Commencement
Doane Commencement
Doane University’s commitment to academic excellence shines through on this special day. Congratulations to the leaders who will continue to make a difference in the world.
Go Tigers!
May Ceremony
Ceremony Information
- Saturday, May 16, 2026
- Morning ceremony begins at 10 a.m. CST for Lincoln and Online (Non-Residential) undergraduate and graduate programs
- Afternoon ceremony begins at 2 p.m. CST for Crete (Residential) undergraduate programs
- Due to limited accessibility for guests due to construction in Cassel Theatre, the 2026 Commencement Ceremonies have been moved to Memorial Stadium's Al Papik Field. (In case of rain or severe weather, the ceremonies will be moved to the Fuhrer Fieldhouse Arena.)
- Parking has been updated to reflect this new ceremony location. Please refer to the Directions and Parking section below for details.
Students who have completed graduation requirements for the current year in one of the following months are welcome to walk: March, May.
Morning Ceremony
- Lincoln and Online (Non-Residential) undergraduate and graduate programs
- College of Arts & Sciences: Lincoln and online undergraduates
- College of Business: Lincoln and online undergraduates and graduate students from the Master of Arts in Leadership, Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Instructional Design & Technology
- College of Education: graduate students from Master of Arts in Counseling, Masters of Education and Doctorate of Education
- Graduates line up for the ceremony at 9:15 a.m. in the Fuhrer Fieldhouse Arena
- Graduates should leave personal items with family members in attendance, as there isn't secure storage available.
Afternoon Ceremony
- For our Crete (Residential) undergraduate programs.
- Graduates line up for the ceremony at 1:15 p.m. in the Fuhrer Fieldhouse Arena
- Graduates should leave personal items with family members in attendance, as there isn't secure storage available.
Rehearsal
On Thursday, Crete residential students participating in commencement are highly encouraged to attend rehearsal from 4:00 - 4:25 in Heckman Auditorium. This rehearsal is very important and required for Crete Graduates. After rehearsal, students are invited to a reception and Senior Toast at the President's Residence/Outdoor Patio, hosted by the Doane Alumni Office.
Inclement Weather
In case of rain or severe weather, both ceremonies will be moved to the Fuhrer Fieldhouse Arena. The rain call decision will be made on Thursday, May 14, at noon. If we move indoors, the parking plan above still stands — Lots G and H sit right next to the Fieldhouse, so handicap and limited-mobility access doesn't change. It will be announced on Doane's website and social media platforms – follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
Commencement Ceremony Livestream/Video
The ceremony will be streamed on Doane University’s YouTube for guests unable to attend the ceremony in person.
*Previous ceremony videos and guest speaker addresses are available on the Doane University YouTube page.
Commencement Program
Guests
Undergraduate and graduate students may bring as many guests to the ceremony as they wish. Please advise guests to arrive early to the ceremony. Early arrival assures a better chance for closer parking and seating.
Directions and Parking
A Crete campus map is available to view, print or download. There is currently construction on the Crete campus limiting access for visitors. Please use the campus map to view handicap, limited mobility, public parking, and walkways.
Handicap Accommodations
Memorial Stadium's Al Papik Field is handicap accessible. Special seating will be offered for those in wheelchairs.
Graduation Announcements
Announcements may be purchased at www.cbgrad.com.
Doane Bookstore
You can purchase Doane memorabilia at the Doane Bookstore, located in the lower level of Perry Memorial Campus Center. You can also order online.
For Doane Graduates
Please take the time to explore the following information on caps, gowns, hoods, fees and more. It will prepare you for a successful experience as you cross the stage and receive your diploma.
Caps and Gowns
Lincoln and Online (Non-Residential) graduate and undergraduate degree students may order cap, gown and hood online from jostens.com. Please note, the website is only available during specific times prior to graduation. Information on how to navigate the site will be provided closer to graduation. Jostens ships items directly to your home address.
Crete (Residential) undergraduate degree students may purchase a gown from the Doane Bookstore 2-3 weeks prior to the ceremony.
Graduation Fee
There is a $45 graduation fee. This fee is charged to cover the cost of graduation activities. The fee is levied prior to graduation regardless of you attending the ceremony or not. This fee is waived upon completion of the online graduation/assessment survey. An email invitation asking you to complete the survey will be sent to you approximately a month prior to your completion date.
Diploma and Student Accounts
Account balances must be paid-in-full the Thursday prior to graduation for graduates to receive their diploma at the ceremony. Accounts that are not paid in full will receive an empty portfolio during the ceremony. Diplomas are sent when accounts are paid, and requirements are completed. Contact the business office in Crete at 800.333.6263 for more details.
Past Commencement Programs
