Madison Reporter

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is set to host its Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10. The university expects to confer degrees upon 9,424 students. This includes 6,982 bachelor's degrees, 1,511 master's degrees, 913 PhDs, and 18 educational specialist degrees.

Ceremony details for Friday include the awarding of degrees to doctoral, MFA, and medical professional students at the Kohl Center at 5:30 p.m. Attendees will hear from Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin, a representative of the UW System Board of Regents, and honorary degree recipients Donna E. Shalala and Jim Sensenbrenner. Names of degree candidates will be read as they cross the stage to receive their diploma folders. Tickets are not required for this event.

On Saturday at noon, undergraduate, law, and master’s degree students will receive their diplomas at Camp Randall Stadium. The keynote speaker will be Jason Gay, a UW alumnus and Wall Street Journal sports and culture columnist. Remarks will also be made by Mnookin and Sam Mahlum, president of the senior class. Degree candidates will be recognized in groups by school or college; individual names will not be read aloud. Like Friday's event, no tickets are necessary.

The ceremony at Camp Randall Stadium is scheduled to proceed regardless of rain unless severe weather conditions arise. In such cases involving lightning or high winds, there may be delays or cancellations.

Security protocols consistent with typical University of Wisconsin game day procedures will be enforced during both events. A clear-bag policy is in effect; attendees may bring one small clutch purse (no larger than 4.5" x 6.5") and one large clear bag (either a one-gallon clear plastic storage bag or a 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote bag). Metal detectors will also be present to facilitate entry.

Both ceremonies can be viewed live via streaming on the UW–Madison commencement website. Additionally, family members can watch Saturday's event from Wisconsin Union buildings on campus.

Graduates and attendees are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using #UWGrad for broader engagement.

For further information about commencement activities and guidelines visit commencement.wisc.edu.