Frequently Asked Questions

How can I contact ASE Commencement if I have questions?
For more information, contact [email protected].

Do my family and friends need tickets if they would like to attend the ceremony?
Tickets are not requiredGuest seating in the arena is open and you may invite as many guests as you wish.

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].

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 2024 will be held March 20 & 21, 2024. 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.

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! Advisors of participating doctoral candidates will be sent invitations to the ceremony, along with instructions on how to hood their students. 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, to upload photos or messages to a personalized slide, or to appear in the commencement booklet. 

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, a link to the live webcast will be added to the ASE Commencement web page prior to the ceremony. A link to the video recording will be added to the web page about 2 weeks after the ceremony.

How long will the ceremony last?
The ceremony generally lasts about 2.5 hours.

When will I get my diploma?
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.