Commencement 

Commencement 2023 was held Saturday May 6 in AMSOIL Arena at the DECC.   

There is NOT a fall/winter commencement ceremony.  Fall 2023 graduates may attend the May 4, 2024 ceremony.   

Photos

Students have their photo taken three times during the commencement ceremony.  First before they cross the stage, then as they receive their diploma cover from their Dean or Associate Dean, and finally at the back of the arena in front of a University of Minnesota Regents Seal banner as they hold their diploma cover.  Students may find their pictures to purchase on the GradImages website approximately 2 weeks after the ceremony.   To find your photos, for the school name type in: University of Minnesota - Duluth  All students who participated in the spring 2023 ceremony will be listed on the GradImages website as spring 2023 graduates no matter what term they completed or plan to complete their degree requirements.  

Diplomas

Assuming all graduation requirements have been met, diplomas are mailed to students within three months following the end of the semester in which a student applied to graduate. Holds may prevent you from ordering a transcript or receiving your diploma. Check MyU for any holds on your record. All diplomas are the same size.

Information on diplomas should be directed to One Stop Student Services, 218-726-8000, [email protected]. For questions regarding degree requirements contact your college Advising & Academic Services office.

 

 

FAQ

1 - There is no rehearsal for students

2 - Students should bring their cap and gown to the DECC, a limited number are available to purchase on commencement day

3 - Each ceremony will be about 2 hours long

4 - Doors open an hour an a half before the ceremony for both guests and students

5 - Tickets are not required, the event is free of charge and seating is on a first come basis

6 - Programs are available at the door, there is no charge.  Students will have a program on their chair in AMSOIL.

7 - There is construction on Highway 35 in Duluth.  We are not aware of any lane closures set for May 4.  

8 - March 15, 2024 is the deadline for undergraduates and graduate students to have their name listed in the May 4, 2024 commencement program.  

9 - After the ceremony students will leave their respective rows and exit through the Zamboni doors at the front of arena. They can then meet their guests in the DECC Arena where students lined up, or upstairs near the DECC Ticket Office.

10 - The DECC bag policy.  The following bags may be carried into the venue:

• Small bags not exceeding 4.5” x 6.5” such as a clutch purse, wristlet, or wallet
• Medically necessary bags, including breast pumps
• Diaper bags for individuals/families with a child/children under age 3

All guests will be subject to a search of their person and possessions prior to entering DECC facilities for applicable events. All permissible bags will be subject to inspection by security personnel. Guests should be prepared to open their bags for inspection and may be asked by a security representative to shift and/or remove the contents of their bag.  DECC security personnel reserve the right to confiscate items that may cause damage to DECC facilities or danger/disruption to an event. Guests who violate building policies or decline to be searched may be denied entry or ejected from DECC facilities.

11- The difference between graduation and commencement.  

Graduation is the process of submitting an online graduation application, completing all academic requirements for your degree, and settling all financial obligations.  The administrative process of degree conferral will indicate your official date of graduation. Conferral date is defined as the date on which your degree is officially awarded. 

Commencement refers to the ceremony, that honors graduating students. Commencement refers to the start of something, and in an academic context, this ceremony signifies you're starting your career and the next phase of your life. It is also a time for UMD to pay special tribute to you for the outstanding efforts you have shown in earning your degree.   Participation in the commencement ceremony does not imply that you have officially graduated.

 

Inviting International Family to Visit

 

Commencement day information for students

Commencement day information for guests

 

Graduation checklist for undergraduate students

Graduation checklist for graduate students

Double Majors

Students' names are in the program first by college, and then by degree.  On commencement day students cross the stage and their name is read, but the specific degree is not noted.

  • If you are a double major in the same college but with different degrees, we need to know which degree you wish to be recognized as a graduate.
  • If you are a double major in two different colleges that have their ceremony at the same time, we need to know which college you wish to be recognized as a graduate.
  • If you are a double major in the two different colleges that have their ceremony at different times, we need to know whether you wish to attend both ceremonies or just one.

Please contact us at [email protected] and let us know which major you wish to be recognized for.