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Commencement Ceremony
Graduation is an exciting time for students, family, friends, faculty, and staff. The commencement ceremony is a celebration of your graduation. There is one ceremony for Fall '25 and Spring '26 graduates.
Friday, May 15, 2026 at 3 pm
Memorial Hall, 175 Mark Street
Winona State University, Winona, MN
(Download WSU Campus Map - PDF)
Graduates must arrive at Memorial Hall no later than 2:00 pm. Graduates will line up for the processional in Talbot Gymnasium, which is connected to McCown Hall. Before the ceremony begins, you are welcome to take personal photos. A professional photo of each graduate will also be taken before the start of the ceremony.
PLEASE NOTE – Talbot Gymnasium will not be monitored during the ceremony. We strongly recommend leaving purses and other valuables with a friend, family member, or in your vehicle. Neither Southeast nor Winona State University is responsible for lost or stolen items.
Livestream
Commencement will be livestreamed on YouTube starting at 3 pm on May 16. The ceremony video will also be archived on YouTube for later viewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cap, gown, and tassel
All students participating in the ceremony must wear a black cap and gown. If you have your own cap and gown from another ceremony you may wear it. We encourage business casual attire for under the gown.
The college provides caps, gowns, tassels, and appropriate cords at no cost. These items will be distributed on campus. Dates for pick up will be determined closer to graduation.
Students are responsible for the care of these items once they are picked up. We request that students refrain from decorating these items in any manner that could be construed as offensive or harmful.
Honors
Students who participate in the commencement ceremony and meet eligibility requirements will receive a gold honor cord. Cords will be handed out when you pick up your cap, gown and tassel.
Honor status is given to students graduating from a diploma, AAS, AS or AA program and who have completed a minimum of 25 resident credits including credits from the last term before graduation. Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to 3.74 receive Honors designation. Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 to 4.00 receive High Honors designation. Final honor status is determined after final grades are received. Honor status will appear on the student transcript at the time of official graduation.
Currently serving military or veteran
Students who participate in the commencement ceremony will receive a red, white and blue cord to honor their military service.
Professional photographer
Legacies by Laura is capturing your official commencement photograph. Photos will be available for viewing within 72 hours after the ceremony and are available for purchase online. If you would like to be notified when photos are available please visit https://www.legaciesbylaura.com/professional/
Lodging for guests
Information can be found at the following Area Convention and Visitors Bureaus:
Additional events
An informal reception will be held for graduates, families, and friends immediately following the ceremony.
Tickets for commencement
Tickets are not needed for the ceremony and there is not a limit on guests.
Length of ceremony
The ceremony is expected to run approximately two hours. It will include a graduate processional (all graduates walking into the ceremony in a line while music plays), speeches, an honoring of our veterans and military members, and, of course, reading the names of graduates as you cross the stage! We hope you will invite your friends and family to join us for this momentous occasion! Because of the length of the ceremony, you are advised to include children who are able to sit for a period of approximately two hours.
ASL interpretation
There will be an ASL interpreter available for those who need it, with reserved seating in front to ensure visibility of the interpreters. If you have a friend or family member who needs this accommodation, please contact cheryl.booneperez@southeastmn.edu.
Accessible seating
The building is entirely wheelchair accessible, and accessible seating is available. Accessible parking and building entry for guests requiring assistance will be available on Johnson Street, one block from Main Street.
Visibility of Stage
There are very large screens in the gym that will show what's happening up close on the stage, so even if you sit farther away you will still have a good view.
Certificates, diplomas, degrees
You will not receive your actual certificate, diploma, or degree at the commencement ceremony. Your diploma will be mailed when grades are finalized and your graduation is confirmed from the Registrar's Office. You will also receive a digital diploma via email.
Additional questions about the commencement ceremony
Please contact Cheryl Boone Perez, at cheryl.booneperez@southeastmn.edu with any questions.
We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Commencement ceremony! Congratulations, graduates!
Past Commencement Ceremonies