Invite your family and other guests to attend SPH Commencement. No tickets are required for the celebration and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. All guests not attending in person will be able to watch commencement via livestream or view the event recording (the link will be available on the day of the celebration).

International students can reference Visitor Visa information to write their own letter in order to receive a temporary visa for families to attend commencement.

Arrival Information

• Doors open for commencement at 4:30 p.m.
• Doors on the main level will close at 4:50 p.m. to accommodate the procession. 
• There is additional seating in balconies on the second, third and fourth floor of Northrop.
• We understand and share your excitement, and we encourage you to celebrate your graduate in a way that respects everyone’s opportunity to enjoy the ceremony without disruption. No balloons, air horns, banners, or items that can cause obstructed views are allowed inside Northrop Auditorium.
• If you are unable to attend in person, you can watch the livestream.

Guests Needing Special Accommodations

Northrop invites, welcomes, and honors people of all abilities to engage with and enjoy our programs and spaces in an inclusive, accessible environment. Please visit Northrop’s Accessibility website for more information.

Students can indicate special accommodations for their guests when they register for Commencement. Please be in contact with your student in order to make special accommodations.

Lactation Space

A private, first come first serve space for people to nurse or use a breast pump located on the fourth floor of Northrop in Room 424.

Hotels

There are many hotels located on and near the East Bank campus. Here are a few that are conveniently located near Northrop Auditorium:

• Graduate Minneapolis
  615 Washington Ave. S.E.
• Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown
  1500 Washington Ave S.
• Days Hotel by Wyndham University Ave SE
  2407 University Ave. S.E.
• The Depot
  225 South 3rd Ave.
• Delta Hotels Minneapolis Northeast
  1330 Industrial Boulevard

*Check with hotels for possible special U of M rates.

Getting to Northrop Auditorium

Northrop Auditorium is located on the East Bank campus and is easily accessed by driving and parking, taking the bus or riding the light rail. Regardless of your mode of transportation, we advise you to arrive early to ensure on-time arrival for the ceremony. Please refer to the Northrop Parking website for additional information.

University Avenue and I-94 near the Twin Cities campus will be undergoing extensive construction throughout Spring–Summer 2025. Be sure to check ahead for travel impacts and detours. View ongoing projects near campus.