Information for Families and Guests

• Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
• Time: 4 p.m. CT
• Location: Ted Mann Concert Hall
• Reception: After the ceremony, approximately 5:45 p.m. on the outdoor terrace between Ted Mann and Ferguson Hall

Tickets are required for all guests attending the ceremony at Ted Mann Concert Hall. However, seating is general admission and available on a first-come basis.

Each graduate will be responsible for reserving tickets through the University’s ticketing system and distributing them to their guests. Please check in with your graduate directly to receive your ticket and any updates about availability.

Friends and family who can’t attend in person can watch a livestream of the ceremony on the Humphrey School's YouTube page.

Ted Mann Concert Hall is located on the West Bank campus of the University of Minnesota. Public transit options include the Green Line light rail and local bus routes.

• The closest parking facility is the 21st Avenue parking ramp, about two blocks from Ted Mann Concert Hall.
• There is no parking directly in front of Ted Mann, but guests may be dropped off at the roundabout at the main entrance.
• Additional parking options are located in nearby ramps and lots—check signage for pricing and availability. More information is available from University Parking and Transportation Services.

• Doors to the venue open at 2:30 p.m. Please plan to arrive early to find parking and enter the hall.
• Guests should enter through the main doors on 4th Street. 
• Consider carpooling or rideshare to reduce congestion.
• Follow posted campus signage for smooth entry and exit.
   

Although tickets are required for all guests, seating is general admission and available on a first-come basis. Families and groups are encouraged to arrive together, as we can’t guarantee consecutive seats once the hall fills.

• The ceremony will include ASL interpretation and live captioning for all attendees.
• ADA and limited mobility seating is available on a first-come basis. 
• There are a limited number of reserved spots for guests who need wheelchair accessible or companion seating.
• Ted Mann Concert Hall is fully accessible, with an elevator to all levels and ramped, stair-free seating throughout.
• Guests may be dropped off at the roundabout near the main entrance; there is no parking directly in front of the venue.
• Guests with accessibility needs or questions are encouraged to email [email protected] at least two weeks before the ceremony so we can ensure appropriate accommodations.

For friends and family who cannot attend in person, the ceremony will be broadcast live: 

• Watch at www.youtube.com/@HHHSchool/streams.
• The livestream will begin at the same time as the in-person ceremony at 4 p.m. Central Time.
• A recording of the ceremony will be available afterward for replay and sharing.
   

To ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for all graduates, guests, and participants, we kindly ask attendees to observe the following:

• No balloons, signs, flags, or other displayable items are permitted in the audience or on stage.
• Noise-making devices, including air horns, are strictly prohibited, as they can disrupt the ceremony and make it difficult for families to hear their graduate’s name.
• Please remain seated during the ceremony and avoid blocking aisles or stage views.
• Graduates and guests are encouraged to stay for the full duration of the event out of respect for all honorees.

Thank you for helping us create a safe, inclusive, and celebratory environment for everyone.

Following the ceremony, Dean Nisha Botchwey invites graduates and their guests to continue the celebration on the outdoor terrace at Ted Mann Concert Hall.

• Enjoy cupcakes, lemonade, and coffee while celebrating together.
• Visit the Humphrey School photo backdrop, located near the terrace, where a professional photographer will capture photos of graduates with family, friends, and faculty.
• Photos will be shared on the Humphrey School’s Flickr page within a week of the event.