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Commencement FAQs

• Where and when is Commencement?

  The Commencement ceremonies will take place in the exhibition halls at the Saint Paul RiverCentre on Saturday, May 9, 2026. The times are as follows:

  10:30 a.m. undergraduate ceremony
  2:30 p.m. graduate ceremony

• What paperwork do I need to graduate?

  Undergraduate students: If you have not already done so, log in to Workday to apply for degree completion. This is a crucial step to graduation. It will ensure your name is in the program and register you to receive emails about Grad Fair and Commencement.

  Graduate students: Submit your . This is a critically important step to graduate. It will ensure your name is in the program and register you to receive emails about Commencement.

• When will I receive my diploma?

  Diplomas are ordered once degree requirements have been verified for all graduating students. This is typically two weeks after the final grading deadline for each term. Once diplomas have been ordered, it takes approximately four to six weeks for them to arrive. Please email registrar@hamline.edu with any questions.

• If I graduate in December, how will I learn about Commencement?

  Continue to check your �鶹��ƵAPK email after you graduate -- this is the official way the university communicates with you about event details. Emails will come from commencement@hamline.edu.

  Sometimes recent grads overlook the annual password reset requirement. This blocks access to their �鶹��ƵAPK email, and communications are missed. To avoid this happening, periodically check your �鶹��ƵAPK email and reset your password before the deadline. If you need assistance reactivating your account, contact csd@hamline.edu.

• What and when is Grad Fair?

  Grad Fair will be Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in the Anderson Center Forum.

  Grad Fair is an event for undergraduate students that celebrates and prepares graduating students for—well—graduating! At Grad Fair, you will:

  •  Purchase your cap and gown
  •  Record your name pronunciation for the ceremony readers
  •  Verify you have what you need to graduate with the registrar's office
  •  And much more! 
• Are tickets required for Commencement, and if so, how do I get them?

  Tickets are required to enter the May 9 Commencement ceremonies in the Saint Paul RiverCentre exhibition halls. All tickets are complimentary.

  Graduates, you will RSVP for the event by securing your ticket. You can also claim tickets for your guests. Those completing an undergraduate degree can claim up to five guest tickets, and graduates receiving master's and doctoral degrees can claim up to 10 tickets. No tickets are required for children ages two and under.

  Tickets will be available beginning March 19. Watch your email for details. You can claim your allotted tickets through April 1. When you claim your tickets, you'll also have the opportunity to enter the lottery for additional tickets.

  On April 2, all unclaimed tickets will enter the lottery, and the winners will be notified on April 3.

• Will the ceremonies be livestreamed?

  Yes, the livestream link will be available here just prior to the ceremonies on May 9.

• What are the regalia attire guidelines?

  Graduating students are required to wear a black cap and gown to the Commencement ceremony. Students are permitted to decorate their caps to positively represent their �鶹��ƵAPK experience. Decorations must be flat on top of the cap to avoid obstructing others' views. Approved organizations and academic societies distribute regalia pieces (e.g., stoles, cords, tassels, pins, medals) directly to the students who qualify for them. This policy does not extend to graduating student employees; as a general rule, university departments may not purchase and award any regalia pieces to any graduating seniors simply for being a student employee.

  To honor our graduates and to create a respectful environment for members of our community on this special occasion, the images, symbols, and words that show the following are prohibited:

  • Profanity, nudity, sexual innuendos, or rude comments
  • Alcohol and/or drug-related references
  • Political references
  • Content that advocates drug use, violence, or disruptive behavior that is harmful to the safety of students
  • Any symbols, words, etc. that represent any group/organization external to �鶹��ƵAPK

  In addition, �鶹��ƵAPK reserves the right to prohibit students from wearing regalia adornments if they are deemed inappropriate. Students will be required to remove all inappropriate items in order to participate in the ceremony.

• How do I know if I'm graduating with Latin honors?

  Latin honors are officially awarded upon completion of all degree requirements. Due to the timing of final grades, Latin honors for the Commencement ceremony are calculated after the fall term. Latin honors are only awarded at the undergraduate level. Those who qualify will be given a gold tassel for their mortarboard on Commencement Day. Contact the registrar at registrar@hamline.edu with questions.

• Do any local hotels offer discounted rates?

  Yes, the offers a discount.