General Information
Your commencement ceremony recognizes your academic achievements
and is an occasion for celebration. Planning will help you enjoy
it fully.
The following information will answer some general questions as you
begin to think about your graduation from the University of Minnesota.
Commencement OverviewThe University does not hold one campuswide ceremony. Rather, each
individual collegiate unit holds its own graduation activities.
All colleges hold spring commencements in May or June. The Graduate
School and the College of Liberal Arts also hold fall ceremonies
in December.
If you have questions about your specific commencement ceremony
that are not answered here, please call your college office.
Attendance at your celebration is voluntary, as is the wearing
of an academic costume for the commencement exercise.
Commencement is not a certification of graduation. Your graduation
date and transcript date will likely be different from your commencement
date.
Additional
Information
Eligibility
Generally, if you have completed coursework during summer session
or fall semester you are eligible to participate in fall commencement
ceremonies. And generally, if you have completed coursework in
spring semester, or in some instances first summer session,
you
are eligible for the spring ceremonies. You must file graduation
application forms by the deadline listed on One
Stop.
Direct questions on specific eligibility requirements to your college
office.
Ceremony
Most commencement ceremonies last approximately one and a half to
two hours. Degree candidates line up early for the ceremony. Wear
comfortable shoes and plan to leave belongings with friends or family.
Each college sets its own format, but, in all cases, the presentation
of degree candidates is the highlight of the event. Your family
and friends are welcome to take photos during the ceremony as long
as they don’t disturb the enjoyment of others.
Caps and Gowns
You can get your cap and gown through the University of Minnesota
Bookstores. For regalia information or online rental forms,
go to http://www.bookstore.umn.edu/grad/.
Diplomas
Because it is not possible to process final grades and prepare
degree lists in time to present diplomas on commencement day,
your diploma
will be mailed about three months after the end of the semester.
All undergraduate diplomas are 8.5 x 11 inches, and you may purchase
covers and frames at any of the University of Minnesota Bookstores
or online at http://www.bookstore.umn.edu/grad/. |
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