Sea of graduates
Commencement

MCW Spring Graduation 2023

MCW’s Spring Commencement Ceremony for the classes of 2023 will take place on Friday, May 19, 2023, a 1:30 p.m. at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena.

Milwaukee Graduation 2020

MCW is pleased to welcome Julie A. Freischlag, MD, FACS, FRCSEd(Hon), DFSVS, MAMSE, chief academic officer and executive vice president of Advocate Health, chief executive officer of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and executive vice president for health affairs of Wake Forest University, as this year’s MCW Commencement keynote speaker.

The entire MCW community is invited to lend its support to the 2023 graduating students by attending the Ceremony in person, or virtually via MCW’s YouTube channel.

Date: Friday, May 19, 2023
Time: 1:30 p.m. CDT
Location: UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena | 400 W. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203

All are invited to attend.

2023 MCW-Milwaukee Commencement Program Book (PDF)

MCW-Milwaukee Commencement Frequently Asked Questions

View the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena Maps (PDF)

all
What time can guests arrive at the Panther Arena?

Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. The guest entrance is at 400 W. Kilbourn Avenue. Please note that Kilbourn Avenue will be closed to car traffic due to construction, but the sidewalks will be accessible that lead to the entrance.

Does the Panther Arena accommodate ADA seating?

The UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena is fully handicap accessible, with an elevator in the guest entrance (at 400 W. Kilbourn Avenue) that can bring them up to the concourse to access the seating.

There is ADA accessible seating that will be available in sections 200, 205, 210, 222 and 226. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m., and seating will be first come, first serve.

There is plenty of accessible seating, and the Panther Arena staff would be happy to help locate that seating for your family members when they arrive.

Do I need tickets for my guests attending the Commencement Ceremonies?

No – the Commencement Ceremonies are a first-come, first-serve basis and no tickets are required. The Panther Arena can accommodate over 8,000 guests.

How far is the Panther Arena from the MCW main campus?

Depending on traffic, it is approximately a 12-minute drive to get from the main MCW campus to the Panther Arena.

What is the parking like near the Panther Arena?

Plan ahead and reserve parking downtown through SpotHero near the Commencement Venue (400 W. Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee, WI). This will guarantee you a nearby parking spot and will be less expensive than paying for parking on the day of the ceremony.

Please also note that Kilbourn Avenue will be closed for car traffic on May 19; however, the building entrances and sidewalks for foot traffic on Kilbourn Ave. will remain open.

Reserve parking with SpotHero

Who is the Commencement speaker for 2023?

MCW is pleased to welcome Julie A. Freischlag, MD, FACS, FRCSEd(Hon), DFSVS, MAMSE, chief academic officer and executive vice president of Advocate Health, chief executive officer of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and executive vice president for health affairs of Wake Forest University, as this year’s MCW Commencement keynote speaker.

Will the Commencement Ceremony be live-streamed?

The entire MCW community is invited to lend its support to the 2023 graduating students by attending the Ceremony in person, or virtually via MCW’s YouTube channel.

Watch the event live on YouTube on May 19

What time should students arrive at the Panther Arena?

Students should report to the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena no later than 12:30 p.m., and should check in with their school leads. Student entrances are located on the left or right side of the main guest entrance at 400 W. Kilbourn Avenue. These entrances will bring you to the lower concourse for robing, and arrows will be on the floor to guide you to the right location. Please reference the attached map for your correct entrance.

View the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena Maps (PDF)

How do I receive my Diploma after the ceremony?

Students should return to their robing room location to receive their official diploma following the ceremony, and prior to meeting up with family and friends.

Will concessions be available?

The Panther Arena concession stands will not be open during the MCW-Milwaukee Commencement Ceremony.

Are face masks required?

Face masks will not be required. Students and guests wishing to wear masks may do so at their discretion.

What is the process for photos and videos during the ceremony?

Professional photographers will be taking photos of each graduate at the ceremony. Guests should refrain from approaching the stage to take pictures or video during the ceremony. The ceremony can be viewed live or any time after.

Empire Photography will be there to take photos of the students crossing the stage, as well as robing before the ceremony and group shots throughout the event. These photos will be available to purchase. More information will be provided soon.

How long will the ceremony take?

The commencement ceremony will last approximately two hours.

Hooding Ceremony | Does my hooder need to wear academic regalia to the Hooding Ceremony?

Hooders are asked to wear professional business attire. Academic regalia is only worn by the graduating students being hooded.

Hooding Ceremony | What is the dress code for guests?

This is a formal event so professional dress or cocktail attire is recommended.

Commencement Events & Information

Medical School

Medical School

MCW-Milwaukee Medical School Hooding, Awards and Reception
Date: Thursday, May 18, 2023
Time: 3 p.m. CDT
Location: Miller High Life Theatre | 500 W. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203

Please contact MKE_SOMevents@mcw.edu with questions related to the Hooding Ceremony.

Watch the May 18 event on YouTube
Graduate School

Graduate School

MCW-Milwaukee Graduate School Dinner & Hooding Ceremony
Date: Thursday, May 18, 2023
Time: 5:30 p.m. CDT
Location: Renaissance Milwaukee West Hotel | 2300 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa, WI 53226

Registration is required

Pharmacy School

Pharmacy School

MCW-Milwaukee Pharmacy School Hooding Ceremony
Date: Thursday, May 18, 2023
Time: 4 p.m. CDT
Location: Marcus Performing Arts Center Vogel Hall | 929 N. Water St., Milwaukee, WI 53202

MCW-Milwaukee Pharmacy School Awards Dinner
Date: Thursday, May 18, 2023
Time: 6 p.m. CDT
Location: Discovery World Pilot House | 500 N. Harbor Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53202

Contact Us

Please contact Special Events with questions related to the ceremony.

Special Events
mcwevents@mcw.edu