2024 Undergraduate Commencement
Saturday, May 11 • 5 p.m. • 3M Arena at Mariucci
The ceremony will last about 2 hours. All degree candidates will cross the stage as their names are called. Students will be presented by major, not alphabetically. Approximately 450 students will be participating in Commencement.
Ceremony Broadcast
The ceremony will be broadcast live for remote viewing HERE.
Parking & Transportation
Graduates and guests have several options for parking. Normal hourly rates apply. (See map)
Student information
May ceremony eligibility
If your anticipated graduation term is spring 2024, summer 2024, fall 2024, or you graduated in summer or fall of 2023, you are eligible and encouraged to participate in the May ceremony. The deadline to RSVP for Commencement has passed. Please email cbscommencement@umn.edu if you would like to attend.
Regalia
Although we don't require graduates to wear regalia (a cap and gown), it is strongly encouraged. Most graduates do wear a cap and gown, as well as the CBS tassel or the one that they received during their first-year at Convocation. You can buy a graduation cap and gown at UMN Bookstores, located in Coffman Union or online.
Graduate Check-In
Graduates check in by last name at the Mariucci loading dock (off of 5th Street – look for the balloon arch) from 3:45-4:30 p.m. You will receive a card that states your name, phonetic spelling, and major(s). You will hand this card to the name reader as you walk across the stage. Once you are checked in, graduates will line up by major (not alphabetically) along the Zamboni corridor. Student Marshals and staff volunteers will be available to assist with line-up and answer any questions. NOTE: There will not be a place to store valuables, so please leave any bags or personal items with your guests.
The Ceremony
Graduates will process onto the arena floor following the Faculty Marshal for each major. Student Marshals will direct you to fill in each row of seating. Once you are in the arena, remain standing until the Dean seats you. The Student Marshals will release graduates row by row to receive their diploma covers. Keep your name card with you. You will hand it to the student marshal assisting the name readers before you cross the stage. At the end of the ceremony, faculty will lead the recession out of the arena. You will walk up the stairs to the concourse level of Mariucci and out to the front entrance. Look to the student marshals for direction.
Graduating Senior Survey and CBS Knowledge Assessment
CBS is committed to evaluating and improving our curriculum and programs, and this work depends on feedback from you. Please complete the Graduating Senior Survey and CBS Knowledge Assessment by May 17. The Graduating Senior Survey looks at students' attitudes and confidence as they relate to science and the Knowledge Assessment helps us better understand your knowledge about multiple aspects of biology. If you have any questions about these, please reach out to Joshua Braverman (brave044@umn.edu).
UMN Post-Graduation Survey
Let us know what’s next for you by completing the Spring 2024 Post-Graduation Survey! Whether you’re pursuing additional education, accepting a full-time position, taking a gap year, or still exploring options, we’d love to hear where you are headed after graduation and to stay in touch.
Guest information
Guest seating
Guest seating will open at the East Main Lobby of Mariucci at 4 p.m. (4 Oak Street SE). Seating is General Admission, unless you indicate a need for special accommodations in your RSVP.
Tickets
Tickets are not required for guests. Graduates can bring unlimited guests.
Bag Policy
Please note that Mariucci Arena does not permit backpacks, large bags or balloons in the facility. All bags are subject to search.
Concessions
No concessions are available for guests.
Flowers
You can pre-order flowers for your graduate here. This vendor will also be on-site at the commencement ceremony for flower purchasing.
Accommodations
If students requested accommodations for yourself or any of your guests, you will receive an email closer to the event with more information. If you have any additional requests or clarifications you’d like to make, please email cbscommencement@umn.edu.
Questions? Contact CBS Student Services at cbscommencement@umn.edu or 612-624-9717.