Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony

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. Please ensure that your APAS Report is accurate. If you have any concerns, please contact your Academic Advisor. You will be notified via email regarding your degree clearance status. Degree clearance deadlines based on Expected Graduation Term can be found here.

Will I be invited to participate in the commencement ceremony? What do I have to do?

If you plan to graduate in Fall 2024, Spring 2025, May Term 2025, Summer 2025 or Fall 2025, you will receive an email from the CFANS Student Services Office in March of 2025 with the RSVP link. 

What are my options if I am graduating in the fall semester?

Students who graduate in the fall may attend commencement the spring before they complete their degree or the spring after they complete it. All students graduating in Fall 2024 or Fall 2025 will be added to our commencement communications list for Spring 2025. If you have already attended commencement or are planning to attend the following year, you can request to be removed from our email list.

Does CFANS have more than one undergraduate commencement ceremony?

No. CFANS holds one undergraduate commencement ceremony each spring.

Will there be a University-wide commencement ceremony this year, in addition to CFANS commencement?

No. There will not be a University-wide commencement ceremony this year. 

How do I purchase academic attire?

Academic regalia is available for purchase at the University Bookstore in Coffman Union, St. Paul Student Center, or online at the University Bookstore. The University Bookstore also hosts GradFest each year where students can purchase regalia for discounted rates. The College requests that all students wear traditional graduation caps, gowns, and maize-colored tassels (select CFANS when purchasing your tassel) for commencement.

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.

Are tickets required for the ceremony? 

No, you are welcome to bring as many guests as you like.

I am interested in being the student speaker for the ceremony. What should I do? 

You will receive an email message in mid-March inviting you to self-nominate for student speaker. Once you receive that email, submit a short essay (no more than 1/2 page) describing what you intend to talk about. Submit your essay and a copy of your resume to the form provided in the message. The Commencement Committee will select the speaker by early April and notify all those who submitted a nomination.

Will I graduate with special distinctions or honors? How will I know that?

Students who meet a specific GPA or Honors Program threshold may receive special recognition. 

GPA: If, at the end of fall semester, you have more than 60 U of M semester credits and have a minimum GPA of 3.75, you'll receive the "distinction" recognition at commencement. If your GPA is 3.9 or higher, you'll receive "high distinction" recognition at commencement. 

HONORS: If you are in the University Honors Program (UHP) and will graduate with Latin honors, UHP will contact you with details about the medallion you'll wear.

Please note, cords at commencement are based on your GPA at the end of fall semester. Your transcript and academic record will reflect your GPA after you have completed your degree.

How will I receive my diploma? 

Your diploma will be mailed to you, approximately one month after your degree is posted to your transcript, at the address on record. If your diploma address changes, please notify the Office of the Registrar, at otr@umn.edu. All University of Minnesota graduates receive both a printed diploma and a secure digital version. The University of Minnesota includes the following information on diplomas:

• Name
• Degree earned
• Confer date
• Honors earned (if applicable)

How will I receive my diploma cover and cords for academic distinction?

All students attending the ceremony will receive a diploma cover during the ceremony.  If you are eligible for distinction or high distinction, you will receive your cords at ceremony check-in.

I am an international student. What do I need to do in order to invite my family members to the U.S. for the ceremony?

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) provides detailed information on their website.

Where should I go to check in for the ceremony? Where do I sit or stand?

You will check-in for the ceremony at the 3M Arena at Mariucci no later than 1:15 p.m. At check-in you will be given instructions on where to line-up for the ceremony. You will receive an email a week before the ceremony with detailed information about this. We'll also have staff at the ceremony to check you in and guide you.

How long will the ceremony last?

We expect the ceremony to last about two hours.

Where should my guests park? Where is the 3M Arena at Mariucci?

All guests are encouraged to park in lots recommended on the 3M Arena at Mariucci web page. This is a printable map (.pdf) showing the entire East Bank campus, including parking areas. This is an online map for the 3M Arena at Mariucci and surrounding areas.

What time should my guests arrive?

Your guests are encouraged to arrive by 1:30 p.m. but are welcome to arrive earlier. Seating will be available for CFANS guests by 1 p.m.

Can my guests bring balloons or flowers?

Balloons are NOT allowed in the arena. There are no exceptions, due to fire codes. Your guests are welcome to bring flowers or purchase them from the on-site floral vendor.

Will there be a photographer at the ceremony?

Yes, GradImages will have a professional photographer take three pictures of each student. One photo is taken on stage with your diploma cover in hand. The other photos are taken as you enter and exit the stage. GradImages will contact you directly when the photo proofs are available to view. There is no obligation to purchase photos. We will post a link for pre-registration discounts closer to commencement.

Is there somewhere for me to store valuables during the ceremony?

No. If you must bring a purse, backpack or other valuables, please leave them with your guest(s) in the audience.

Does 3M Arena at Mariucci have disability access?

Yes. There is a drop-off area near the east (main) entrance, an elevator to the seating level, wheelchair seating areas, seats (top row) that do not require the use of stairs and adapted restrooms. If you have additional questions or if you would like to request an ASL interpreter, email cfansadv@umn.edu at least six weeks before the commencement ceremony.

Will the ceremony be streamed?

Yes. The event will be streamed live on the CFANS YouTube channel. The link will be posted here in May. 

Whom should I contact if I have further questions?

If you have additional questions about the undergraduate commencement ceremony held by the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS), contact Julia Reich at reich502@umn.edu.