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Commencement

Saturday, December 14, 2024

CELEBRATE OUR WINTER 2024 GRADUATES AT COMMENCEMENT

Fall 2024 and Winterim 2025 graduates are invited to participate in the commencement ceremony taking place on Saturday, December 14, 2024, in the Skyward Fieldhouse,
Marshfield Clinic Health System Champions Hall. See below for more details or contact us at commencement@uwsp.edu.

Graduates can claim Commencement tickets at https://uwspgradtickets.universitytickets.com/ starting November 18.

Winter Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, December 14, 2024

10 a.m. Ceremony
All Colleges and Degrees

College of Fine Arts and Communication
College of Letters and Science
College of Natural Resources
College of Professional Studies

Location
Skyward Fieldhouse, Champions Hall
2050 Fourth Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481

Livestream link will be available as the date gets closer.

Fall 2024 and Winterim 2025 graduates are invited to participate in the ceremony.​ The ceremony will include all doctorate, master’s, bachelor’s and associate degree candidates within the academic college.

Graduates can claim Commencement tickets here View list of majors within each academic college

BE THE STUDENT SPEAKER

One student representative will be selected to represent the class of 2024 at the Winter Commencement ceremony on Saturday, December 14, at 10 a.m. The speech should be 3-5 minutes in length and reflect experiences at UW-Stevens Point. Speeches must be submitted by one person (no groups will be considered).

Please see below for student speaker guidelines and to apply to be the student speaker for 2024 Winter commencement. Graduates from the Stevens Point, Wausau and Marshfield campuses are welcome to apply. The deadline for submission is Sunday, October 27. The form for submissions is closed. 

The commencement student speaker selection committee will review all applications and select finalists to give a presentation of their speech. The selected student speakers will be notified by November 20.

PREPARING FOR THE CEREMONY

Tickets 
Due to fire code, graduates are allotted five (5) complimentary general admission tickets to the ceremony. Commencement tickets are free but required for all guests and children (3 years and older). Graduates do not need a ticket for the ceremony.

The ceremony will last approximately 2-2.5 hours. Doors will open one hour prior to the ceremony and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating will be folding chairs only, there are no bleachers or stairs.

Graduates can reserve their tickets online starting Monday, November 18. Graduates can claim Commencement tickets at https://uwspgradtickets.universitytickets.com/. The deadline for reserving tickets is Friday, December 6.

Accessible Seating
If a graduate or guest requires assistance at the ceremony, please email commencement@uwsp.edu. Seating will be chairs only, there are no bleachers or stairs at the ceremony site. ​

Extra Tickets
Extra tickets are not guaranteed. If extra tickets become available, they can be reserved online on Monday, December 9 (starting at 7 a.m.) – Wednesday, December 11.  A limit of one extra ticket per person can only be reserved online by graduating students. Extra tickets will be available while quantities last on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ceremony Livestream
A livestream of the ceremony will be available on the UW-Stevens Point YouTube channel. The livestream link will be available online at uwsp.edu/commencement one week before the ceremony.

The recording will be saved to the UW-Stevens Point ​YouTube channel and will also be available on the archives website.

Graduates must wear a black cap and gown if they wish to participate in their ceremony.

Purchase Options:

University Store, Dreyfus University Center
Caps, gowns, tassels, hoods and honor cords are available for purchase through the University Store in the Dreyfus University Center from November 18 – December 6. No pre-ordering is ​necessary.

No pre-ordering is necessary. Store hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ​Please see below for information on tassel color, hood color or sashes.  For questions, please call the University Store at 715-346-3431. ​​​

Order Online
If you are unable to come to the Stevens Point campus, caps, gowns, tassels, hoods and honor cords​ can also be purchased online from our official regalia vendor Oak Hall. Orders must be placed by November 17.

If you have questions regarding your online order, please c​all the University Store at 715-346-3431. ​​

Online Orders – Determining Degree Type and Honor Cords Eligibility
Graduates will need to select their degree type and if they are eligible for honor cords when ordering. To confirm degree type, go to accesSPoint, click on the Graduation tile, and then
go to “view my status.” To confirm honor cord eligibility, please view the Graduation Honors GPA section within your University Requirements on your DPR. Graduation honors are as follows:

Overall grade point average of 3.50 to 3.74 – Cum Laude
Overall grade point average of 3.75 to 3.89 – Magna Cum Laude
Overall grade point average of 3.90 to 4.00 – Summa Cum Laude

For questions regarding your degree honor cord eligibility, please contact Megan Vogt, graduation auditor, at mvogt@uwsp.edu or 715-346-2504.

Announcements/Class Rings
You may order personalized announcements and class rings through Balfour.

For questions on announcements and class rings, please call the University Store at 715-346-3431. ​

All campus parking lots are open to the public without charge during the ceremony. Accessible parking is available in Lot F-East. Click here to view a campus map.

For help in planning travel for your guests, visit the Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau website.

Doctorate and master’s degree candidates will walk within the academic college in which they will graduate.

Each academic college has arranged for a representative to hood graduates at the ceremony. Graduates do not need to arrange for a representative to hood them.

Master’s degree cap and gown packages are available for purchase at the University Store. Doctorate degree packages are available to rent or purchase and candidates will be contacted directly by the University Store with more information.

Procedure for Receiving your Diploma
Tassels are worn on the left side of the mortarboard at all times. Carry the hood over your right arm during the processional. Make sure the hood is unbuttoned.

The hooding will take place on stage.  Give your name to the name reader, then proceed up the stairs. A faculty representative will step up on a platform to hood you. Make your way across the stage, receive your diploma from your dean and exit the stage on the other side.

Tassel Color
Associate Degree – Black
Bachelor of Art – White
Bachelor of Applied Studies – Crimson
Bachelor of Fine Arts – Dark Brown
Bachelor of Music – Pink
Bachelor of Science – Gold
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Apricot
Master’s Degree – Black

Hood Colors – Masters Degrees
Master of Business Administration- Drab
Master of Music Education – Pink
Master of Natural Resources – Gold
Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology- Gold
Master of Science in Athletic Training – Sage Green 
Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders – Gold
Master of Science in Community and Organizational Leadership – Gold
Master of Science in Data Science – Gold
Master of Science in Education – Blue
Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management – Gold
Master of Science in Healthcare Administration – Gold
Master of Science in Information Technology Management – Gold
Master of Science in Natural Resources – Gold
Master of Science in Nutrition Science – Gold
Master of Science in Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems- Gold

Honor Cord Colors (undergraduate degrees only)
Cum Laude (overall grade point average of 3.5 to 3.74) – Gold
Magna Cum Laude (overall grade point average of 3.75 to 3.89) – Gold
Summa Cum Laude (overall grade point average of 3.9 or above) – Gold

Cap, Gown, and Tassel Protocol
Wear the mortarboard horizontally (not tipped in any direction), with the point of the cap in the middle of the forehead.

Bachelor’s and Associate Degree Candidates
Wear the tassel on the right side of the mortarboard. After the Chancellor’s charge to graduates (at the end of the program), you will be told to shift your tassel to the left of the mortarboard. It is appropriate to wear honor cords, the Chancellor’s Leadership Award, the Albertson Medallion and/or other approved honors designations. Bachelor degree candidates will earn honors cords that are draped over the shoulders with the tasseled ends to the front (earned according to grade point average).

Doctorate and Master’s Degree Candidates
Tassels are worn on the left side of the mortarboard at all times. Carry the hood over your right arm during the procession. Make sure the hood is unbuttoned. When your name is called, step to the stage. Your hood will be installed by a faculty member selected by your college.

Cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude are undergraduate honor designations. Doctor and master’s degree candidates do not graduate with honors regardless of their grade point average, and do not wear honor cords.

Study Abroad Sashes

Long-term programs
Students who successfully complete a semester-long study abroad program receive a commencement sash from the UW-Stevens Point Office of International Education. The sash identifies the country where the student studied, and is mailed to each student upon completion of the semester abroad. There is a fee for a replacement sash. Contact the Office of International Education with questions.

Short-term programs
Students who successfully complete a short-term study abroad program through UW-Stevens Point Office of International Education may purchase a sash which identifies the country where they studied. Contact the Office of International Education with questions.

Graduates must be in the Quandt Fieldhouse inside the Marshfield Clinic Health System Champions Hall for lineup and instructions one hour prior to their ceremony time.

There will be no rehearsal prior to the ceremony. Volunteers will be on site to provide further instructions the day of the ceremony.

From congratulatory videos to social media graphics, see below to view everything you need to celebrate our UW-Stevens Point graduates virtually!

Ask questions, get answers and find helpful information about commencement in our UW-Stevens Point Commencement Facebook group. Share your commencement photos using #UWSPgrad!

ZOOM Backgrounds 
Use these Zoom backgrounds during your final exam week or at your virtual graduation party with family and friends. Click on the image to download your special Zoom background today.

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Facebook Cover Photos

Your accomplishments are to be celebrated! Show your pride with a Facebook cover photo.

  • On desktop: Click and drag the cover photo to your desktop and upload it to Facebook.
  • On mobile: Click on the image and choose to “add to photos” or “download” depending on your phone. Upload to Facebook as normal.

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Wallpaper/Instagram Story 

It’s your very own mobile wallpaper to show off your success, graduate! Download an image below.

  • Wallpaper: Click on the image and choose to “add to photos” or “download” depending on your phone. In your “photos” application, find the wallpaper and select the share button. Choose the “use as wallpaper” option.
  • Instagram Story: Click on the image and choose to “add to photos” or “download” depending on your phone. Go to your Instagram story and select the wallpaper to upload and post! Be sure to tag @uwstevenspoint!

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A professional photographer from Empire Photography will take photos of each graduate at their ceremony. Proofs will be emailed to graduate’s UWSP email account within 48 hours after the ceremony with information on purchasing prints.

For questions, please contact Empire Photography at 608-257-2941 or customerservice@empirephotos.com.

Commencement Student Speaker Application

One student speaker will be selected to represent the class of 2024 at the Winter Commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 14.

Graduates from the Stevens Point, Wausau and Marshfield campuses are welcome to apply. Please review the guidelines and submission process below before you begin your speech.

Guidelines
  • The speech should be between 3 – 5 minutes.  This translates to approximately 400 – 650 words
  • Speeches must be submitted by one person (no groups will be considered)
  • Speech should include examples of your experience specific to UW-Stevens Point. Consider reflecting on your overall academic experience, co-curricular involvement, residential living or service opportunities as well as recognizable community locations, pastimes, events, etc.
  • Use your personal experiences to provide broader insights into life lessons that are valuable and relatable to your listeners, rather than making it solely about you/your experiences.
  • Consider your audience at the ceremony which will include graduates, faculty, staff, family and friends
  • Keep themes broad as fellow students will graduate from different programs and colleges. The address should reference experiences common to all UW-Stevens Point students.
  • The university reserves the right to revise the selected student speaker content
Submission Process

Students are required to submit the online application. In addition, students must email a typed-out copy of their speech to commencement@uwsp.edu to complete their application.  The deadline for submission is Sunday, Oct. 27. Applications are closed for December 2024 Commencement.

Selection Process

The student speaker committee will review applications and will select a speaker based on those materials.

The following items will be considered when making the selection of a student speaker

  • Speech should have a clear introduction and congratulatory conclusion
  • Clarity of ideas and development of a central theme
  • Theme is creative and keeps the audience attention
  • Quality of speech content
  • Length of presentation (appropriate word length)
  • Speaker’s delivery – well prepared, eye contact, engaging, vocal variety, animated delivery, stage presence, energy and enthusiasm

Once the student speaker has been selected, they will work with University Communications and Marketing staff who will provide guidance and coaching on preparing and delivering their speech.

The selected student speaker will be notified by Nov. 20.​ If you have any questions, please contact commencement@uwsp.edu

AFTER THE CEREMONY

At the commencement ceremony, each graduate will receive a diploma cover with a message from the UW-Stevens Point Alumni Association.

Diplomas will be mailed to graduate’s home address approximately 8 to 10 weeks after the end of the semester. The diploma is 8 inches by 10 inches, and includes their name, degree (not majors) and the date of graduation. If a graduate needs verification of their degree before that time, contact the Office of the Registrar at 715-346-4301.

This is a one-time fee that is assessed per degree level; associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate.  This $80 fee is assessed to all students during the term in which they are to complete the credit requirements for a degree and have applied for graduation.  This fee covers programming costs associated with commencement.

Please note that the degree completion fee has replaced the matriculation fee, effective with the Fall 2020 term.  If a student has already been assessed a matriculation fee, these fees will not apply.

If you have any questions regarding the assessment of this fee, please contact the Student Financial Services office at 715-346-2118 or Student.Financial.Services@uwsp.edu

Starting Dec. 1​, be sure to complete the Graduation Exit Survey which asks graduates to share their next steps after graduation. The survey link will be sent directly to your student email address in December. Your response will help us better meet the needs of current and future
UW-Stevens Point students.

Congratulations on two great accomplishments—graduating from UW-Stevens Point and becoming a Pointer alumnus! To celebrate, we’ve put together a quick primer on how to make the most of your newfound status as an alum.

Check out the Alumni Association website for event announcements, ways to volunteer and get involved, information and contacts for Association chapters, access to the latest alumni news in the Cupola Post and a page dedicated to resources and benefits. Think of this page as your one-stop alumni shop.

Stay connected for more information and resources:
Facebook: @UWSPAlumni
Instagram: uwsp_alumni
Twitter: UWSP_Alumni
LinkedIn Group: UW-Stevens Point Alumni

Your student e-mail account will remain active for one year. Sign up for your alumni email account now! Please note that your student email is not connected to your UWSP alumni email. Have a question not covered using these resources? Easy, just email us at alumni@uwsp.edu.