Commencement Weekend 2027: Date depends on NBA playoff schedule; events will take place beginning Friday, May 14 

Congratulations to our students who will graduate in May 2027! 91ºÚÁÏÍø looks forward to honoring your many accomplishments.  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

91ºÚÁÏÍø 146th undergraduate and graduate Commencement ceremonies will be held either Saturday, May 15, 2027, or Sunday, May 16, 2027, at Fiserv Forum, located at 1111 Vel R. Phillips Ave., Milwaukee. As has been the case in recent years, the exact date is not yet known because it is dependent upon a potential NBA playoffs schedule. So that families can plan, the university is sharing anticipated schedules for Commencement Weekend below. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

The university will share the Commencement date – either May 15 or 16, 2027 – as soon as possible based on the Milwaukee Bucks’ potential playoff schedule. It is possible the exact date may not be known until early May 2027. 

Due to venue capacity limits and the orientation of the stage within the venue, guest tickets will be required for the undergraduate Commencement ceremony. Each graduating student will receive up to five guest tickets; graduating students themselves do not need a ticket to attend. Further information regarding the RSVP and ticketing processes will be shared in 91ºÚÁÏÍø Today and via email in the coming months. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

No tickets are required for the Graduate School, Graduate School of Management, and Professional Health Sciences Commencement Ceremony. 

The School of Dentistry, and some College of Health Sciences’ professional programs will hold separate ceremonies and will not be part of the Fiserv Forum festivities; details will be announced later. There are no other college-specific ceremonies.  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Importantly, the Commencement ceremony RSVP process is entirely separate from the application for graduation process, which is handled by the Registrar Office. The application for graduation opened Monday, Oct. 5. Graduating students, please ensure to include your parents/guardian email addresses on your application for graduation to ensure they receive all pertinent information regarding Commencement details. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

91ºÚÁÏÍø invites families of graduating students to celebrate Commencement Weekend in Milwaukee. Events will begin the evening of Friday, May 14, and continue throughout the weekend, including the reception celebrating the class of 2027 and the Baccalaureate Mass. Below are the anticipated schedules for each date scenario: 

IF COMMENCEMENT IS ON SATURDAY, MAY 15 

Evening of Friday, May 14 

5 to 6:30 p.m. — Reception Celebrating the Class of 2027  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Saturday, May 15 

9 a.m.  — Baccalaureate Mass at the Al McGuire Center   &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

1 p.m. — Undergraduate Commencement ceremony at Fiserv Forum  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

5 p.m. — Graduate Commencement ceremony at Fiserv Forum  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

IF COMMENCEMENT IS ON SUNDAY, MAY 16 

Evening of Friday, May 14 

5 to 6:30 p.m. — Reception Celebrating the Class of 2027   &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Saturday, May 15 

4 p.m. — Baccalaureate Mass at the Al McGuire Center   &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Sunday, May 16 

11 a.m. — Undergraduate Commencement ceremony at Fiserv Forum  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

3 p.m. — Graduate Commencement ceremony at Fiserv Forum 

The university understands that uncertainty with timing may create scheduling challenges for some families. Fiserv Forum is the best venue in Milwaukee for an event of this size with all the pomp and circumstance our graduates deserve.  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

More information is available on the Commencement website. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Travel

Graduating student and their families are asked to consider travel accommodations as soon as possible. Please watch your email, 91ºÚÁÏÍø Today and the Commencement website for updates on the Fiserv Forum ceremonies as Commencement approaches.

Volunteering

Faculty and staff interested in volunteering for Commencement should contact University Special Events.