Graduate Commencement
CFANS Graduate Commencement 2024
Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 1 p.m. | Ted Mann Concert Hall
Watch the livestream at 1 p.m. C.T. View the program digital PDF
Students will be invited via email in the coming weeks 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 2023 and August 2024.
Information for Graduates
- Grad commencement registration closed on March 31. Please contact cfansgradcc@umn.edu with any questions.
- Join us for the CFANS Graduate Programs Ice Cream Social at the St. Paul Student Center on the day before commencement, Friday, May 3 from 2–5 p.m. Your guests are welcome, as well as faculty.
- Rent your regalia: Remember that you are responsible for renting or purchasing your own regalia for the ceremony through the University of Minnesota Bookstore. Regalia orders take 1-3 business days to process so please order ASAP if you haven't already.
- Tell us your post-grad plans and share a photo in your regalia for us to feature on CFANS web and social media
- When to arrive for the ceremony:
- Plan to arrive at Ted Mann Concert Hall at 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, May 4 for the ceremony to get checked in and ready backstage for the processional, which follows alpha order of degree programs (and no required order within programs since you will receive a printed card with your name)
- Ted Mann Concert Hall lobby doors will open at noon and auditorium doors open at 12:30 p.m. for guests to be seated. Seating is first come, first served for guests (and it is not ticketed)
- In lieu of a reception, graduates receive a gift from the CFANS Alumni Society during the ceremony, and we invite you to join us for the ice cream social the day beforehand on the St. Paul campus.
Information for Families and Guests
CFANS Graduate Commencement 2024 will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2024 at Ted Mann Concert Hall. 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.
Information for Families and Guests unable to attend in-person
CFANS Graduate Commencement 2024 will begin livestreaming on the ceremony page linked at 1 p.m. (CT) on Saturday, May 4, 2024. A recording of the ceremony will be available immediately to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony?
Am I eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony?
Students will be invited via email in the coming weeks to participate in CFANS Graduate Commencement 2023 if they are scheduled to complete their master’s or doctoral degree from any program in the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences between June 2022 and August 2023.
What's the difference between graduation and commencement?
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:
- Submit the necessary forms listed below to GSSP:
- Visit OneStop for degree completion steps
- Thesis/dissertation Signature Page (PDF)
- University Digital Conservancy Deposit Agreement (PDF)
How do I purchase or rent academic attire?
How do I purchase or rent academic attire?
Graduates are responsible for renting or purchasing their own regalia through the University of Minnesota Bookstore.
Academic regalia is available for rental or purchase at the University Bookstore in Coffman Union, St. Paul Student Center, or online at the University Bookstore. Graduates can attend GradFest on March 22 and 23 for discounted rates.
How to wear academic 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. PhD candidates should carry their hood on-stage, and they will be hooded by their advisor or other faculty member.
How can my friends and family attend the ceremony?
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?
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.
Whom should I contact if I have further questions?
Whom 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 cfansgradcc@umn.edu.
How will I receive my diploma cover?
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?
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 Student Commencement on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
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.
Instructions:
Complete the application form - Please complete all requested information. Student commencement speaker applications must be submitted by Friday, March 31, 2023. If selected, you will be asked to submit a copy of your speech before commencement to be reviewed by the CFANS Graduate Student Board.
