procedure. If your advisor is not able to attend the ceremony, there will be designated faculty on stage who can perform this role.
What if I missed the registration deadline?
Contact [email protected] for information. Late registrants will be ineligible to have their name professionally recorded or to appear in the commencement program.
Is there disability access and seating in 3M Arena at Mariucci?
Accessible entry is available via the east and southwest power door entrances, with elevator access to the main concourse level. The concourse has several accessible seating areas. Seating in the arena is open, and we strongly encourage families and guests with special needs to arrive early.
Can guests watch the ceremony remotely?
Yes, the link to view the live webcast is z.umn.edu/asewebcast26
Where can I view the commencement program
The ceremony program will be available the day of the event at: z.umn.edu/26ASEProgram
How long will the ceremony last?
The ceremony generally lasts about 2.5 hours.