Essential Details
The commencement exercise is a formal academic ceremony. You and your fellow graduates have worked hard for this day and the commencement staff have worked hard to make the day a memorable one for you, your family and your guests. We ask that you respect the ceremony, your fellow graduates, and guests by dressing and behaving in the dignified manner that the occasion merits. Cap and gown regalia is required dress for all graduates. No food or beverage is permitted.
Tickets
Graduates do not need a ticket for themselves for commencement. Guest tickets are required. The expected ticket allotment will be based on participation numbers. Learn more about requesting guest tickets and read the ticket policy.
Reporting Place and Time
Information on reporting place and time will be emailed to all participants.
Student Parking
On Saturday, December 13, 2025 for ceremonies in Chartway Arena, please refer to the maps below for each ceremony:
For Spring ceremonies in Chartway Arena: Students should park in the 49th Street Stadium Garage or 43rd and Bluestone Avenue Garage. Students who utilize a DMV accessibility placard may park on the first level.
For Spring ceremonies in S.B. Ballard Stadium: Students should park in the 43rd and Elkhorn and 43rd and Bluestone Parking Garages. Students who utilize a DMV accessibility placard may use the 49th Street Stadium Garage.
Family and Guest Parking
On Saturday, December 13, 2025 for ceremonies in Chartway Arena, please refer to the maps below for each ceremony:
Parking Maps
Please refer to the maps below for each ceremony:
What to Wear
You must be in proper academic regalia (cap, gown, hood and academic tassel) to participate in Commencement. Be sure to bring these items with you. Attire for under your regalia is a personal preference, but graduation candidates are encouraged to dress for the occasion and appropriately for the weather. .
Photography
ÒÁµéÔ°ÊÓƵ has contracted with to provide quality graduation photos of each student. Proofs will be emailed to the student no later than 30 days after the ceremony.
Accessibility
Graduating students with accessibility requests should email the Commencement Office as early in the semester as possible so arrangements can be made. This includes graduates who choose not to participate in the processional and need to meet the line of march at either Chartway Arena or S.B. Ballard Stadium.
Personal Items
Students are asked to limit items brought to the ceremony. There will be nowhere to secure personal items during the ceremony so please limit what you bring. Bag checks will be conducted upon entry.
ÒÁµéÔ°ÊÓƵGlobal Graduates
All ÒÁµéÔ°ÊÓƵGlobal students who wish to participate in the commencement ceremony must follow the same process and meet the same deadlines as resident instruction (on-campus) students. It is recommended that ÒÁµéÔ°ÊÓƵGlobal students contact their advisor as early in the process as possible to ensure proper completion of all requirements.
Senior Class Challenge
ÒÁµéÔ°ÊÓƵ Student Concordia Scholarship
This scholarship, funded entirely by student donations, embodies the spirit of "Concordia," meaning unity. This award supports Monarch students each semester.
The Senior Class Challenge invites graduating seniors to demonstrate their Monarch pride and leave a lasting legacy. Alumni, faculty, staff, and friends contribute annually to ÒÁµéÔ°ÊÓƵ’s academic, programming, and athletic initiatives. This challenge allows seniors to give back to their alma mater and support their peers.
By participating, seniors help provide scholarships for students facing financial barriers to completing their degree. Donations directly fund the ÒÁµéÔ°ÊÓƵ Student Concordia Award, an endowed scholarship managed by University Advancement.
Seniors can contribute $20.XX, representing their graduation year. In return, donors will receive an ÒÁµéÔ°ÊÓƵ philanthropy honor cord to wear at commencement, showcasing their commitment to ÒÁµéÔ°ÊÓƵ.
Our hope is that you continue to make this gift long after graduation to continue to support ÒÁµéÔ°ÊÓƵ.