Day of instructions for graduates

Please carefully read these instructions for the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony.

StagePass Requirement

Your StagePass is required to cross the stage. Your StagePass was emailed Friday, May 1, and will be sent again Tuesday, May 12. Download it to your phone or print a copy. If you want your hands free, bring a printed StagePass to hand to the usher during lineup.

Graduate Arrival and Entry

Graduates must arrive at 3M Arena at Mariucci by noon on Thursday, May 14.

  • Graduates will enter through the Sundet Lobby (southwest corner, 1901 4th St.). Follow staff instructions after proceeding downstairs.
  • Guests should use the main entrance on the east side of the building.

Guest Arrival, Entry and Ticketing

  • Enter at 4 Oak St. (the main entrance for 3M Arena at Mariucci). Doors open at noon.
  • All guests require a ticket for entry. Each guest must receive a ticket from a graduating student. Be sure to transfer your claimed tickets to your family and friends.
  • Tickets must be claimed and transferred to guests in advance through the Gopher Sports app. Tickets will not be available at the door. Guests should present the QR code on their mobile device at the main entrance for scanning. Printed copies may not scan properly.
  • More details on ticketing can be found under the "What should I know about ticketing?" section of the CSE Commencement FAQ page.
  • Seating is general admission; specific or consecutive seats are not guaranteed. ADA seating is available in the top row of the concourse at most sections.

Personal Belongings and Etiquette

  • Leave valuables at home or with family; there is no secure coat check.

  • The 3M Arena bag policy is strictly enforced. All guests will pass through security screening, including metal detectors. Prohibited items will not be allowed inside. Camera restrictions are relaxed for commencement because it is not a sporting event, but all bags are subject to search.

  • Silence all electronic devices.

  • Guests should remain seated to ensure a smooth ceremony flow.

  • Guests are welcome to bring flowers, but balloons are not allowed in the arena. (No exceptions because of fire codes.) Flowers and other items from The Commencement Group may be pre-ordered and will also be available for purchase in the lobby.

  • Signs, flags, banners, and noisemakers may not be brought into Mariucci by graduates or their guests. Guests or graduates who disrupt the ceremony may be asked to leave and may be referred to the Office for Student Conduct and Academic Integrity.

Attire

  • Wear your cap and gown with the tassel on the right.
  • Drape honors cords with the middle behind your neck and the ends in front.
  • Wear your cap flat, with one point facing forward. Tassels will be moved to the left at the conclusion of the ceremony when instructed.
  • Unpack your cap and gown in advance to ensure all pieces are included and wrinkle-free.

Procession and Seating

  • After entering the venue at the Sundet Lobby, graduates will head downstairs and gather by their major’s sign to form the procession line.

  • If you are earning multiple CSE degrees, choose one major for the procession and stage crossing. Your StagePass allows only one stage crossing, but all your degrees will be displayed on the arena monitors.
  • Follow your major’s sign holder into the arena and fill all available seats.

Stage Crossing

  • Before your major is announced, ushers will cue you to stand and line up.
  • Scan your StagePass at the base of the stairs and wait for the usher’s signal.
  • Cross the stage and exit to the right.

Ceremony Details

  • The ceremony begins promptly at 1 p.m. and concludes around 3:30 p.m.

  • Graduates and guests are expected to remain for the full ceremony.

After the Ceremony

  • Graduates will exit the arena floor after stage participants but in no set order.

  • Plan a meeting spot in advance and reconnect in the arena lobby or plaza.

Photography and Livestream

Celebrate and Share

  • Share your excitement on social media using #umncsegrad and #csegrad2026. Encourage family and friends to join in the celebration!

Related links

Question?

If you have questions, contact the College of Science and Engineering Student Services office at [email protected].

Additional ceremony information is available on the CSE Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony page.