Graduate Commencement

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 2023 and August 2024. 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 own regalia through the University of Minnesota Bookstore.

Academic regalia is available to rent or purchase at the University Bookstore in Coffman Union, the St. Paul Student Center, or online at the University Bookstore (master's and doctorate). Graduates can attend GradFest on March 20-21 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?

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 cfansgradcc@umn.edu.