New traditions, new website for Spring 2014 Commencement

With changes on the horizon for the upcoming commencement exercises this May, the University of Wisconsin–Madison has rolled out a revamped website to help graduates and guests navigate the celebration.

The site (commencement.wisc.edu) reflects the changes necessitated by the move to hold a single large ceremony for all bachelor’s and most master’s degree candidates in Camp Randall Stadium, instead of the four Kohl Center ceremonies of previous years. (The Friday night ceremony for doctoral and professional students will not change significantly.) The website is also a clearinghouse for general information about commencement, including past ceremonies.

This year, management of commencement activities has shifted from the Office of the Secretary of the Faculty to the Office of the Chancellor.

“We are excited to offer this bright, dynamic site to our graduates, their families and friends,” says Allison Golden, assistant chief of staff to Chancellor Rebecca Blank. “We hope that all visitors will find it both easy to follow and a pleasure to use.”

The site will be updated throughout the spring semester. Currently, it includes basic information, including links to the weather policy — a necessity when holding outdoor events during a Wisconsin spring — and a list of frequently asked questions for the Saturday ceremony.

The next round of updates will occur in late February. Additions expected at that time include a set of FAQs for the Friday ceremony, additional shuttle and parking information, details on accommodations for graduates and guests with disabilities, and more.

A speaker will be announced later in the spring semester, as in previous years.

For questions about the site, its content or anything else related to the commencement ceremony, contact the university at 608-263-2400 or email commence@uc.wisc.edu.

For questions related to degree requirements or other academic matters related to graduation, contact the Office of the Registrar at 608-262-3811 or email reginfo@em.wisc.edu.