Commencement day instructions
A page within Commencement
Schedule of events and what to expect the day of graduation
Candidates receiving an associate or bachelor's degree
Report to North Hall in the La Crosse Center 45 minutes prior to the ceremony. Signs will direct you where to go.
Candidates receiving a master's or doctoral degree
Students should arrive at the La Crosse Center, North Hall 45 minutes prior to the ceremony to receive specific instruction or directly after participating in the Graduate Studies Hooding Ceremony.
Lining up
When you arrive at the La Crosse Center, please pick up your name card (you will carry this with you into the ceremony) and verify the information is correct. If you have had trouble with individuals mispronouncing your name, see the Name Reader located in the Line-up Area.
After receiving your name card, proceed to the line-up area, where you will be arranged alphabetically by last name. Each name card is numbered to ensure everyone lines up in the correct order.
About 10 minutes before the ceremony, student marshals will lead you to the La Crosse Center Main Arena area.
The ceremony
You will be seated for the majority of the ceremony.
Conferral of degrees
At the appropriate time in the ceremony proceedings, typically after the speaker addresses, you will be asked to stand. The chancellor will make a conferral statement. You will then be seated again.
Walking the stage
- You and your fellow graduates will be released by row to take the stage and receive your diploma cover.
- While on the stage, a photographer will take a picture of you and Chancellor Beeby. Pictures will also be taken before and after you walk across the stage.
- After receiving your diploma cover, please return to your seat.
Recessional
Once the ceremony concludes, the Recessional begins. Student marshals will lead you out of the Main Arena area.