Commencement Ceremony
Congratulations Graduates!
The 2026 Commencement Ceremony is scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. on Monday, May 18 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The ceremony typically lasts between 1.5-2 hours long. Doors will open for seating at 2 p.m.
Graduates: Graduates: The priority rsvp deadline has passed and you are now responsible for purchasing your purple cap & gown and purple/white tassel. Please email your name and student ID# to Student.Life@minneapolis.edu for more details.
FAQs About Commencement
When and where do I pick up my cap and gown?
Student Life offers several dates/times for cap and gown distribution (to graduates who submitted their rsvp by the priority deadline) in H.2900. Please visit the GradFest website for specific dates, times, and details for all cap and gown pickup and activity dates as well as the celebrations and stole presentations planned this spring.
Will guests need tickets to attend the Ceremony?
Yes, all guests will need a ticket to enter the Auditorium. Tickets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis as people enter the Auditorium. If groups want to sit together, it is recommended that they enter the Auditorium together as we need to fill in each section and cannot have seats saved. Anyone leaving the Auditorium will need their ticket stub to exit and then re-enter.
Accessibility at the Ceremony
The Minneapolis Convention Center is accessible to people using wheelchairs and other mobility aids. Sign language (ASL) interpreters will be present to interpret the ceremony.
If you need other disability related accommodations to make this event accessible, please contact the Accessibility Resource Center at 612-659-6730 or accessibility@minneapolis.edu.
Will there be a photographer at the Ceremony?
Yes, prints and digital photos will be available for purchase directly from the vendor following the event.
*vendor: Legacies by Laura
How much does the cap and gown cost?
Students who submitted their rsvp by the priority deadline will receive their cap and gown without any additional costs. Graduates graduating With Honors (earning an Associate’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher as of Fall 2025) and Phi Theta Kappa members receive an additional tassel(s). Additional regalia for Phi Theta Kappa members is available for purchase.
Additional regalia for Phi Theta Kappa members is available for purchase at this website.
Inviting guests abroad to the Commencement Ceremony
Visit this webpage for more information.
What is the difference between Graduation and Commencement?
Graduation is the completion of all degree, diploma, or certificate requirements as recorded on an official transcript. Students must submit a Graduation Application to the Registration and Records Office in order to have their record reviewed for program completion.
Commencement is the ceremony to celebrate the completion of a degree, diploma, or certificate. Students who apply for graduation are invited to participate in the Commencement Ceremony.
How do I know if I am on track to graduate?
If you are unsure if you are on track to graduate, check out these additional resources on AskUs: