Commencement is fast approaching! Here are some details to make sure you are prepared for the big day. Please follow these detailed instructions to ensure a successful graduation.

Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Law Degree Candidate Ceremony
Saturday, May 14, 2022 | Camp Randall Stadium, 1440 Monroe Street | Noon

The ceremony will begin promptly at noon and will last approximately an hour and a half. No tickets are required, and there is no limit to the number of guests you may bring.

When should I arrive and where do I go? 

The graduate entrance is located at Gate 5 (the student gate for football games) of Camp Randall Stadium. This is the only gate with access to candidate seating. Guests can enter the stadium through Gates 1, 7, 8, and 9. Gates open at 10 a.m. 

Graduates are encouraged to arrive through the North Lawn, located between Engineering Hall and the Engineering Parking Ramp, where graduate portraits can be taken.

Please be seated by 11:20 a.m. Graduates arriving late will be redirected to late arrival seating sections. 

Once in the stadium, you’ll receive a bottle of water, a rally towel, and a printed program. Commencement Marshals in cardinal academic attire will be available throughout the candidate seating area to help you find a seat. Degree candidate seating will be designated by school, college, and degree type on the field, according to this graduate seating map. Seating is first come, first served. 

Please note: the Camp Randall carry-in policy is in place—this means no backpacks, no food or beverages, and no selfie sticks. Please take a moment to review the other prohibited items, as they must be left at the gate and will be disposed of accordingly. Guests can bring in one sealed bottle of water. 

Where should I park? 

We encourage you and your guests to seek parking away from Camp Randall, ideally at the west end of campus. Residence hall move-out will be occurring simultaneously with commencement, which will result in significant traffic congestion.

Most university parking lots will be free and open to the public from noon on Friday, May 13, through 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 15 (no overnight parking). Parking zones and construction updates can be found on this Transportation Services map. A complimentary shuttle will run through campus from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 14. If you and your guests are able, walking is a great option, and many downtown hotels also offer a shuttle service.

Where do I pick-up my cap and gown?

Cap and gown rentals can be picked-up at the University Book Store (711 State Street). Questions about cap and gown rental should be directed to the University Book Store at 608-257-3784, extension 5924.

What accessibility options are available at Camp Randall?

Graduates who need hearing, mobility, or other accommodations for the commencement ceremony should contact us to make arrangements as soon as possible at accessibility@chancellor.wisc.edu. 

Guests in need of accommodations should visit the commencement website for more information about Camp Randall accessibility.

Will there be professional photography at Camp Randall? 

You will have the opportunity to have your graduate portrait taken by Empire Photography as you enter the stadium. It is recommended that graduates enter through the North Lawn, located between Engineering Hall and the Engineering Parking ramp, where graduate photos will be taken. You will be asked to provide your name, campus ID, and phone number for a link of photo proofs to be sent to you. This information will not be used for any other purposes beyond your photo proofs. Photo stations will be available after the ceremony concludes for any graduate who did not get their photo taken before the start of the ceremony.

If you'd like to get a professional photo taken in your graduation attire, graduate portrait sessions are still available through May 11 at Memorial Union. See TITU for room location; pre-registration is recommended.

What happens if it rains?

The weather in May can be unpredictable. Please dress accordingly, as the ceremony is outdoors and open to the elements. The ceremony will take place rain, snow, or shine. Only in the event of severe weather would a delay or cancellation occur. Updates regarding weather will be posted to the commencement website, Twitter, and Instagram. Any severe weather adjustments would be sent out through the WiscAlert system to notify graduates of important changes to the schedule.

Where will the livestream be playing?

A livestream of the ceremony will play on YouTube, and also be available on our website after the ceremony has concluded. If you can’t attend in person, you can watch live, or at a time that works best for you to celebrate.

What else do I need to know?

Graduates are encouraged to designate a meeting place with guests outside of Camp Randall post-ceremony. Guests will not be allowed on the field at any time. Graduates can exit by gates in the north end zone, near Section Q and J, and Gate 5. 

A Note on Public Health

UW–Madison continues to consult public health experts and monitor national public health recommendations regarding our COVID-19 response. With some exceptions — including clinical spaces — masks are no longer required on campus. You are welcome to choose to wear a mask while visiting campus. We ask everyone to respect the choices of others.  Please continue to check our COVID Response page for details pertaining to the impact of public health policy on the event.
 

What other events are happening related to commencement?

Schools, colleges, and some departments and divisions are holding recognition events. Questions about these events should be directed to your school or college.

Kick back, relax, and soak up the fun of Madtown with fellow UW alumni who have graduated within the past eight years at Recent-Grad Weekend. Join WAA on June 24–25, 2022, for a weekend of reconnection and celebration, featuring all-inclusive access to exclusive receptions and social mixers, a rooftop brunch, a Madison Mallards game with bottomless food and beverages, Badger trivia night, and more.

Share Your Plans after Graduation

Will you work for a corporation or government agency? Pursue another degree? Start your own business? Please take a few minutes to update us at go.wisc.edu/21-22gradplans or from the MyUW portal. Your confidential response and the responses of other graduates will be aggregated so we can tell other UW students and the citizens of Wisconsin more about the important contributions and accomplishments of UW–Madison graduates. Your information will also be used to improve our academic programs.

Congratulations, soon-to-be graduates; we look forward to celebrating with you at Camp Randall!