Winona Undergraduate Commencement 2026

Congratulations, graduates!

The Saint Mary’s University community looks forward to celebrating with you and your family members on May 2nd. This momentous day marks a significant milestone in your academic journey, and we are truly honored to share this wonderful experience together.

Ceremony details

Date: May 2, 2026
Mass: 8:30 a.m., Saint Thomas More Chapel
Convocation: 11:00 a.m., David R. Thies B’59 Arena
Reception: Immediately following, Plaza (Inclement weather: Gostomski Fieldhouse)

Guest information

Hotel accommodations and dining options

The Winona area offers a wide variety of accommodations and dining options. More information is available here. You are strongly advised to make hotel reservations as early as possible as they fill up quickly.

When to arrive

Doors to the David R. Thies B’59 Arena will open for guests at 10 a.m. It is recommended to arrive on campus with enough time to allow time for parking and securing a seat before the academic procession of graduates begins at approximately 10:50 a.m.

Parking

Upon arrival, you will be able to enter campus from either direction off of Highway 14, and parking staff will guide you where to park. For those in need, free shuttles will be provided to and from the ceremony and parking lots. Please note, following the event, you will only be able to turn right onto Highway 14 due to the amount of traffic exiting the college.

Special needs assistance

Priority seating for guests with disabilities is available. While space is limited, we can accommodate one or two additional people to be seated with a guest in this section.

To reserve seating in this section, please contact:

Stacey Glithero

sglither@smumn.edu

507-457-6622

Professional photography

Legacies by Laura 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 five business days following Commencement. Then graduates or family members may order online at Legacies by Laura.

Any questions, please contact:

Legacies by Laura

612-360-0087

Flowers

Saint Mary’s partners with The Commencement Group for flowers and small gift accessories for the graduates. They are available for purchase on commencement day.

Flowers can also be pre-ordered for pick up that day here: Flower pre-order

Winona Campus Map

Winona Campus Map (PDF)

Livestream

Venues for overflow seating include the arena lobby and the Page Theatre, where guests can watch the ceremony via livestream.

If you cannot attend the ceremony on campus, the livestream provides a wonderful way to celebrate this milestone with us from afar.

Commencement program

Celebrate your academic milestone at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s 101st Commencement. This official program honors the Class of 2026 and guides you through the ceremony. Inside, find the order of events, speakers, and names of our distinguished graduates.

View program

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply to graduate?

Completing your credits isn't enough; you must formally apply for graduation via the Google Form sent by the Registrar's Office in September after the add/drop period. This triggers a degree audit by the Registrar to ensure all your major, minor, and Lasallian core requirements are met.

If you have any questions about the application, contact the Registrar's Office by email at registrar-win@smumn.edu

Is there a difference between Graduation and Commencement?

Yes. Graduation is the official posting of your degree to your transcript once all grades are verified. Commencement is the celebratory ceremony held in Winona (or virtually for certain programs) where you walk across the stage.

Do my guests need tickets for the ceremony?

Tickets will not be required for the commencement ceremony. The David R. Thies B’59 Arena will accommodate the vast majority of the anticipated guests.

Where do I get my cap, gown, and tassel?

Regalia is ordered for you through the Office of Academic Affairs. You do not need to do anything! Distribution of caps and gowns will take place mid April via campus mail. Graduating seniors will receive an email notification that they have a package to pick up in a parcel locker.

What are the requirements for Latin Honors?

Undergraduate students are eligible for honors based on their cumulative GPA: Cum Laude: 3.50 – 3.69; Magna Cum Laude: 3.70 – 3.89; Summa Cum Laude: 3.90 – 4.00. Note: Honors recognized at the ceremony are usually based on the GPA from the semester prior to graduation.

Which side does my tassel go on?

At the start of the ceremony, place your tassel on the right side of your mortarboard. After the President officially confers the degrees, you will be instructed to move it to the left side together as a class.

What is the Baccalaureate Mass?

Consistent with our Lasallian Catholic heritage, Saint Mary’s holds a Baccalaureate Mass the the morning of Commencement. It is a liturgy of thanksgiving for the graduates and their families, and all are welcome regardless of faith tradition.

Can I walk in the ceremony if I have one class left?

Saint Mary’s generally allows students who are within a few credits of completion (and registered to finish them in the upcoming summer term) to participate in the May ceremony. You must receive approval from the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

How long is the ceremony?

Expect the ceremony to last between 90 minutes and 2 hours. This includes the processional, the invocation, guest speakers, the individual reading of names, and the recessional.

When will I receive my actual diploma?

You will receive a diploma cover on stage. Your official diploma will be mailed to your "Permanent Address" on file approximately 6 to 8 weeks after the ceremony, once the Registrar has completed the final degree clearance.

Graduation gifts

The Saint Mary’s Bookstore will be open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 2. Graduation gifts and accessories as well as alumni gear are available at the store. Graduation announcements, frames, and other products are available to order online.

Online store