Commencement FAQ

Yes, you must register to participate in the May, 2026 ceremony.

• All eligible seniors received an email with a registration link on Friday, January 30, 2026.
• Graduates must register and request tickets by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Yes, all guests must have a ticket to attend the ceremony in the Field House. (Exception: Any child under two years of age, not occupying a seat, may attend without a ticket and therefore not count towards a graduate’s guest ticket limit.)

The email eligible seniors received on Friday, January 30th has a link to register and claim tickets.

Using this form, graduates may:

• Claim up to five Field House tickets for guests.
• Request up to six additional Field House tickets. Any tickets that are not claimed by March 2 will be distributed by lottery and students will be notified of their lottery status on March 3, 2026.
  • Although the Field House has a capacity limit, we welcome additional guests who do not have Field House tickets to campus to participate in the celebratory events before and after the graduation ceremony. Guests without Field House tickets can view a livestream of the ceremony in the JBD Lecture Hall, Campus Center Lower Level.

Graduates must register and request tickets by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Please note that all ticket requests are handled directly with graduates. Family and friends may not request tickets independently.

Rent your gown from Herff Jones 

• The $61.94 rental fee includes a black gown, black cap, and blue & orange tassel. The robe must be returned, but the cap and tassel are yours to keep.
• Pay by credit card or PayPal when you place your order.
• Your regalia will be delivered to the Highlander. Pick up dates and times will be announced closer to the event date.

If the cost of renting a cap and gown is a prohibitive factor for you, email [email protected] and the Dean of Students staff will work with you.

Caps and gowns are not required to participate in the commencement ceremony.

All December and January graduates, May candidates, and other candidates who are within eight credits of completing requirements may participate in the commencement ceremony.

Questions about credits and eligibility should be directed to the Registrar’s office at [email protected].

• Seniors will receive periodic emails regarding Commencement and other year-end activities. Please read all emails carefully to make sure you are aware of events, due dates and registration deadlines.
• Seniors should log into their Graduate Hub to keep track of Commencement and Senior Week events, registrations and tasks.

Students will receive information from the Student Accounts Office throughout the spring semester reminding them to clear any balance due on their account that could prevent them from receiving their diploma. Graduates who have a balance due may participate in commencement but might not receive their diploma or transcripts until the financial obligation to the college has been met.

Email [email protected] with questions.

Yes, we will live stream the May Commencement ceremony. The link for the live stream will be posted on our main Commencement webpage prior to the event. We will also post a link to the recording shortly after the ceremony.

Yes, a professional photo will be taken of each graduate, and students can typically expect proofs via email (to your Macalester email address) within two weeks of commencement.

If you don’t receive an email, please use the search function at gradimages.com to find your proofs.

No, at Macalester, we allow graduates to select their own seats for the commencement ceremony. This seat selection happens at the commencement rehearsal. 

No, with the exception of reserved seats for those who have requested accessible seating in advance.

Macalester College strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully.

We will provide accessible seating for access for individuals with disabilities with specific accommodation needs. To prioritize this seating, there is a limit of two (2) tickets for this area: one for the individual requesting seating and one for a companion to accompany that individual. These two (2) tickets/seats do count toward the graduating senior’s ticket limit.

Captioning will be provided during the Commencement Ceremony.

To request a disability related accommodation or inquire about accessibility please complete this form by April 24, 2026. Once we receive your completed form, you will receive additional information about parking, your assigned seating area and other event information.

Questions? Email [email protected].

All campus parking lots will be open to guests, and designated ADA accessible parking spots will be available.

Use 130 Macalester Street, St. Paul, Minnesota for GPS directions to available parking.

See our Interactive Campus Map for details.

At the beginning of spring term, all seniors, as well as faculty and staff, are invited to nominate a senior to give the student address. The selection committee consists of one faculty member, three students and two staff.

The commencement speaker selection rests with the college president. Generally, speakers are selected because their work or activities embody Macalester’s core values; they have a record of outstanding achievement; and/or they have a special connection to Macalester.

The length of our commencement ceremony varies from year to year depending on the number of graduates, the length of speeches, and other factors. Please allow at least 2.5 to 3 hours for the ceremony.

Graduates who have rented robes will be required to return them before they leave campus, so please consider that when making travel plans or restaurant reservations.

Students who believe they qualify for an honor cord or stole should reach out to that academic department or student organization with questions.

Summa cum laude cords will be distributed by Academic Programs and Advising after final grades are calculated. We do not distribute cords for magna cum laude or cum laude honors.

• The designation of summa cum laude is based on achieving a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.90
• The designation magna cum laude is based on achieving a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.80
• The designation cum laude is based on achieving a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.65