Traditionally held on Sunday, UVM’s main commencement will take place this year on a Saturday—kicking off a weekend of UVM graduation celebrations in Burlington and Essex Junction with over 20,000 family members and friends expected to cheer on graduates. 

Ben Ogden, a 2022 UVM engineering grad who won two 2026 Winter Olympic medals in cross-country skiing, will deliver special remarks at commencement, and UVM President Dr. Marlene Tromp will preside over commencement for the first time since assuming the university’s leadership last summer.

"Commencement is one of the most remarkable days of the year—a culmination of so much work on the parts of our students, faculty, and staff, and I am thrilled to celebrate with our degree recipients, their families and friends,” said President Tromp. “It is the launch of a new era of impact for our graduates, and we look forward to seeing all the ways that they will go out into the world and boldly make their mark.”

Commencement will occur on the historic University Green, rain or shine. The academic procession opens the event, featuring St. Andrew’s Pipe Band of Vermont, followed by University Marshal Abigail McGowan, UVM Board of Trustees Chair Cynthia Barnhart, University and student leaders, the University Brass Band and Choir, UVM Police Services’ Honor Guard, and more. The event will culminate with graduates moving the tassels on their caps from right to left as degrees are formally conferred.

Following commencement, individual UVM colleges and schools will hold ceremonies on campus and at the Champlain Valley Expo Center. In total, 13 ceremonies will occur, making it UVM’s largest annual event, powered by over 300 dedicated UVM staff. All ceremonies will be livestreamed, including commencement. 

All week, UVM is featuring stories about this year’s outstanding graduating class on the Commencement website and social media with the hashtag #UVMgrad. In total, 3,703 undergraduate, graduate, and medical students from 45 U.S. states and 36 countries will qualify for degrees, including approximately 2,956 bachelors, 476 masters, 159 doctoral, and 112 medical degree recipients. Roughly 851 graduates are Vermonters.

Princeton Review has again ranked UVM as the #1 “School for Making an Impact” this year. For every Vermonter who graduates, two out-of-state graduates choose to stay and make their impact in Vermont. Roughly 5,500 Catamounts have joined the state’s workforce in the last five years, illustrating UVM’s role as the largest talent magnet in the state. The skills and experience of UVM graduates are critical to our state’s workforce and overall economic vitality.

Street Closings: 

• University Place will be closed from Colchester Ave. to Main Street beginning Thursday, May 14 at 7 a.m. through Sunday, May 17 at 7 p.m. 
• South Prospect Street will be closed from College Street to the University Health Center entrance beginning Thursday, May 14 at 7 p.m. through Saturday, May 16 at 7 p.m. 
• Additionally, on Saturday, May 16: 
  • South Prospect Street will be closed from Colchester Avenue to Main Street from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • College Street will be closed from South Prospect Street to South Williams Street from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
  • The northernmost west bound lane on Main Street from University Heights Road to South Prospect Street will be closed from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Severe Weather:

University Commencement will be held rain or shine. If severe weather is expected Saturday, an updated commencement plan will be posted on UVM’s Commencement website.