Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs Commencement Ceremony: January 24, 2026
Saint Mary’s University will celebrate our 2025 graduates in the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis.
Congratulations Graduates! We are proud of you and your success — and look forward to seeing what the future holds for you.
Event Details
Ceremony Dates and Times
The January 2026 ceremony will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026. Please plan for the ceremony to be approximately two hours long.
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
Check-In: 8:00 a.m.
Student Line-Up: 9:15 a.m.
Ceremony: 10 a.m.
Location Details
The ceremony will be held at Orchestral Hall. This is a ticketed event and all guests are required to have their ticket. Doors to the auditorium will open one hour prior to the ceremony.
Location: Orchestra Hall
Address: 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55403 (Directions and Parking)
Commencement Livestream & Recording
Our live stream will begin approximately 30 minutes prior to the Commencement ceremony on our YouTube channel.
A recording of the event will also be available on Youtube.
Commencement Program
The most accurate version of the commencement program will be available as a PDF about one week before the ceremony. Please check back for updates.
Digital Commencement Program
Photos
A professional photographer will take individual photos of each graduate during the ceremony. Graduates will receive purchase information by email about one month after the event. Families and friends are welcome to take additional photos outside the main hall following the ceremony.
Life after SMUMN
Congratulations and Welcome Alumni! We at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota share in your joy and accomplishment and this momentous milestone! We invite you to complete our final destination survey and check out our Alumni Association!
Alumni AssociationFollow these steps to have a smooth transition to Alumni status!
- Update your Address
- Reach out to tcregistrar@smumn.edu to update your residence address – your diploma and any future communications from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota will be sent to this address!
- Update your Email
- Making sure your personal email is updated in our record will allow you to receive accurate and up to date information in a timely manner!
- Update your Address
Need to request a transcript? Visit our How to Order a Transcript page for detailed instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ceremony
All eligible students will receive an email from tcregistrar@smumn.edu inviting them to register for graduation and the commencement ceremony. Registration is required if you wish to participate in the ceremony. If you have any questions, please contact the Registrar's Office at tcregistrar@smumn.edu.
Graduates should arrive at Orchestra Hall at least 45 minutes before the ceremony for check-in and line-up. It would be best for graduates to arrive before 9:15 a.m.
Doors open at 8:00 a.m. Seating is first-come, first-served, so we recommend arriving early to ensure the best seats. A ticket is required for entry, and guests without a ticket will not be admitted.
Parking is available at nearby ramps and lots. Please allow extra time for traffic and walking to the venue.
Diplomas are mailed 6–8 weeks after final grades are posted. If there is an outstanding balance on your account, we will not order your diploma and cannot release your diploma to you until your balance is paid.
Graduates should leave personal items such as purses, backpacks, or coats with their guests. These items cannot be stored at the check-in or line-up area. Lockers are available near the auditorium entrance for those who need to store belongings during the ceremony.
If you have additional questions about the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs Commencement Ceremony, contact the Registrar's Office at tcregistrar@smumn.edu or 612-728-5135.
Graduation is the official process of completing your degree. You must apply for graduation so the Registrar’s Office can review your record, confirm that you have met all requirements, and award your degree. Once your degree is awarded, you will be notified via email. Commencement, on the other hand, is the ceremony where the university community celebrates graduates’ achievements. Participation in commencement does not mean your degree has officially been awarded—you still need to apply for graduation and be approved to graduate.
Yes, tickets are required for all guests. Only individuals with tickets will be allowed inside the venue. Seating is first-come, first-served.
The ceremony typically lasts about two hours.
Yes, a livestream link will be available on this page the day of the ceremony for family and friends who cannot attend in person.
Yes, a photographer will capture individual graduate photos during the ceremony. Purchase information will be emailed about one month later.
Diplomas are not distributed at commencement ceremonies. Not attending commencement does not impact your ability to receive your diploma.