Commencement Information

Commencement is a time for the University of Dubuque family to come together to recognize and celebrate the academic accomplishments of our Spartans.

Winter 2026 Commencement Events

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2026

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Commencement
10:00 a.m. - John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center
Reception to follow in A.Y. McDonald Lobby, Heritage Center
Livestream: UD YouTube

Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for guest seating.
No food, drinks, strollers, or car seats are allowed in Butler Hall.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2026

Teacher Education Pinning Ceremony
4:30 p.m. - Babka Theatre, Heritage Center
Livestream: UD YouTube

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2026

University of Dubuque Winter Commencement
3:00 p.m. - John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center
Livestream: UD Facebook and UD YouTube

2:00 p.m. - Doors Open for Graduates to Check-In at the Palmer-Noone Lounge, Heritage Center

Only graduates are permitted in the area where graduates assemble.
Graduates should arrive in full Commencement apparel with cap, gown, and tassel. Graduate students should also bring their academic hood.
There is not a secure area to store personal items before, during, or after the check-in process. It is not recommended to leave personal items behind.

2:00 p.m. - Doors open to John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center

Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. It is not ticketed.
Guests are not allowed in the student seating area at any time.
Only graduates are permitted to cross/be on stage to accept diploma covers.
No food, drinks, strollers, or car seats allowed in Butler Hall.

3:00 p.m. - Commencement Begins in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center

* Details subject to change.

Spring 2027 Commencement Events

FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2027

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Pinning Ceremony
11:00 a.m. - John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center
Livestream: UD YouTube

University of Dubuque Theological Seminary Baccalaureate Service
Reception to follow in Alumni Chapel
1:30 p.m. - Blades Chapel, Blades Hall

ROTC Commissioning Ceremony
2:00 p.m. - Steffens Hall, Charles and Romona Myers Center

Teacher Education Pinning Ceremony
4:30 p.m. - Babka Theatre, Heritage Center
Livestream: UD YouTube

SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2027

University of Dubuque Theological Seminary Commencement
Reception to follow in Alumni Chapel
9:30 a.m. - Blades Chapel, Blades Hall
Livestream: UDTS Facebook

University of Dubuque Spring Commencement
1:00 p.m. - Chlapaty Recreation and Wellness Center
Livestream: UD Facebook and UD YouTube

11:30 a.m. - Doors Open for Graduates to Check-In at the Veterans Memorial Training Center

Only graduates are permitted in the area where graduates assemble.
Graduates should arrive in full Commencement apparel with cap, gown, and tassel. Graduate students should also bring their academic hood.
There is not a secure area to store personal items before, during, or after the check-in process. It is not recommended to leave personal items behind.

11:30 a.m. - Doors Open to Chlapaty Recreation and Wellness Center

Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. It is not ticketed.
Guests are not allowed in the student seating area at any time.
Only graduates are permitted to cross/be on stage to accept diploma covers.

1:00 p.m. - Commencement Begins in Chlapaty Recreation and Wellness Center

* Details subject to change.

Additional Commencement Information

Undergraduate and Graduate Student Commencement Apparel and Pick Up
Please check UD email for information on how to order commencement apparel.

Grad Fest: LIFE HyFlex - Cedar Rapids
Details will be available soon.

Spartans Send-Off
Details will be avaialble soon.

Diplomas
Graduates will receive a diploma cover from University of Dubuque President Travis L. Frampton, PhD, at commencement. Those who do not participate in commencement but would like a diploma cover should contact the Office of the Registrar at Registrar@dbq.edu after commencement.

Students who have not met their academic requirements for graduation will receive an email from the Office of the Registrar. Those with an outstanding college account balance will have their diploma held until their account is cleared by the Office of Student Accounts.

The University of Dubuque has partnered with Parchment to print diplomas (11 inches wide by 8.5 inches high) as well as offer graduates an official digital version of their diploma with Parchment's simple, easy-to-use web application. Parchment will contact graduates via email and/or text with further information.

Graduates who have met all degree requirements will receive their digital diplomas via their UD email address within four to six weeks after commencement. Paper diplomas will be mailed 10 to 15 days after the digital diplomas. Paper diplomas will be mailed to the address graduates provided on their graduation application.

How to Get Your Digital Diploma

Graduates, follow these simple steps to get your digital diploma:

Check your UD email and text messages for the award notification.
Follow the link to set up your Parchment digital credentials account.
Share your digital diploma on Facebook and LinkedIn or download as a secure .pdf version.

Your digital diploma will always be accessible through your Parchment account. You can login and download or share it again and again - at no cost to you.

Photographs
Empire Photography will photograph each graduate as they receive their diploma cover during Winter Commencement and Spring Commencement. Empire Photography will also photograph each graduate prior to the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Commencement and as they receive their diploma cover. To view and purchase photos, visit www.thegradteam.com/findmyphotos.

An additional professional photographer will take photos before, during, and after commencement. To view photos, visit https://udalumni.smugmug.com/.

Graduation Jewelry
For graduation jewelry, please click here.

Parking
Parking is available on campus in the following locations and on adjacent streets:

Finley Lot at Finley and West streets
University Park Drive Lot at Bennett Street and University Park Drive
Pearl Street Lot adjacent to the corner of Pearl and McCormick streets
Parking Lot at the corner of McCormick Street and University Avenue

Graduates and guests are reminded not to park in roped off or posted No Parking Areas.

To view a campus map, please click here.

Accessibility Information
Graduates and guests requiring accommodations such as special seating or an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter should contact the Office of the Registrar at Registrar@dbq.edu. The deadline to request an ASL interpreter for Winter and Spring Commencement events will be available soon.

Handicap parking is limited, so please plan accordingly. Parking spots cannot be reserved.

Dubuque Accommodations and Attractions
For those traveling to Dubuque and staying overnight, we recommend you make your reservations early. Please visit Travel Dubuque's website here to learn about local accommodations and attractions.

* Details subject to change

Questions

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions:

University of Dubuque Winter and Spring Commencements: Office of the Registrar at Registrar@dbq.edu or 563.589.3748
University of Dubuque Theological Seminary Commencement/Baccalaureate: Jill Dodds, administrative assistant to the dean of the seminary, at JDodds@dbq.edu or 563.589.3122
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Pinning Ceremony: Jackie Meyer, PhD, RN, CNE, head of the Department of Nursing and professor of nursing, at JRMeyer@dbq.edu or 563.589.3403
Commencement Apparel: Jennifer Wickman, bookstore manager, at JWickman@dbq.edu, 563.589.3131, or 563.589.3195
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Commencement Ceremony: Kristie Arthofer, physician assistant program admission director and program coordinator, at KArthofer@dbq.edu or 563.589.3662
ROTC Commissioning Ceremony: Army ROTC - Spartan Company at UDROTC@dbq.edu or 563.589.3850
Spartan Send-Off: Katie Kraus, director for alumni engagement, at KKraus@dbq.edu or 563.589.3161
Teacher Education Pinning Ceremony: Jennifer Koenig, Department of Teacher Education assistant and clinical placement coordinator, at JKoenig@dbq.edu or 563.589.3232.