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When and where is the DDEEA Recognition and Celebration?
The DDEEA Recognition and Celebration will be held Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in Memorial Union’s Shannon Hall. Memorial Union is located at 800 Langdon St. in Madison. The ceremony will go until about 7:30 p.m., and all graduates and attendees are invited to attend a dinner reception in the Great Hall. The reception goes until 9 p.m.
Do I need to register to walk in our ceremony?
When should I get to Memorial Union and where should I check in?
Please arrive at 3:45 p.m. and no later than 4:00 p.m. and check-in at the Play Circle on the second floor.
Do I need to bring anything?
You should come dressed in your cap and gown when you arrive at Memorial Union. Any additional items can be stored in the Play Circle during the ceremony. We cannot take responsibility for items left behind, so please bring only what you need and leave valuables at home.
Where will students meet, and where will pictures be taken before the ceremony?
All DDEEA Programs will meet in the Play Circle on the second floor of Memorial Union, above the box office. We will take group photos inside the Play Circle. Please note that group photos begin promptly at 4:00 p.m. and end promptly at 5:00 p.m. Once your group photo is taken, you will be directed to Shannon Hall to take a seat in your Program’s section.
What time should my family and friends arrive and where should they go?
The doors to the Shannon Hall will open at approximately 5:00 p.m. At that time, your guests may enter and take any available seats on the mezzanine and upper levels. Please note: tickets are not required to attend.
When and where is the reception?
The reception will immediately follow the ceremony in the Great Hall on the fourth floor of the Memorial Union. When the Great Hall is full, overflow will be redirected to Tripp Commons on the second floor.
What should I expect from the reception?
To accommodate a large number of guests, receptions will be held concurrently in both the Great Hall and Tripp Commons. Buffet dinner will be served in both rooms, which will have a varied menu, to take into consideration the dietary needs of those who prefer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten–free options.
What should I do if I have a guest with mobility issues?
Please inform our events team (events@cdo.wisc.edu) if you or your guests have any accessibility issues. We will do our best to accommodate your needs. The venue has access for guests who use a wheelchair and seats for their companions, as well as seating for those who prefer not to use stairs. Letting us know well in advance ensures a welcoming experience for your family and friends.
What is the general timeline of the event?
- 5:00 p.m. Doors Open
- 5:30 p.m. Processional begins
- 7:30 p.m. Reception begins
- 9:30 p.m. Reception ends
Is there a live stream link available?
Yes! Anyone can watch the ceremony live online.
I have a personal, cultural, and/or religious concern about this event. What do I do?
We are happy to accommodate the needs of all graduates, and the best way for us to meet your needs is to know about them in advance. The following is a non-exhaustive list of accommodations you can email the events team (events@cdo.wisc.edu) about, and we will work together on accommodations so you can participate fully in the event.
- Accommodating those with mobility impairments
- Knowing in advance the location of gender-inclusive restrooms
- We will handle anything you wish to share or request with respect and discretion. This is your ceremony, and we seek to be as welcoming as possible.
What should I wear?
Please come to the event dressed in your cap and gown and be mindful that you will walk up and down a few stairs as you make your way onto the stage. Please wear shoes that you feel comfortable walking in. You can find more information on when, where, and how to get a cap and gown by on the UW Bookstore’s cap and gown rental page.
Where can I get my cap and gown?
The UW Bookstore rents caps and gowns. You can visit the Bookstore’s can and gown rental page for more information.
Can I decorate my cap and/or wear things that are important to me?
Yes! We ask that you wear the cap, gown, and tassel to participate in our ceremony. Many students also wear stoles, awards, corsages, medallions, or leis to represent their campus involvement or cultural heritage.
I cannot attend the ceremony. Will my name still be printed in the Program?
Yes! We add all students who applied to graduate this spring by the March 21 deadline to our DDEEA Graduation Program.
Note: We do not include students who have a FERPA hold. We take your security seriously and will not print any information that goes against your FERPA settings.
Where do I park?
Parking information for guests is available on the official commencement website. However, parking will be extremely difficult to find during the weekend of graduation and traffic will be even worse. Please plan accordingly. The University will put out information on shuttles closer to graduation.
I’m confused. How many celebrations are there??
Good question! It’s likely that you are being invited to multiple recognitions and celebrations this spring. You may have a graduation event specific to your DDEEA Program and this larger DDEEA Celebration in addition to the campus-wide commencement at Camp Randall. You may also receive graduation invitations for your school/college, major, or academic department.
Our DDEEA Recognition and Celebration is unique in that we gather all graduating DDEEA scholars for a special ceremony with the Deans, campus leaders, and more! It also offers a distinct opportunity to get your name called in the theater and walk across the stage.
I need more information on the UW–Madison Commencement Ceremony at Camp Randall?
Check out www.commencement.wisc.edu. You can find anything and everything related to UW–Madison’s general graduation ceremony at this link.
I have additional questions and/or concerns that have not been answered here. Who should I talk to?
Please either contact your Program Director with any questions and/or concerns that you may have or contact the events team at (events@cdo.wisc.edu).
We are excited to share this special day with you and your guests, and we hope that this event will give you the opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns!