CSE Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
Frequently asked questions about the ceremony
Please note that the details in the following FAQs may change. Any updates will be communicated by email to anticipated graduates and posted here.
Registering for Commencement
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Who is eligible to participate in the May 13, 2027 commencement ceremony?
You are eligible to participate in the ceremony if you meet either of the following criteria:
Your degree was awarded by the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities during one of these terms:
- Summer 2026
- Fall 2026
You are a current College of Science and Engineering student with an expected graduation term (EGT) in MyU of:
- Spring 2027
- May/Summer 2027
- Fall 2027
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How do I register for the commencement ceremony, and what is the deadline?
Beginning in February, eligible students will receive an email from [email protected] inviting them to register for the commencement ceremony. If your expected graduation term (EGT) changes in MyU after invitations are sent, you will receive an invitation once your expected graduation term is updated.
You must register by the mid-April deadline to participate in the ceremony.
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Can I register after the deadline?
Registration will close in mid-April, and late requests may not be accommodated.
Email [email protected] if you have questions.
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Is registering for the commencement ceremony the same as applying for my degree?
No. These are two separate processes.
You must register to participate in the commencement ceremony.
Separate from your commencement invitation, your degree application is processed automatically based on your expected graduation term (EGT) in MyU. It’s important to make sure your EGT is correct.
If your EGT needs to be updated, email College of Science and Engineering (CSE) academic advising at [email protected] or submit an EGT update request.
For more information about the graduation process, visit the Graduation Steps webpage.
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If I graduate in the fall, when can I attend commencement?
Students graduating in the fall may participate in commencement either the preceding spring or the following spring. Eligible students will receive commencement invitations based on their expected graduation term (EGT).
If you have already participated in commencement or plan to attend the following spring, you may request to be removed from future commencement communications.
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Will my department hold a recognition celebration for my major?
Many departments hold their own recognition celebrations. Contact your department directly for details.
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If I participate in my major's departmental recognition celebration, am I automatically registered for the commencement?
No. Departmental recognition celebrations are separate from the collegewide commencement ceremony. You must register separately if you wish to participate in the collegewide ceremony.
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I am interested in being the student speaker for the ceremony. What should I do?
The student speaker application process will begin in March. Eligible students registered for commencement will receive an email with application instructions and details.
The commencement committee will select the speaker by early April and notify all who submitted an application.
Planning for Commencement
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Do I need to wear a cap and gown for commencement?
Regalia is not required, but it is strongly encouraged. Caps, gowns, and other graduation items are available through University of Minnesota Bookstores.
The Bookstores will also host GradFest each March, featuring graduation products and services. Visit the University of Minnesota Bookstores event page for details.
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Can I decorate my graduation cap?
Yes. We encourage creativity, but please keep your decorations family-friendly and appropriate.
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How do I receive cords or other honors recognition for commencement?
College of Science and Engineering (CSE) students with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher at the end of fall semester may qualify for distinction (3.75+) or high distinction (3.9+), each of which includes a special cord. Eligible students will receive an email from CSE student services in late April or early May with pickup instructions. Only one set of cords will be issued, so remember to bring yours to the ceremony.
Students in the University Honors Program who will graduate with Latin honors should watch for communications from the program about the medallion ceremony held before commencement.
Tickets and Guest Information
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What do I need to know about tickets?
The CSE Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony is a ticketed event held at 3M Arena at Mariucci. All guests must have a ticket to enter.
Each registered graduate will receive a guaranteed allotment of guest tickets. The number of tickets per graduate will be determined based on expected attendance and venue capacity. A waitlist for additional tickets is anticipated, but details have not yet been finalized.
Ticketing procedures and arena policies will be strictly enforced. Additional information about ticket allotments, distribution and waitlist procedures will be shared with registered graduates as details are finalized.
The ceremony will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person.
For commencement questions, contact [email protected].
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What if my guests are traveling internationally?
Students with international guests can use commencement information sent to their UMN email, along with the CSE Commencement website, to help plan family travel. A formal ceremony invitation (PDF) will also be available to download. The College does not issue personalized invitations.
Visa support: The College does not provide invitation letters for family visitor visa applications. Students are responsible for writing their own letters inviting family members. The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office offers guidance on what to include and what supporting documents may be needed. Students can also contact ISSS with questions.
Enrollment verification: If you need proof of your enrollment, see OneStop’s instructions for requesting enrollment verification.
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Is disability access and seating available at 3M Arena at Mariucci?
Yes. ADA-accessible seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved. Wheelchair-accessible entrances and an elevator provide access to the main concourse, where accessible seating is located. Some seating areas require stairs, but wheelchair seating and seats that do not require stairs are available at the top of each section. Guests can ask for assistance at the Guest Services booth upon arrival.
Drop-off and parking: Guests with mobility needs can be dropped off at the ground-level entrance on the northeast corner of the arena, between 5th and Oak streets. Drivers with state-issued disability parking permits may use designated accessible spaces in nearby parking facilities, including Lot 37.
Wheelchair assistance: Wheelchairs, walkers and canes are not available to rent. A limited number of wheelchairs are available to help transport guests from the arena entrance to their seating area. These wheelchairs must remain available for other guests and cannot be used throughout the event.
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Is there parking on campus for guests on the day of the ceremony?
Guests are encouraged to use the parking facilities recommended on the 3M Arena at Mariucci website. For additional information, including campus parking maps and parking options, visit the University’s Parking and Transportation Services website.
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Are there security checks or restrictions on what I can bring into the arena?
Yes. All graduates and guests must pass through security screening, including metal detectors, and are subject to search upon entry. The 3M Arena at Mariucci bag policy will be strictly enforced. Only clear plastic, vinyl or tote bags no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches are permitted. All bags are subject to search. Review the arena’s bag policy and prohibited items before arriving.
Re-entry will not be permitted. Please plan accordingly, as guests who leave the arena will not be allowed to re-enter.
Other prohibited items include outside food and beverages, strollers, balloons, weapons, laser pointers and noisemakers. Signs, flags and banners are also prohibited at the commencement ceremony.
A few additional things to know:
- Balloons are not allowed in the arena under any circumstances.
- Guests are welcome to bring flowers. Flowers will also be available for purchase in the arena lobby or for preorder from The Commencement Group.
- Graduates and guests who disrupt the ceremony may be removed from the venue. Students may also face disciplinary action under the Student Conduct Code.
Please review the arena policies before the ceremony and plan accordingly.
Ceremony and Venue Details
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Where and when is the ceremony?
The CSE Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 13, 2027, at 1 p.m. at 3M Arena at Mariucci.
Graduates: Arrive by noon at the Sundet Lobby entrance (1901 4th St.) on the southwest corner of the arena to check in and line up.
Guests: Enter through the main arena doors on the east side of the building along Oak Street. Doors open at noon.
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How long is the ceremony?
The ceremony typically lasts about three hours.
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What should I know about security, screening and the arena bag policy?
All guests should plan for security screening upon entry. Metal detectors and security checks will be in place, and the arena's bag policy will be strictly enforced. Only clear plastic, vinyl or tote bags no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches are permitted. All bags are subject to search.
Prohibited items will not be allowed into the arena, and re-entry is not permitted once you leave. Balloons are prohibited under all circumstances due to fire code requirements. Please review the full Security, Screening and Arena Bag Policy information under Tickets and Guest Information and the 3M Arena policies before arriving.
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Is there a place to store my personal items during the ceremony?
No. There is no storage available for graduates’ personal belongings during the ceremony. Please leave purses, coats and other items with your guests whenever possible. Any bags brought into the arena must comply with the 3M Arena bag policy. You cannot leave belongings at the graduate check-in or lineup area.
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Will my name be read as I cross the stage?
Yes. During registration, you’ll have the opportunity to review and confirm the pronunciation of your name or record it yourself if needed. Just before crossing the stage, you’ll scan a printed or electronic name card so your name can be announced.
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Will I receive my actual diploma at the ceremony?
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In what order will graduates cross the stage?
Graduates will be called to cross the stage by degree program in the order listed below. Within each program, there is no assigned order; graduates may line up as they choose.
- Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics
- Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics
- Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering
- Bachelor of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering
- Bachelor of Chemical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
- Bachelor of Civil Engineering
- Bachelor of Computer Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science
- Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences
- Bachelor of Electrical Engineering
- Bachelor of Environmental Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geosciences
- Bachelor of Geoengineering
- Bachelor of Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Bachelor of Materials Science and Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
- Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Physics
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If I’m receiving multiple CSE degrees, which major will I sit with?
If you’re receiving multiple CSE degrees, you may choose which degree program to sit with and will cross the stage with that program. You’ll cross the stage only once, but your slide displayed on the big screen will list all the CSE degrees you’re receiving, along with any collegiate or Latin honors.
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Can guests watch the ceremony remotely?
Yes. A link to the YouTube livestream will be posted on the CSE Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony webpage. A recording will be available on the same page after the ceremony.
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Will a professional photographer be at the event?
Yes. GradImages photographers will take photos of graduates as they cross the stage, along with candid photos before, during and after the ceremony. GradImages will email you at your University of Minnesota email address when your photo proofs are available to view. There is no obligation to purchase photos.
Visit the GradImages website for more information.
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What if the ceremony is disrupted?
If a disruption occurs, students, staff and faculty should remain calm and follow instructions from University of Minnesota Police Department (UMPD) officers and security personnel. They will respond to the situation and provide direction to help keep everyone safe.
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Who can I contact with questions about the ceremony?
If you have additional questions, please email us at [email protected].
Commencement questions?
For questions on commencement-related issues, contact [email protected].
Graduate commencement
Learn more the commencement ceremony for master's and Ph.D. students on the Arts, Sciences, and Engineering Graduate Student Commencement page.