Countdown to Spring Commencement

A graduate wears a mortarboard decorated with “On Wisconsin”.
Commencement is coming! May 14 is right around the corner, so find out everything you need to know about the ceremony, events, parking, seating, and more. (Photo by Bryce Richter / UW–Madison)

Countdown to Spring Commencement

It’s official: the countdown to commencement has begun! Here’s what you need to know to enjoy the big day.

Ceremony Details

Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Law Degree Candidate Commencement
Saturday, May 14, 2022
Camp Randall Stadium, 12:00 Noon

  • The ceremony will include remarks from Chancellor Rebecca Blank, UW System Board of Regents, representatives from the Senior Class Office, our Keynote Speaker, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield ’75, representative of the United States of America to the United Nations.
  • The ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes, gates open at 10 a.m., and graduates should be seated by 11:20 a.m. View the graduate seating map to find where your student will be seated.
  • There are no tickets for attendees, and there is also no limit on the number of guests allowed per graduate. Seating is first come, first served.
  • Students will not have their name read or walk across the stage to receive a diploma cover. All graduates will sit according to their respective school or college and stand as a group to be recognized during the ceremony.

Celebration Events

Each school and college will hold its own graduate recognition event during commencement weekend. Many departments, honors programs, and other groups will also be hosting events. Information about these events can be found on the celebration events webpage.

Parking and Shuttles

Complimentary parking is available in almost all campus parking lots on May 13 and 14th. Shuttle services will be available both days. Check out the Camp Randall and shuttle maps as you plan for the celebration.

Accessible Seating

To accommodate those with accessibility needs, there are designated Wheelchair Accessible Seating areas as well as easily accessible seats for those with limited mobility. We encourage guests who will be utilizing wheelchair accessible seating and our limited mobility/easy access seating to arrive at the stadium 1–2 hours prior to the start of the ceremony to ensure they are in their seat location before the ceremony begins. Camp Randall has bleacher-style metal benches, like those at high school sporting events. You are welcome to bring a seat back within the parameters of the stadium’s carry-in policyRead more on the accessibility webpage.

Capture the Moment

Students can get their picture taken at the following three events to commemorate their time at UW–Madison. Students can wear their cap and gown, and Badger attire is also encouraged! If your student doesn’t have their cap and gown yet, they should reserve theirs today at the University Book Store.

Graduate Portraits
If your student would like a professional photo taken in their graduation attire, graduate portrait sessions will be held on May 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11 at Memorial Union, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. See TITU for room location; pre-registration is recommended.

Photos with Abe
Students can take a photo with Abe at the top of Bascom Hill on May 2 and May 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain date May 4). Encourage your student to save their spot today by signing up online.

Photos at the Arch
Students can get their photo taken under the Arch at Camp Randall on Thursday, May 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Encourage them to save their spot by signing up online.

One free digital photo coupon will be provided for graduates who have photos taken at either Abe or the Arch. Be sure to tag your photo with #UWGRAD!

Additional information

Find more information at commencement.wisc.edu or contact the Parent and Family Program. We can’t wait to celebrate together!