Information for Graduates

Commencement is the annual ceremony at which we celebrate completion of your degree. While participating in the commencement ceremony is not required for actual degree conferral, you are invited to celebrate your accomplishments with Humphrey School faculty, staff, fellow students, friends, and family who have enthusiastically supported your hard work and efforts.

All Humphrey School master’s and PhD students with degrees awarded between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026, who haven’t previously walked in a School commencement, are invited to participate. Participation is separate from degree completion. Check with your graduate program coordinator or email [email protected] if you’re unsure.

Registration for the commencement ceremony is now open. Please RSVP by Friday, April 3, 2026, to let us know whether you plan to attend the ceremony.

Register here.

Please note: Commencement is a ticketed event. Graduates who indicate they will participate will have the opportunity to reserve a limited number of guest tickets. Additional details about guest ticket reservations will be shared with students who RSVP “yes” to participate.

Master’s degree graduates:

• Cap and gown
• Tassel
• Master’s hood (trim color is based on your degree program)
  • Master of Public Policy (MPP) - white trim
  • Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) - lilac trim
  • Master of Human Rights (MHR) - dark blue trim
  • Master of Development Practice (MDP) - white trim
  • Master of Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy (MS–STEP) - gold trim
  • Master of Public Affairs (MPA) - white trim

PhD graduates: 

• Doctoral cap and gown
• Tassel
• PhD hood

Stoles are allowed but not required. The UMN Bookstores offer cultural and graduation year stoles for purchase. For custom options, you may wish to consider contacting these outside vendors.

The Humphrey School's Office of Career and Student Success has a limited number of gowns available for graduating students to borrow for the commencement ceremony and return afterwards. Details will be sent via email to all eligible students. 

Dates: March 25 and 26 | Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day | Location: Coffman Memorial Union Bookstore

Get everything you need for graduation in one stop! Buy your regalia at a discounted price, as well as class rings, diploma frames, and more. Enjoy special discounts and giveaways. More info on GradFest.

Looking sharp matters, and we can help you get your gown, hood, and cap just right. See this “How to Wear Regalia” PDF (For an accessible version of this document, please contact [email protected]).

You should arrive no later than 2:30 p.m. to check in and get your name card (also known as a stop card), which will have the phonetic spelling of your name to help the announcer. Keep this card handy; you’ll hand it to the announcer at the on-stage podium before walking across the stage.

There are dressing rooms available for your use backstage. Faculty and staff will assist you in lining up for the procession.

Graduates will enter Ted Mann Concert Hall through the terrace entrance at the back of the building. Walk along the fire lane on the side of the building and go up the stairs. (See map)  Volunteers will direct you toward the backstage area when you arrive.  

Guests will enter through the main 4th Street entrance.

• Your full regalia.
• Your best smile!

Leave valuables and large bags at home. While there are lockers available for rent on the entrance level of Ted Mann, we encourage students to leave valuables at home or with your guests. There is no secure storage area available backstage. Please do not leave your items in the backstage area, as they are often forgotten after the ceremony. 

Feel confident heading into the commencement ceremony. This quick guide walks you through what to expect from the processional to the recessional, so you can focus on enjoying your moment.

View the Processional and Stage Tips

The ceremony will begin promptly at 4 p.m. and conclude at approximately 5:45 p.m. All graduates and their guests are expected to stay until the end of the ceremony. 

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.
• Electronic devices and cell phones must be silenced during the ceremony.   

The ceremony at Ted Mann Concert Hall will be a ticketed event. Graduates who register to participate will receive instructions after the RSVP deadline on how to reserve a limited number of guest tickets through the University’s ticketing system.

The doors to the venue will open for guests at 2:30 p.m. They should enter through the main 4th Street entrance. For more information, on parking, accessibility, and livestream details, visit our Family and Guest Information webpage.

If you require accommodations for the ceremony processional or seating, please email [email protected]. We’ll make sure you’re fully supported.

Ted Mann Concert Hall is fully accessible with an elevator to all levels and ramped, stair-free seating throughout. There’s no parking in front of the venue, but graduates and guests may be dropped off at the roundabout outside the main entrance. 

Please note any accessibility needs for you or your guests on your RSVP form, or contact us at [email protected] at least two weeks before the ceremony.

• 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 graduates and guests may be dropped off at the roundabout near 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.

There will be several other major events on campus that day, so we strongly encourage early arrival and planning ahead.
 

Following the ceremony, Dean Nisha Botchwey invites graduates and their guests to continue the celebration on the outdoor terrace between Ted Mann Concert Hall and Ferguson 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 approximately one week after the event.

Relive the ceremony at any time by watching the video recording, which will be available after the event on the Humphrey School's YouTube page. 

You won't receive your diploma at commencement. They are processed separately and will be sent to you several weeks afterward. Contact the Office of the Registrar at 612-626-4432 or [email protected] if you have questions.

Visit our Alumni page for news and updates on how you can stay connected and support the Humphrey School and our students.  

We want to keep in touch! Fill out this form to make sure we have your up-to-date contact information. 

Join the University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) to stay involved with the broader U of M community. 

Humphrey School alumni are known for their ongoing support for the School, for years after they graduate. There are many ways to do so, including mentoring current students or participating in alumni information sessions. If you have questions about how to get involved, reach out to [email protected].

Email the commencement planning team at [email protected].

Email the commencement planning team at [email protected]

Email the University Bookstores at bookstore.umn.edu.

Email the University ticket office at [email protected].

Email the Registrar's office at [email protected].