All commencement ceremonies are held in the Kohl Center located at 601 W. Dayton Street. The ceremonies are open to the public, and no tickets are required for admission. Each ceremony will last approximately one and one-half hours. Candidates are asked to be in their seats at least 20 minutes before the scheduled starting time.

SCHEDULES
Spring Commencement (May 16, 17 and 18, 2008)
Winter Commencement (December 21, 2008)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CANDIDATES
who intend to participate in spring commencement
who intend to participate in winter commencement

ATTIRE
Ordering your commencement attire

SEATING
Tickets are not required for students or guests, and there is no limit to the number of guests who may attend. Designated seating for the elderly and for persons with disabilities is available in the Kohl Center. Accessible seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis; due to limited space, we request that only one nondisabled person sit with each person with a disability in the seating area designated for these guests.

PARKING
Due to a severe shortage of parking close to the Kohl Center, we encourage participants and guests to look for parking in lots 7, 13, 16, 17, 20, 29, 36, 41, 44, 45, 46, 51, 54, 56, 83 and 92 although most university parking lots will be available for participant and guest parking. A map of available nearby parking lots will be included with caps and gowns when they are picked up at the University Book Store. A bus shuttle will be available to transport participants and guests between Union South and the Kohl Center.

PARTICIPANTS/GUESTS WITH DISABILITIES
Please contact the McBurney Disability Resource Center if you or your guests have accessibility needs and would like to request accommodation for the commencement ceremonies. Captioning will be provided at all ceremonies. Other accommodations including sign language interpreting, accessible parking, etc., may be provided upon request. Such requests must be made no later than Friday, May 9 so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Accessible parking is limited, and permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that disabled plates and cards are NOT valid in lots reserved for Special Events Parking. Parking permits must be picked up by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 15 at the McBurney Center, 1305 Linden Drive. If you have questions, contact the McBurney Center at , (608) 263-2741 for voice or (608) 263-6393 for TTY.

PHOTOGRAPHS
Professional photographers will take individual photographs of graduates as they receive their diploma folders and as they leave the platform. Instructions for receiving complimentary photographic proofs will be available on each degree candidate's chair.

PROHIBITED ITEMS
For the safety and security of all Kohl Center guests, certain items are prohibited, including but not limited to: coolers, cans, bottles, thermoses, backpacks, large bags, luggage, strollers, food or beverage items, banners, flags, signs, noise-makers, laser pointers, weapons, balloons, etc. Alcoholic beverages are also prohibited. Cameras and video recording devices are allowed in the facility during commencement ceremonies. All items brought into the Kohl Center are subject to search. Storage facilities are not available for checking prohibited items.

COUNTDOWN TO COMMENCEMENT
In preparation for commencement, the Wisconsin Alumni Association sponsors Countdown to Commencement. For 2008 Spring Commencement, this event will be held April 8 at the Memorial Union and April 9 at Union South, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. both days. At Countdown, students can order commencement attire, graduation announcements, yearbooks, class rings, have a graduation photo taken, and more. Attendance is encouraged but is not mandatory.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Contact your dean's office to inquire whether other commencement-related activities are being planned for your specific school or college.

QUESTIONS
If you have any further questions regarding the commencement ceremonies, call the Office of the Secretary of the Faculty at (608) 262-3956 or e-mail us.

FUTURE COMMENCEMENT DATES
(specific times have yet to be announced)

Spring 2009: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 15, 16 and 17, 2009
Winter 2009: Sunday, December 20, 2009