Commencement 2023
This spring, College of Design students have the opportunity to celebrate through both campus-wide conferral ceremonies and a College of Design celebration. The University is hosting campus-wide conferral ceremonies this year because some of the larger colleges’ plans are impacted by extensive renovations to the 3M Arena at Mariucci, which will make that space unavailable this spring.
Event Details
College of Design Celebration
Thursday, May 11, 2023
3:00 PM
Northrop Auditorium
At the College of Design celebration, design students will announce their own names, walk across the stage, have their photos taken, and be hooded, if applicable. Students will also hear from college leadership and student speakers.
Design students will receive an email invitation from the college in March with information on how to register and request tickets for the College of Design Celebration. If you have questions in the meantime, please send them to [email protected].
Campus-wide Graduate Student Conferral Ceremony
Friday, May 12, 2023
5:00 PM
Huntington Bank Stadium
Campus-wide Undergraduate Student Conferral Ceremony
Saturday, May 13, 2023
1:00 PM
Huntington Bank Stadium
Conferral ceremonies are where degrees will be formally granted by a Regent of the University of Minnesota. These ceremonies will include a procession of graduates, alumni and student speakers, and some special surprises.
Graduates will receive an email invitation from MarchingOrder in mid-February to register and request tickets for their Commencement Conferral Ceremony.
Commencement FAQs
For questions related to University Conferral Ceremonies visit the 2023 University Commencement website. For questions related to the College of Design celebration see below. If you cannot find an answer to your question below please reach out to [email protected].
Who will be invited to attend the 2023 Commencement Celebrations?
- Students who have formally declared a) a College of Design undergraduate degree b) a College of Design graduate degree c) are pursuing a second major within the College of Design AND
- Have an Expected Graduation Term (EGT) of Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Summer 2023 or Fall 2023.
How and when will I be invited to commencement?
College of Design students will receive two different email invitations, which will be sent to their University email addresses. The email invitation for the campus-wide conferral ceremonies will be sent in mid-February, while the invitation for the College of Design celebration will be sent in March.
What event should I attend?
College of Design students can attend the CDes celebration, the campus-wide conferral ceremony, or both.
When will I be able to request tickets for the events?
You will be able to request tickets for the celebrations when you receive your email invitation to each event. The email invitations for the campus-wide conferral ceremonies will be sent to your University email address in mid-February, while the email invitation for the College of Design celebration will be sent in March.
Where can I get regalia for the commencement ceremony?
Every year the University of Minnesota Bookstore hosts GradFest, which is where graduating students can order caps and gowns, order graduation announcements, have photos taken, and more. This year's GradFest will be on Wednesday, March 22 and Thursday, March 23 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
When will I receive my diploma?
Most students generally receive their diplomas two to three months after completing their degree requirements. Participation in the graduation ceremony does not guarantee that you have completed your degree. Be sure to contact your academic advisor if you have questions or concerns about completing your degree requirements. For more information about your diploma visit One Stop.
International students: diplomas currently take two to three months LONGER to reach your international address. Consider using FedEx delivery. See One Stop for more information.
Where can I watch previous commencement ceremonies?
You can watch previous commencement ceremonies on the College of Design YouTube page.
