The Office of the Provost is convening discussions with shared governance bodies and representative groups on campus regarding the possibility of adjusting undergraduate and Graduate School Commencement timing, beginning in 2024, to celebrate Commencement the weekend immediately following exams. If the decision is made to adjust Commencement timing, there would be no changes to traditional Commencement Weekend events, which include the Jesuit Reception, Baccalaureate Mass, and undergraduate and Graduate School Commencement ceremonies.
Shifting the undergraduate and Graduate School Commencement date in this way would bring Marquette into alignment with other local universities and many schools within the Jesuit network that do not have a week between the end of finals and Commencement.
“With the recent change to mail paper diplomas to students following Commencement rather than distributing diplomas at the Commencement ceremony, there is no longer a reason to delay Commencement by a week,” said Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Kimo Ah Yun. “Shifting Commencement to occur immediately after exams would allow graduating students the ability to start their post-graduation plans faster, whether that’s beginning full-time employment, volunteer service or other post-degree plans.”
Marquette University Student Government plans and funds any farewell events for the undergraduate graduating class.
The following representative groups and shared governance bodies have already been or will be consulted to secure feedback on this potential change: associate deans, Division of Student Affairs, Graduate Student Organization, Marquette University Student Government, Office of the Registrar, University Academic Senate, University Board of Undergraduate Studies and University Board of Graduate Studies. Any decision will not necessarily affect graduate professional programs.
Given the number of groups that are weighing in and the importance of University Academic Senate review prior to any potential changes to undergraduate and Graduate School Commencement timing, any official decision and announcement would not happen until early 2023 to take effect in spring 2024. Any potential changes would not affect Commencement 2023 planned activities. Commencement Weekend 2023 is scheduled for Saturday, May 20.
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