Commencement Information

~~~ Commencement Program 2025 ~~~

~~~ Seminary Commencement Program 2025 ~~~

Commencement is a time for the University of Dubuque family to come together to recognize and celebrate the academic accomplishments of our Spartans.

Remaining Spring 2025 Commencement Events

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2025

LIFE - Meridian Commencement
1:00 p.m. - Calvary Chapel Meridian, 3600 West Nelis Drive, Meridian, Idaho

 

Winter 2025 Commencement Events

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2025

Spartan Send-Off
10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Heritage Center

 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Commencement Ceremony
10:00 a.m. - John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center

 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2025

ROTC Commissioning Ceremony
2:00 p.m. - John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center

Teacher Education Pinning Ceremony
4:30 p.m. - Babka Theatre, Heritage Center

 

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025

University of Dubuque Winter Commencement
3:00 p.m. - John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center

 

Spring 2026 Commencement Events

TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026

Spartan Send-Off
10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Heritage Center

 

FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Pinning Ceremony
11:00 a.m. - John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center

University of Dubuque Theological Seminary Baccalaureate Service
1:30 p.m. - Blades Chapel, Blades Hall

ROTC Commissioning Ceremony
2:00 p.m. - John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center

Teacher Education Pinning Ceremony
4:30 p.m. - Babka Theatre, Heritage Center

 

SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2026

University of Dubuque Theological Seminary Commencement
9:30 a.m. - John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center

University of Dubuque Spring Commencement
1:00 p.m. - Chlapaty Recreation and Wellness Center

 

Additional Commencement Information

Diplomas
Graduates will receive a diploma cover from University of Dubuque President Travis L. Frampton, PhD, at commencement. Those who do not participate in commencement but would like a diploma cover should contact the Office of the Registrar at Registrar@dbq.edu after commencement.

Students who have not met their academic requirements for graduation will receive an email from the Office of the Registrar. Those with an outstanding college account balance will have their diploma held until their account is cleared by the Office of Student Accounts.

The University of Dubuque has partnered with Parchment to print diplomas (11 inches wide by 8.5 inches high) as well as offer graduates an official digital version of their diploma with Parchment's simple, easy-to-use web application. Parchment will contact graduates via email and/or text with further information.

Graduates who have met all degree requirements will receive their digital diplomas via their UD email address within four to six weeks after commencement. Paper diplomas will be mailed 10 to 15 days after the digital diplomas. Paper diplomas will be mailed to the address graduates provided on their graduation application.

How to Get Your Digital Diploma

Graduates, follow these simple steps to get your digital diploma:

  • Check your UD email and text messages for the award notification.
  • Follow the link to set up your Parchment digital credentials account.
  • Share your digital diploma on Facebook and LinkedIn or download as a secure .pdf version.

Your digital diploma will always be accessible through your Parchment account. You can login and download or share it again and again - at no cost to you.

Photographs
Empire Photography will photograph each graduate as they receive their diploma cover and after they walk across the stage on UD’s main campus during commencement. To view and purchase photos, visit https://empirephotos.com/.

An additional professional photographer will take photos before, during, and after commencement on campus. To view photos, visit https://udalumni.smugmug.com/.

Undergraduate and Graduate Student Commencement Apparel and Pick Up
Please check UD email for information on how to order and pick up commencement apparel.

Spartan Send-Off
More details will be available soon.

Parking
Parking is available on campus in the following locations and on adjacent streets:

  • Finley Lot at Finley and West streets
  • University Park Drive Lot at Bennett Street and University Park Drive
  • Pearl Street Lot adjacent to the corner of Pearl and McCormick streets
  • Parking Lot at the corner of McCormick Street and University Avenue

Graduates and guests are reminded not to park in roped off or posted No Parking Areas.

To view a campus map, please click here.

Accessibility Information
Graduates and guests requiring accommodations such as special seating or an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter should contact the Office of the Registrar at Registrar@dbq.edu. The deadline to request an ASL interpreter for winter commencement events is Thursday, November 13, 2025, and the deadline for spring commencement events is Friday, April 3, 2026.

Handicap parking is limited, so please plan accordingly. Parking spots cannot be reserved.

Dubuque Accommodations and Attractions
For those traveling to Dubuque and staying overnight, we recommend you make your reservations early. Please visit Travel Dubuque's website here to learn about local accommodations and attractions.

* Details subject to change

Questions

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing Pinning Ceremony: Jackie Meyer, PhD, RN, CNE, head of the Department of Nursing and professor of nursing, at JRMeyer@dbq.edu or 563.589.3403
  • Commencement Apparel: Jennifer Wickman, merchandise manager, at JWickman@dbq.edu or 563.589.3131
  • Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Commencement Ceremony: Kristie Arthofer, physician assistant program admission director and program coordinator, at KArthofer@dbq.edu or 563.589.3662
  • ROTC Commissioning Ceremony: Army ROTC - Eagle Company at UDROTC@dbq.edu or 563.589.3850
  • Spartan Send-Off: Katie Kraus, director for alumni engagement, at KKraus@dbq.edu or 563.589.3161
  • Teacher Education Pinning Ceremony: Jeffrey Haverland, EdD, assistant head of the Department of Teacher Education, assessment coordinator for teacher education, and professor of education, at JHaverland@dbq.edu or 563.589.3723
  • University of Dubuque Commencement: Office of the Registrar at Registrar@dbq.edu or 563.589.3748
  • University of Dubuque Theological Seminary Commencement/Baccalaureate: Jill Dodds, administrative assistant to the dean of the seminary, at JDodds@dbq.edu or 563.589.3122

PREVIOUS COMMENCEMENT PROGRAMS

~~~ 2024 Winter Commencement Program ~~~

~~~ PA Commencement Program 2024 ~~

~~~ 2024 Spring Commencement Program ~~~

~~~ 2024 Seminary Commencement Program ~~~

~~~ 2023 Winter Commencement Program ~~~