College of Letters & Science Spring 2026 Commencement
College of Letters & Science Pre-Commencement Celebration
Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
UW Field House
1450 Monroe Street,
Madison, WI 53706
The College of Letters & Science will hold an in-person Spring 2026 Pre-Commencement Celebration for L&S graduates and their families on Saturday, May 9, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at the UW Field House. Celebrate your milestone at this informal event with the Dean, your family and friends, and Bucky. Enjoy refreshments, a complimentary L&S alumni t-shirt and more, at this free event.
Graduates who apply by the University's set deadline will be featured in the L&S Pre-Commencement Celebration Program. The College is unable to accommodate reading names and having graduates walk across the stage at the L&S Pre-Commencement Celebration. Graduates are encouraged to reach out to their home department(s) to inquire about their commencement related event plans.
Questions about accessibility options for in-person campus events can be found, here.
Questions about the L&S Pre-Commencement Celebration can be directed to commence@ls.wisc.edu.
University Spring 2026 Commencement Plans
Doctoral, MFA, and Medical Professional Degree Candidate Ceremony
Friday, May 8, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
The Kohl Center, 601 W. Dayton Street
Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Graduates are asked to arrive no later than 4:50 p.m. to check-in and pick up their name reader card.
Bachelor's, Law, and Master's Degree Candidate Ceremony
Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
Camp Randall Stadium, 1440 Monroe Street
Doors open at 10:00 a.m. Graduates are asked to arrive no later than 11:10 a.m.
Graduates should consult the University’s Commencement website regularly for updates. You may also email commence@chancellor.wisc.edu with any questions regarding the University’s Commencement.
General FAQs
How do I apply to graduate?
Students must apply for graduation to attend the University ceremonies and receive their diploma. Graduates are required to complete the application, even if they have missed the deadline for their name to be listed in the program. Apply to graduate here.
How do I order a cap and gown?
Reserve your cap and gown through the University Bookstore (click on the reserve your cap & gown button). For Spring 2026 Commencement, orders can be placed through the University Book Store from February 3 through April 3 for an early Badger discount. After April 3, you can place your order up until the day of commencement.
When do I receive my diploma?
The actual diploma will be mailed to you by the Office of the Registrar several weeks after the end of the semester.
I am late to apply to graduate, can I still graduate?
Yes, graduates are required to complete the application, even if they have missed the deadline for their name to be listed in the program. All graduates are also required to have a cap and gown in order to attend the ceremony.
L&S Departmental plans for Spring 2026 Commencement
L&S departmental graduation events will be added on a rolling basis.
English Department
Saturday, May 9 | 8:30 a.m. CT
Pyle Center, Alumni Room, 702 Langdon St.
The English department will host a graduation celebration for English majors and their guests. Breakfast will be provided and graduates will be recognized by walking across a stage with their name called. In addition, two students from the graduating class are selected as students speakers.
International Studies Major Graduation Celebration
Thursday, May 7 | 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. CT
Dejope Residence Hall, Lake Mendota Room, 640 Elm Dr.
Join us on Thursday, May 7, from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. in the Lake Mendota Room at Dejope Hall, for a celebration of our graduating students.
Schedule:
9:00 a.m. Check-in and Refreshments served
9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Program
10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Class photo and Mingling
Center for Law, Society & Justice (Legal Studies and Criminal Justice)
Saturday, May 9 | 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. CT
Carson Gulley Center Upper Room, 1515 Tripp Cir.
Join us with your loved ones to celebrate our Legal Studies and Criminal Justice graduates! There will be refreshments, cake, and the chance to hear from each of your classmates. More information about the CLSJ Graduation Reception can be found here.
Undergraduate Math Major
Friday, May 8 | 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. CT
Math Learning Center, Van Vleck Hall, B224, 480 Lincoln Dr.
The Math Department will host a graduation celebration event for Math major graduates and their families in the Math Learning Center from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on May 8th.
Department of Psychology
Saturday, May 9 | 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. CT
Outside Brogden Psychology Building, 1202 West Johnson St.
Psychology welcomes graduating students (bachelor’s candidates) graduating in December 2025, May 2026, and August 2026 and their guests to stop by our Psychology Graduation Celebration Pop-up event to receive a department pin and small gift. More information about the Psychology Graduation Celebration Pop-up can be found here.
Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work
Saturday, May 9 | 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. CT
Wisconsin Institute for Discovery Building, 330 N Orchard St.
The Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work will be celebrating their graduates on Saturday, May 9, from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Discovery Building. All SRSSW graduates (Social Welfare majors, BSWs, MSWs and PhD’s) and their families are invited. Cookies and beverages will be served. In addition, we will have a hooding ceremony for the MSW and PhD graduates. RSVP required.