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 checklist

Prospective Graduate & Undergraduate graduates, whether you plan to attend the ceremony or not, please review the steps below to properly prepare for graduation.

Step 1: Review your graduation status and complete the Graduation Application

This is an essential step to acquiring your diploma. All prospective graduates who plan to graduate must complete the Graduation Application, regardless of their plans to participate in a commencement ceremony. Please note, the last day to complete the Graduation Application to participate in the December Commencement Ceremony is Sunday, October 15, 2023. Applications completed after the deadline will result in the graduate's name NOT appearing in the graduation 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.

Graduation Application

Step 2: 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.

Update Us!

Step 3: Order your cap and gown

Graduates eligible for commencement should purchase a cap and gown to participate in the ceremony!  Additional details to come!

Step 4: 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.

Step 5: Review commencement ceremony information

Professional photography

Students will be photographed by Empire Photography throughout the ceremony, including their walk across stage. In addition to candid photos taken during the ceremony.

Commencement ceremony check-in

Students are expected to check-in at the Todd Wehr Auditorium one hour prior to commencement. Ceremony instructions will be shared multiple times throughout the staging time. Please listen to these instructions carefully. There is no graduation rehearsal.

Learn more about the graduation ceremony here.

Step 6: Secure commencement tickets

Tickets are required for guests of graduates.

  • Graduates will be provided tickets for their guests.  Graduates participating in commencement will receive an email specifying the specific number of tickets available to each graduate at the end of October 2023.   
  • Commencement tickets are free.
  • Children who occupy a seat will need a ticket.
  • Individuals without tickets will not be admitted to commencement.
  • PASSCODE: To get tickets for commencement, please use your student ID (F00 number) to unlock your tickets.

Students must register for tickets for their guests. Guests may not register for tickets for themselves. After registering for the event, please share the tickets with your guests. They will be required to show their ticket to enter the Field House on the day of your commencement ceremony.

Please note that tickets are not transferable and cannot be shared with other students. Request only tickets you will use for you and your guests.

For guests unable to attend, a livestream will be available on the CUW website on the day of commencement.

Student speaker application

Consider applying to be the student speaker at your commencement ceremony.