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Commencement

Participation in a commencement ceremony does not imply or infer
the awarding of a degree at the time of the commencement ceremony.

Commencement VS Graduation
What is the difference?

• Commencement – Walking across the stage. The ceremony is the recognition by the University community, family, and friends of the degree achievement. Actual degrees are not awarded at the commencement ceremony.

• Graduation – The process of being awarded a degree. To be awarded a degree, candidates are required to apply for graduation. A final degree audit must be completed before a degree is officially awarded. A degree audit will not be completed unless the candidate applies for graduation in the term in which they plan to graduate.

ATTENTION DOCTORAL STUDENTS
Doctoral students may participate in commencement ceremonies only after completing all requirements for graduation, including the successful defense of the dissertation and subsequent acknowledgement by the Graduate School of all required documentation. Summer Term graduates are welcome to participate in the December Commencement ceremony following their Summer Term graduation.

Quick Links:

• Dates & Times

• Grad Fest

• Tickets

• Regalia

• What to expect on Commencement Day

• Guest Information

• Additional Information

  • Ordering Announcements

  • Photographs

  • Televised Ceremonies

  • Class Ring

  • Spring & Fall Commencement Ceremony Eligibility

  • Additional Questions

Commencement Informational Power Point or PDF

Commencement Check-In

• There will be no rehearsal

• The Ceremony will last approximately 2 hours

• All guests must have tickets.

• Arrive one hour prior to the ceremony in the Ballroom Galleria (UC 1.100B) next to the Convocation Center and proceed to your check-in table. Each college will have tables subdivided alphabetically, according to last name.

• You will be given a name card with your name printed on it exactly as it will appear on your diploma

• The name card will be read as you cross the stage, KEEP YOUR CARD!

• Candidates that need to check in coats, purses, or electronic devices (Blackberries, Cell Phones, I Pods etc…) will be able to do so in the Bexar Room UC 1.102. The use of electronic devices may cause interference with the audio equipment and are therefore prohibited.

Information for disabled candidates:

• If you are a disabled degree candidate (student) and will need special assistance during the ceremony, contact Sally Crouser in the Special Events Center (210-458-6115).

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Commencement Dates & Times

• All commencement ceremonies will be held at the Convocation Center on the 1604 campus of The University of Texas at San Antonio

• A campus map is available at http://utsa.edu/maps/main-map.html

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Spring 2012 Commencement Ceremonies

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Grad Fest

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Tickets

• All guests over the age of two must have a ticket

• Ticket numbers do not reflect assigned seating

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Regalia

• All participants must wear academic regalia.

• Caps and gowns, tassels and other commencement items are ordered during Grad Fest. A representative from Herff Jones will be at Grad Fest with information regarding the ordering process. If you are unable to attend Grad Fest you can still purchase your regalia directly through the Herff Jones website at herffjones.com/college/utsa/.

• Pre-ordered regalia will be available for pick up TBA at the Campus Bookstore.

• Late orders for regalia will be available to purchase TBA at the Main Campus Bookstore.

• The tassel is worn on the right side of the cap for Undergraduates until the end of the commencement ceremony when graduates are instructed to shift the tassel to the left side. The tassel is worn on the left side for Master's and Doctoral.

• Wear dark shoes, since dark accessories have a more favorable appearance with the formal academic wear.

Commencement Honors

Students may receive Latin Honors recognition at Commencement if they have completed 45 semester credit hours at UTSA by the end of the prior term and meet the following qualifications:

• Undergraduate students who earn a 3.5 to 3.74 grade point average in all semester credit hours attempted at UTSA are eligible for graduation cum laude.

• Those who earn a 3.75 to 3.89 grade point average in all semester credit hours attempted at UTSA are eligible for graduation magna cum laude.

• Those who earn at least a 3.9 grade point average in all semester credit hours attempted at UTSA are eligible for graduation summa cum laude.

Students will receive honor cords to wear during the ceremony.

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What to expect on Commencement Day

The commencement ceremony is a wonderful celebration of your achievement for you, your family and friends. In order to have a ceremony that is an enjoyable event in a safe and secure atmosphere, please provide the following information to your guests.

• The Convocation Center doors open one hour in advance of the commencement ceremony. Each guest (over the age of two) must have a ticket to enter the Convocation Center.

• Baby strollers are not allowed in the bleacher area. There will be a location in the South Foyer where the strollers may be left, but at the owner's own risk.

• There will be a special seating area for disabled guests with a companion. There is no secure area for unoccupied wheelchairs, and we do not have wheelchairs available to loan guests.

• Balloons are not allowed in the Convocation Center.

• Air horns are not allowed in the Convocation Center.

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Guest Information

• Parking is available for guests through both the 1604 and the UTSA Boulevard entrances to the 1604 campus. A campus map is available at http://utsa.edu/maps/main-map.html.
  
  A map of the campus with commencement parking highlighted is available here.

• Doors to the Convocation Center will open one (1) hour prior to the beginning of each ceremony, please, no seat saving.

• There is reserved seating for disabled guests and one family member or friend.

• A list of some San Antonio area hotels near the UTSA campuses:
  http://utsa.edu/family/hotels.cfm

• Library Open House
  Graduates and their families are invited to stop by a campus landmark, the John Peace Library, to relax and enjoy light refreshments in the newly renovated JPL. Giveaways will be offered!

  Thursday, Dec. 15, 4:30 - 6 pm (College of Liberal and Fine Arts)
  Friday, Dec. 16, 4:30 - 6 pm (College of Education and Human Development)
  Saturday, Dec. 17, 10 am - 4:30 pm (Colleges of Business, Engineering, Sciences, Architecture, Public Policy)

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Additional information

Announcements:

• Announcements can be purchased at the campus bookstore or order directly through the Herff Jones web site at herffjones.com/college/utsa/.

Photographs:

• A professional photographer will take a photo of each individual receiving a diploma. Information concerning these photographs will be mailed and emailed to you within 10 days of the commencement ceremony. If you have any questions, please contact Flash Photography directly at http://www.FLASHphotography.com.

• The UTSA commencement ceremonies will be broadcast live on AT&T U-verse channel 99, Grande channel 21, and Time Warner channel 98. All five ceremonies will be telecast live on a big screen in the University Center Retama Auditorium, no ticket is required.

• UTSA will also have a live webcast of all commencement exercises. The webcast will be available by visiting this link

  The feed will be live on the hour - right before each ceremony.

• Copies of the ceremonies are available for free through Time Warner On Demand Channel 988 or ordered through our Distance Learning Office. Contact Robert Granado for more information at robert.granado@utsa.edu

• Official UTSA rings are on display in the Alumni Programs Office (UC 2.00.10) and at the UTSA Bookstore and may be ordered at either location

• You may also visit the UTSA Alumni Association website for more information

Spring & Fall Commencement Ceremony Eligibility

Apply by application for graduation deadline: http://utsa.edu/registrar/grad_info.cfm#deadline

Missed Deadline Procedures

http://utsa.edu/registrar/grad_info.cfm#missed

Diplomas

• Information about diplomas is located on the graduation page

• If you have questions or concerns regarding commencement please call the Special Events Center at (210) 458-6110

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— Last update: February 7, 2012 —