Frequently Asked Questions about Graduation

FAQ

GRADUATION FAQ’S

  • UWM Panther Shop 
  • When is graduation?
    • Sunday, May 19, 2024
    • Black Ceremony: 9:00 a.m. Check in/seating: 7:30 a.m.
    • Gold Ceremony: 2:00 p.m. Check in/seating: 12:30 p.m.
    • ceremony is approximately 2 1/2 hours long)
    • For further details on Spring Commencement, please visit: https://uwm.edu/secu/com_cer/spring/
  • Is the tassel included in the package?
    • Yes!
  • Can we purchase items separately (cap, tassel, gown, master hood stole, etc.)?
    • Yes! You can purchase these items separately. Call or visit us at the UWM Panther Shop for pricing details at 414-229-5574.
    • Please note tassels are sold individually instore only
  • All PhD online regalia orders are RENTALS (however there is an option to purchase hoods)
    • Custom PHD attire purchases can be made by contacting the Panther Shop.
    • All Rental purchases including the option to rent with a hood purchase is available online through the ordering site.
    • If you would like to purchase all pieces please contact the Panther Shop
  • When/where will the commencement honors ceremony be held?
    • If you are eligible, you will receive an email with details. For further information, please visit https://uwm.edu/secu/com_cer/other/#commencement-honors
    • Each College and School will be doing their own ceremony or distribution of the gold cords/certificates
    • There is a separate achievement for students graduating with a diploma granted by the UWM’s Honor’s College. For details on the Honor’s College program, please follow the link: https://uwm.edu/honors/admission/
    • Gold cords will be handed out at commencement if not picked up from your school/college. Following Commencement, cords are given back to the Secretary of the University.
    • If the cords are not picked up at either of these events, the cords will be mailed out to the recipient from the Secretary of the University’s office to the address on your Paws account.
  • Can someone else order i.e. pay for a cap & gown for me?
    • Yes
    • No state purchasing cards are accepted at the panther shop Travel/personal cards only
  • Can someone else pickup for me?
    • Yes! He or she will need to have the order confirmation of the person there picking up for and or a screenshot of it.
  • Can we exchange or refund graduation items?
    • Yes, as long as the customer has his/her receipt & is within the 30 day return time frame.
    • No returns after commencement has taken place.
  • Can Associates, Bachelors and Masters Rent there cap and gown
    • No PhD Candidates are the only individuals that have the option to rent
  • Where do we return Doctoral rental cap & gowns?
    • Regalia ordered online must be sent back to Herff Jones; a pre-paid return label is included in all packages. must be returned by 05/26/24 to Herff Jones Cap & Gown Division 1000 N. Market St. Champaign IL, 61820
    • Orders that were purchased and or picked up at the Panther shop must be returned by 05/26/24 to 2200 E. Kenwood BLVD. Milwaukee WI 53211 (return by mail 5/20-26/24 or walk in 5/20-24/24). There will be a table setup outside the store for PhD rental returns. No packages are accepted after 05/26/2024, you are responsible for your own return at this time. Use any carrier of your choosing.
  • Can we keep the cap & gown after the ceremony?
    • Rentals for all PhD students and faculty must be returned.
    • Bachelor’s, Master’s & Associates students keep their cap & gown.
  • Are there tickets for the ceremony?
  • You must apply for graduation on your paws account to qualify for tickets deadline 04/02/2024.
  • Please visit the link for ticket deadlines https://uwm.edu/secu/com_cer/spring/
  • Can I buy other Merchandise at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena?
    • Yes! The UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena Team store will be open 30 minutes before and after the graduation ceremony. Stop by to purchase UWM Alumni merchandise and diploma frames!
  • Cap & Gown Donations?
    • Caps & Gowns can be donated/dropped off at
    • Vogel Hall at 3253 N Downer Ave, the Center for Student Experience and Talent. There is a circle drive for easy drop-off.
    • UWM Student Union 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd, the Panther Shop. Stop by the register for assistance.