Congratulations and God’s blessings to you as you finalize the plans to become a Concordia University Wisconsin graduate!
Congratulations, CUW Graduate! All of us at Concordia feel privileged and proud to be part of your life story, and we encourage you to take a moment to reflect and rejoice. You have done it, and what you have done is a big deal!
To celebrate the significant academic achievements of our graduates, each spring and fall we host commencement. At Concordia University Wisconsin, we celebrate commencement in May and December. While the ceremonies are not mandatory, candidates for graduation are encouraged to attend commencement.
Graduation and commencement checklist
Prospective Graduate & Undergraduate graduates, whether you plan to attend the commencement ceremony or not, please review the steps below to properly prepare for graduation.
Submit your graduation application
Deadline: October 1, 2024
All students who plan to graduate must complete the Graduation Application, regardless of plans to participate in the commencement ceremony.
Please note, the last day to complete the Graduation Application and to participate in the December Commencement Ceremony is October 1, 2024. Applications completed after the deadline will result in the graduate's name NOT appearing in the commencement program.
Graduation Applications are completed through Banner Self-Service. To access the Graduation Application through Banner Self Service, complete the following steps:
- Log into the portal
- Click the Student tab
- Click Banner Self-Service
- Click Student
- Click Apply to Graduate
You can also access Banner Self-Service by clicking the link below (you will be required to log into the portal). Directions regarding how to complete the Graduation Application can be found here.
Update your contact information
Let’s keep in touch! We want to make sure you get the latest CUW news, opportunities, and events. Update your contact information to make sure you get valuable information about alumni gatherings, special alumni resources, continuing education opportunities, and the alumni e-newsletters.
Order your cap and gown for commencement
Please Note: Commencement regalia will be for purchase only; rentals are no longer available for any academic degree level. All regalia orders will be placed via home shipment. Students will be charged for regalia at the time of the purchase and regalia will be shipped to the address indicated on the order placed by the student.
Eligible graduates who wish to participate in the commencement ceremony are required to wear a cap or doctoral tam, gown, CUW stole, and tassel. Graduates can purchase regalia through Jostens until November 1, 2024. Standard graduation regalia packages include the cap, gown, stole, and tassel.
Undergraduate Graduation with Honors
- A candidate who achieves a cumulative grade point average of 3.90 or better will be graduated: Summa Cum Laude
- One who achieves a cumulative grade point average of 3.80 or better will be graduated: Magna Cum Laude
- One who achieves a cumulative grade point average of 3.60 or better will be graduated: Cum Laude
Honor Cords
Honor cords are reserved for Undergraduate students and can be picked up in the Bookstore.
For recognition in the commencement ceremony, students’ GPA and credits are calculated through their second to last CUWAA semester. The final semester grades, which have not yet been finalized, cannot be included for honors to be recognized. Adjustments are made to diplomas and transcripts as warranted after the inclusion of final semester grades and credits.
- Summa Cum Laude - Solid Gold
- Magna Cum Laude - Solid Silver
- Cum Laude - Bronze
If you are a member of an honor society and believe you should receive cords for graduation, please contact the society advisor.
Regalia ordering will be available soon!
Understanding commencement tickets
- Commencement tickets are free
- You must register for tickets and share the tickets with your guests
- Request only tickets you will use for you and your guests
- Guests without tickets will not be admitted into the Field House for the ceremony
- Children who occupy a seat will need a ticket
- Tickets are not transferable and cannot be shared between students
- Ticket requests
- Each associate's, bachelor's and master's degree graduate can request up to a total of 6 guest tickets
- Each doctoral graduate can request up to a total of 8 guest tickets
For guests unable to attend, a livestream will be available on the CUW website on the day of commencement.
Commencement Tickets will be available in November 2024!
Request accessibility for your guests (if necessary)
Accessible guest seating is available for guests, as well as students. Please make reservations for your guest(s) in advance.
Commencement ceremony check-in, staging, and photography
Students are required to check-in at the Todd Wehr Auditorium one hour prior to commencement. Staging ends when the procession begins. Students who miss staging will not be allowed to participate in the commencement ceremony. Graduate commencement cards are given to students at this time. The cards are used to display the graduate's name, degree, and undergraduate honor designation if applicable. Faculty will stage students in lines based upon degree level in preparation for the procession into the Field House. While efforts are made to assist all students across the stage, students who are late and miss check-in, staging and the procession will not be allowed to commence.
Ceremony instructions will be shared multiple times throughout staging. Please listen to these instructions carefully as there is no graduation rehearsal.
Learn more about the commencement ceremony here.
Professional photography
Students will be photographed by Empire Photography throughout the ceremony, including their walk across stage. Candid photos are also taken during the ceremony.
Student speaker application
Consider applying to be the student speaker at your commencement ceremony.