Commencement Ceremony

Fall Ceremony is December 14, 2018

  • 10:00 am - Colleges of Business, Education, and Science & Engineering
  • 2:00 pm - Colleges of Liberal Arts, and Nursing & Health Sciences

Winona State University's commencement ceremony will take place in the McCown Gymnasium - Memorial Hall.

  • McCown Gymnasium is located on Main Street adjacent to 9th Street.
  • The commencement ceremony is approximately an hour and a half.
  • Friends and family of those participating in commencement should arrive early as seating is limited.
  • Students are expected to arrive and check in 30 minutes prior to the ceremony.
  • Doors open one hour prior to each ceremony. All WSU parking lots are free of charge on commencement day.

Commencement Rehearsal - December 13, 2018

Students should check in at the tables outside of Memorial Hall. In case of inclement weather, the check in will be held outside of the Harriet Johnson Auditorium in Somsen Hall.
  • Times for the ceremonies are still being determined.

To respect the dignity of the ceremony and allow all guests to see their degree candidates recognized, guests are not allowed on the gym floor and are requested to remain seated. Lifetouch will photograph each candidate during the ceremony. Degree candidates will receive a proof via their WSU email account with information regarding the options to purchase portraits. Questions regarding photographs should be directed to Lifetouch at 507.412.4330.

Lifetouch information flyer (PDF)

Winona State University awards university honor cords to graduates who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. Learn more about all of the honor cords worn by WSU graduates.

In addition to the live stream, the commencement ceremony will be broadcasted by HBC in Winona on channel 25 and by Charter in Rochester on channel 20.

The ceremony will be re-telecast at later dates. The dates and times will be posted on the WSU webpage.

Spring 2018

Spring 2018 Commencement will be May 4, 2018.

We would like to recognize and acknowledge that Winona State University is situated on the ancestral lands of the Dakota people. We acknowledge and honor the Dakota Nations and the sacred land of all indigenous peoples.