Sea of graduates
Commencement

MCW Spring Graduation 2024

Milwaukee Graduation 2020

MCW-Milwaukee Commencement Ceremony 2024

Date: Friday, May 17, 2024

Time: 1:30 p.m. CDT

Location: UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena | 400 W. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203

MCW-Milwaukee Commencement Frequently Asked Questions

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What time can guests arrive at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena?

Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. The guest entrance is at 400 W. Kilbourn Avenue.

Does the UW-Milwaukee 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 Ave) 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 PM, and seating areas will be first come, first serve.

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

View the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena accessibility page

What is the bag policy at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena?

Guests attending public ticketed events are permitted to bring a 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or smaller clear stadium bag, gallon-sized clear zip bag, a wristlet measuring 4″ x 6″ x 1″, or a diaper bag or medical bag, which will be searched.

View the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena 'Before You Go' page

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

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

How far is the UW-Milwaukee 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 UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena.

Directions from MCW campus to the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena

What is the parking like near the UW-Milwaukee 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. There is metered parking available nearby, but it is not guaranteed to be available.

Reserve parking on SpotHero

Who is the Commencement Keynote speaker for 2024?

We are thrilled to welcome Catherine Lucey, MD, MACP, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost at the University of California, San Francisco, as the 2024 MCW-Milwaukee keynote speaker. Renowned for her leadership, she helps to direct the undergraduate, graduate and continuing medical education programs at UCSF. Her national portfolio of work has included membership on the National Academy of Medicine, the Board of Directors of the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Will the Commencement Ceremony be live-streamed?

The entire MCW community is invited to lend its support to the 2024 graduating students by attending the Ceremony in person, or virtually via MCW’s YouTube channel.

Watch the event live on YouTube on May 17

What time should students arrive at the UW-Milwaukee 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 immediately.

How do I get a cap and gown for the ceremonies?

Student regalia should have been ordered through the Jostens Portal prior to April 11. If you have any questions or concerns about this, please reach out to mcwevents@mcw.edu.

How do I wear my regalia?

Please view the informative regalia video that was created to help show the proper way to wear regalia, and the process of Hooding.

View the Commencement Regalia Guide

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 UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena concession stands will be open selling non-alcoholic beverages 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.

How do I find out about local lodging and dining for my guests?
How do I obtain a letter of invitation so my family can get visas to visit the US for graduation?

Please visit the MCW Registrars webpage and contact acadreg@mcw.edu.

View the Registrar Office page for details

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.

There will be photos of the students crossing the stage and robing before the ceremony and group shots throughout the event. These photos will be available to purchase following the event from Empire Photography.

Visit the Empire Photography website for details

How long will the ceremony take?

The commencement ceremony will last approximately two (2) hours.

2024 Commencement Events & Information

Medical School

Medical School

MCW-Milwaukee School of Medicine Hooding & Awards Ceremony and Reception
Date: Thursday, May 16, 2024
Time: 3 p.m. CDT
Location: American Family Field (Invite only; RSVP required)

Watch the May 16 event on YouTube
Graduate School

Graduate School

MCW-Milwaukee School of Graduate Studies Hooding Ceremony & Reception
Date: Thursday, May 16, 2024
Time: 5 p.m. CDT
Location: Discovery World (Invite only; RSVP required)

Pharmacy School

Pharmacy School

MCW-Milwaukee School of Pharmacy Hooding & Awards Ceremony and Reception
Date: Thursday, May 16, 2024
Time: 3 p.m. CDT
Location: MCW-Milwaukee Campus; Alumni Center (Invite only; RSVP required)

Diversity Celebration

Diversity Celebration

MCW-Milwaukee Diversity Commencement Celebration
Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Time : 5:30 p.m. CDT
Location: MCW-Milwaukee Campus; Alumni Center (Invite only)

Contact Us

Please contact Special Events with questions related to the ceremony.

Special Events
mcwevents@mcw.edu