Click on questions below for responses to some of our most frequently asked questions:

Is commencement mandatory? Do I need to sign up somewhere or let someone know that I plan to attend?

How will I be notified about important information regarding the commencement ceremony?

What is the official graduation list and where can I find it?

What is the grade point average I need for for (undergraduate) honors?

If how do I get my (undergraduate) honor cord?

Do Graduate (Masters) students receive honor cords?

What time do I need to be at the ceremony?

What time should my family and friends arrive to Kolf?

Where can my guests park?

What will happen when I arrive to Kolf on Commencement day?

Is commencement mandatory? Do I need to sign up somewhere?
Commencement is not mandatory. By completing your application for graduation, you also complete the necessary form to participate in the ceremony. By checking the official list, you confirm that you are eligible to participate in the ceremony. There are no other forms you need to complete to participate in the commencement ceremony. Commencement ceremony registration takes place 45 minutes prior to the ceremony on the day of commencement.

How will I be notified about important information regarding the commencement ceremony?
Many graduates contact us because the process to participate in the ceremony seems too simple - that's because it is! We have done away with time consuming rehearsals, do not require tickets, and students do not need to fill out a special form to participate in the ceremony. Students who follow the commencement checklist will have done all they need to do to participate in the ceremony.

The commencement office sends out a postcard at the beginning of each semester with the complete checklist for graduates. Next, a series of five emails are sent to seniors and graduate students regarding important deadlines and the posting of the official list. Our web site also serves a resources for our graduates and their guests with a special section for family and friends. Finally, graduates and their guests are encouraged to contact the commencement office (920.424.0344) with any questions or special needs they may have.

What is the official graduation list and where can I find it?
All students who have registered to graduate and have met the criteria for graduation will have their name posted to the official commencement listing (FERPA students excluded). Students names, hometowns and honors will be printed on this list. The list will first be available to students during Countdown to Commencement. Corrections will then be made to this list and it will then be posted online from March 31 thru April 4th. Students may contact their graduation examiner with questions or changes to this list. The final list will appear in the printed commencement program, available at the ceremony.

How do I get my honor cord?
University Honor Cords (for undergraduates with a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA) will be distributed during registration on commencement day. Honors status will be shown on the official commencement list available at Countdown to Commencement.

Do Graduate (Masters) students receive honor cords?
UW Oshkosh does not designate university academic honors or cords at the graduate level. Since all graduate student graduates must have a gpa of 3.00 or better, assigning honors overstates what is already a higher level of achievement from undergraduate study, and honors blurs the distinction between undergraduate and graduate education if both were the same.

However, it is acceptable for graduate students to wear the stoles of their discipline's respective honor society. Please contact your department for information regarding your eligibility to wear an honor stole.

What time do I need to be at the ceremony?
All graduates are asked to arrive 45 minutes prior to their respective ceremony.

What time should my family and friends arrive to Kolf?
Most family and friends also arrive 45 minutes prior to the ceremony. It is important to arrive early to leave ample time for parking and finding seats in Kolf.

Where can my guests park?
Parking is available in any University lot on commencement day. Please do not park in any restricted/reserved areas or in disabled parking spaces without a disability permit.

What will happen when I arrive to Kolf on Commencement day?

• Upon arrival, please leave your personal items (including coats and purses) with your family and friends. Family and friends should then go to the upper level of Kolf.
• Bring your academic attire with you to your college's (COB, COEHS, COLS, CON and graduate studies) registration area in the lower level of Kolf (maps of gathering areas will be placed at all entrances to Kolf).
• Check in and receive your name card. Students may make phonetic markings on their cards (for our announcers).
• Student and faculty marshals will be on hand to answer questions.
• Line up with your partner (you may choose a partner, within your college, to walk with in the processional and sit with during the ceremony).
• The commencement staff will lead you into the upper gym at the appropriate time where a formal processional will take place. You will be ushered to your appropriate seat.
• Our staff will guide you to the stage at the appropriate time to receive your degree. A photo will be taken of you as you receive the diploma cover.
• The ceremony will last approximately 2 hours.
• A recessional will take place at the end of the ceremony and students will be led to the lower level of Kolf.
• An informal reception with cookies and punch as well as a photo area will take place in the lower level of Kolf immediately following the ceremony.