Commencement and Graduation

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

• 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.

• How do I get to Commencement? Where should I park?

  The RiverCentre provides directions and parking transportation details on its website. 

  This parking ramp is directly across the street from Saint Paul RiverCentre and connected via skyway. It is now equipped with new license plate reader technology, making parking payments more convenient and efficient. Just drive in; no stopping needed! Cameras at the entrance automatically capture your license plate. Find a spot and park. No tickets or gate arms to deal with. Once you're parked, choose one of these easy ways to pay: 

  • Scan a QR code on signs throughout the ramp
  • Use the InUGo app
  • Pay at a nearby pay station

  TIP: Take a photo of your license plate or write down the number before heading to the pay station. You’ll need to enter your license plate number into the kiosk when you pay.

• Will the ceremonies be livestreamed?

  Yes, you will find the ceremonies on our streaming platform during the scheduled times and a recording will be available after the events.

• 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.

• How do I learn about accessibility at Commencement?

  There will be an ASL interpreter on stage at the ceremony.

  To learn more about facility accessibility, visit the RiverCentre's accessibility and ADA services web page.

• Are there restrictions to what I can bring into the Commencement ceremony?

  For the safety and security of all attendees, we will implement enhanced security measures, including metal detectors, at the entrance. Graduates should only bring what is absolutely necessary and can fit under their seats. For all Commencement attendees, bags must be no larger than 12" x 12" x 6", and all of the items listed below are subject to search:

  • 12" x 12" x 6" or smaller purses
  • 12" x 12" x 6" or smaller clear bags
  • Diaper bags
  • Medical bags
  • Belt bags (fanny packs)
  • Empty water bottles

  Prohibited items include:

  • Backpacks, items larger than 12" x 12" x 6"
  • Weapons of any kind, including guns, knives, pepper spray, mace, chains, spikes, etc.
  • Food or beverage
  • Cans, bottles, coolers, and similar containers
  • Air horns, noise makers, balloons, and inflatable items
  • Laser pointers
  • Pets (service animals are welcome)
  • Masks intended to disguise or conceal, worn over the face to hide a person's identity
  • Umbrellas over 18" when collapsed or with a sharp edge
  • Knitting or crocheting equipment
  • Any other items deemed inappropriate or dangerous by Convention Center personnel, at their sole discretion
• 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 Hamline University 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 Hamline University

  In addition, Hamline 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.

• Is a prayer, reflection, or quiet space available at the Commencement ceremony site?

  A designated prayer room will be available to students, families, and guests. It will be on the fourth floor of the RiverCentre. Follow the signage for directions.

• What time will the doors open for the ceremonies?

  The doors will open to guests at 9:30 a.m. for the undergraduate ceremony and at 2 p.m. for the graduate ceremony. 

  Graduates are asked to arrive 45 to 60 minutes before the ceremony. Detailed day-of instructions will be sent to graduates in late April or early May.

• How long are the ceremonies?

  The undergraduate ceremony is expected to last approximately two hours, and the graduate ceremony is expected to last about an hour.

• Where do graduates and guests reunite after the ceremony?

  Weather permitting, graduates will be led to Rice Park to reunite with their guests. In the event of inclement weather, the gathering will take place in the Kellogg Lobby.

• 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 Drury Plaza Hotel St. Paul Downtown offers a discount. 

• What paperwork do I need to graduate?

  Undergraduate students: If you have not already done so, log in to Workday to take the steps required 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 intent to graduate form. 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.

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

  Continue to check your Hamline 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 Hamline email, and communications are missed. To avoid this happening, periodically check your Hamline email and reset your password before the deadline. If you need assistance reactivating your account, contact csd@hamline.edu.

• Is photography allowed during the ceremony? Will there be professional photography at Commencement?

  You may take photographs from your seat. It is important that you remain seated and not approach the stage to maintain a safe and positive viewing experience for everyone.

  Professional photographers will be at the ceremony to capture graduates crossing the stage and receiving their diplomas. These images are available for order through the GradImages website. In addition, a collection of more candid photos documenting the day will be available here following Commencement.