College of Letters & Science Winter 2025 Commencement
College of Letters & Science Pre-Commencement Celebration
Saturday, Dec 13, 2025 | 4:00–5:30 p.m.
Varsity Hall, Union South
1308 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53715
The College of Letters & Science will hold an in-person Winter 2025 Pre-Commencement Celebration for L&S graduates and their families on Saturday, December 13, from 4:00 p.m.– 5:30 p.m. at Varsity Hall in Union South. 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 October 24 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 Winter 2025 Commencement Plans
Doctoral, Law, Medical Professional, Master’s, and Bachelor’s Degree Candidate Ceremony
Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 10 a.m.
The Kohl Center, 601 W. Dayton Street
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.
Please note: October 24 is the deadline to have your name appear in the University Winter 2025 Commencement printed program and the L&S Pre-Commencement event printed program.
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 2025 Commencement, orders can be placed until April 1 for an early Badger pricing, after which 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 Winter 2025 Commencement
L&S departmental graduation events will be added on a rolling basis.
Department of Anthropology
Tuesday, December 9 | 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. CT
Sewell Social Sciences Building, 1180 Observatory Dr. Room 8417
The Department of Anthropology will host a end of semester event on December 9 to acknowledge graduating students, award winners, connect before winter break, and take part in a winter themed activity together. See Department of Anthropology Events page.
Biology Major
Wednesday, December 10 | Noon - 1:30 p.m. CT
Microbial Sciences Building, 1550 Linden Dr. Room 3411A
Graduating biology students can stop by the 3rd floor of the Microbial Sciences Building near the Biology Major advising offices on Wednesday, December 10th, Noon - 1:30 p.m. to enjoy a snack with advisors and fellow grads. While you’re there, pick up your Biology Major mug. It’s our gift to you as our newest alumni.
Department of Physics
Thursday, December 11 | 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. CT
Chamberlin Hall, 1150 University Ave. Room 2241
The Physics Department will host a commencement reception for Physics and Astronomy graduate and undergraduate students on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. in 2241 Chamberlin Hall. Family, friends, and other guests are more than welcome. Light refreshments will be provided. Regalia is optional. See Events at Physics page.