Commencement

Lund Arena doors will open at 1 p.m. Please ,arrive on campus no later than 1:30 p.m. to allow time for parking and securing a seat before the academic procession of graduates begins at 2 p.m.

Parking: Signs will direct you to “Event Parking” locations. All lots are open for public parking. Yellow curb fire lanes will be enforced. ADA Parking is available in the Lund Center lot with valid permit.

• Please plan ahead for your own transportation and any personal support or other accommodations you may need.
• We recommend you arrive at least one hour before your expected event start time.
• ADA parking is available in the Lund Center lot. Drop-off areas are located near Christ Chapel and Lund Center. Please be sure to have a valid permit.
• Honor Awards Ceremony: ADA seating will be on the main floor of Lund Arena.
• Baccalaureate Service: ADA seating is located on the main level of Christ Chapel. The ADA restroom is on the main level.
• Commencement in Lund Arena: ADA seating will be on the main floor and the overflow seating will be in Alumni Hall.
• ADA requests should be submitted via this form.
• To reserve ADA seating, please call 507-933-7520 or marketing [at] gustavus.edu (email us).

In cooperation with Gustavus Adolphus College, GradImages will be photographing all graduates during the Commencement ceremony as they walk across the stage.

Graduates will receive a digital proof of the photos within two weeks. You may order online at GradImages. Please contact GradImages.com customer service at 800-261-2576 with any questions.

The ceremony will include a student speaker followed by the President of the College. Following that, the graduate names will be read as they walk across the stage. Graduates will proceed to their major department to greet faculty and receive their diploma cover.

Etiquette

Commencement is a special event for everyone. To create a memorable occasion for guests and especially for the graduates, we ask you please adhere to the following requests:

• Silence all mobile and other electronic devices.
• So that all graduate names can be heard when they are called to the stage, please refrain from whistling, blowing horns, or making disruptive noises.
• Remain seated during the ceremony.
• Guests are not permitted in the graduate seating area.

Where should I sit to see my graduate?

The graduates line up and sit in alphabetical order. When looking at the stage, graduates with last names beginning with "A" through the beginning of the "L's" will be on the left and the remaining graduates will be on the right. Graduates walk across the stage from right to left.

Caps and Gowns

• Seniors should receive a cap and gown during “Grad Finale” in April, at no additional charge.
• To avoid wrinkles and folds in the gown for Commencement, graduates should remove the gown from its packaging and hang until the ceremony.
• Gowns are considered a "one time use" and do not have to be returned.

If you miss Grad Finale...

• If students are not able to go to “Grad Finale” , caps and gowns may be picked up in the Book Mark any time before Commencement.
• If you would like it shipped, please complete this mailing form. 

Lost Tassels

If you lose your tassel before Commencement, you may pick up a new one in the Book Mark.

Accessories

Accessories such as honor cords, pins, and stoles will be distributed by the academic department or office in April before Commencement weekend. You will be informed by your academic department or organization if this applies to you. There are no cords for GPA honors.

“Grad Finale”  is the time to think about graduation information, services, and products. The Class of 2026 Grad Finale is from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25 at the Book Mark.

• You must complete the Senior Questionnaire from the Alumni Office before you will be able to pick up your cap and gown. Once completed, you will receive a confirmation email. You will need to show that email at the time of pickup.
  • If you cannot attend “Grad Finale” , you may pick up your cap and gown in the Book Mark any time before Commencement.
  • If you are currently living off campus and need to have your cap and gown shipped to you, please provide shipping details here.
• Honor Cords will be distributed separately by departments. Questions about a cord should be directed to the appropriate department.
• There are no honor cords based on GPA.
   

Save on graduation essentials during “Grad Finale”  such as discounts on class rings, diploma frames, and graduation announcements.