Graduate Commencement Ceremony

Am I eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony?

Students are eligible to participate in CFANS Graduate Commencement if they are completed/are scheduled to complete their master’s, professional, or doctoral degree from any program in the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences between June 2024 and August 2025. Please check with your Graduate Program Coordinator if you are unsure. 

What's the difference between graduation and commencement?

Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements as recorded on the official transcript. Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates the completion of a degree. Participation in the commencement ceremony does not imply that you have officially graduated. 

For more information regarding steps required for the award of your degree, please contact your Graduate Program Coordinator and/or the Graduate Student Services & Progress (GSSP) Office.

How do I purchase academic attire? 

Graduates are responsible for purchasing their regalia from the UMN bookstore. The best time to purchase is during GradFest, when regalia is discounted. (Regalia is not required to participate in CFANS Graduate Commencement.)

• Here is an overview of graduate regalia. 
• The cap is worn with the pointed end to the front and parallel to the ground. The tassel is worn on the left side throughout the ceremony. You do not move your tassel for graduate degrees.
  • The tassel for the Graduate School is black and is purchased separately from the bookstore. 
• Master's students wear their hood throughout the ceremony.
  • This YouTube video shows how to wear the hood. 
• PhD candidates/graduates will be hooded on stage by two people, typically your advisor(s) or DGS, and Dr. Saqui-Salces. Walk in the procession with the hood draped over your arm. Make sure the cord on your hood is unbuttoned.
  • This YouTube video shows how to carry your hood to the stage and how to adjust the hood as needed. 
• CFANS staff will be available to help with regalia adjustments and answer questions as you line up for the processional.

How can my friends and family attend the ceremony?

The ceremony will begin at 1:00 p.m.  Building doors will open to the public at noon; auditorium doors will open for seating at 12:30 p.m. Graduates may invite up to 4 guests. There are no physical tickets and seating is first-come, first-served for guests.

Can I watch the ceremony at a later date and time?

Yes, the ceremony will be recorded and available to view on the CFANS Youtube channel after the ceremony date.

How will I receive my diploma cover?

Graduates will receive their diploma cover as they cross the stage during commencement. 

How do I apply to be the student speaker at graduate commencement?

CFANS is pleased to once again offer graduate students the opportunity to speak at the CFANS Graduate Commencement.

Commencement speakers will be expected to speak for 5 minutes, and will speak directly before the keynote speaker. The student commencement speech can be reflective, motivational, inspirational, or reflect other themes of the speaker’s choice.

If you are interested, please complete this application form. Please complete all requested information. Student commencement speaker applications must be submitted by March 31. If selected, you will be asked to submit a copy of your speech before commencement to be reviewed by the CFANS Graduate Student Board.

Yes, we have made arrangements with GradImages to have a professional photographer take photos of each student. One photo is taken on stage with your diploma cover in hand. Another photo is taken as you enter or exit the stage. GradImages will contact you directly when the photo proofs are available to view. There is no obligation to purchase photos. If you pre-register, you will receive a 20% discount through GradImages. 

Yes, we have made arrangements with The Commencement Group to have flowers and gifts available for purchase in the lobby of Ted Mann Concert Hall before the ceremony. If you would like to pre-order flowers or gifts, you may do so here.

Who should I contact if I have further questions?

• For program-specific questions, please contact your Graduate Program Coordinator.
   
• For degree completion and graduation questions, please contact GSSP.
   
• For all other questions, please email [email protected].