Commencement FAQ
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General
1. What is the difference between commencement and graduation?
Commencement ceremonies are the services held at the end of each Fall and Spring semester. These are ceremonies in which the achievement of the degree is recognized and celebrated by the University community and the students’ friends and family.
Graduation is the process of being awarded a degree. All students wishing to graduate must apply for graduation by the application deadline. Applying for graduation is a University Degree Requirement that must be met by each student wishing to graduate. If you do not apply for graduation, you have not met all your degree requirements. Learn more about Graduation and Graduation Application Deadlines on the Registrar website.
3. Are there fees involved with commencement?
4. Do I need tickets for my guests and family to attend commencement?
5. Can I participate in commencement if I have not completed all my requirements?
Only students who have applied for graduation are allowed to participate in commencement ceremonies.
Spring candidates participate in May; Fall candidates participate in December. Summer Bachelor's and Master's candidates have the option to participate in either May or December ceremonies but must meet application deadlines in order to participate. See application deadlines.
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.
7. Can I defer my participation in a commencement ceremony to a future semester?
Yes, we understand circumstances may arise where you cannot attend your commencement ceremony. At the same time, alumni who graduated during the pandemic may want to return with their family and friends for a Commencement experience in the Alamodome.
Students who are interested in this option should submit a Petition to Defer Commencement to Graduation Coordination for consideration. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
10. What do I wear and where do I get it?
All participants must wear academic regalia.
Caps, gowns and tassels are available during Grad Fest or at the Campus Bookstore.
Wear dark shoes, since dark accessories have a more favorable appearance with the formal academic wear.
The tassel is worn on the right side of the cap until the end of the commencement ceremony when graduates are instructed to shift the tassel to the left side.
It is recommended that you take your regalia out of the bag and place it on a hanger a few days before your ceremony in order to decrease the wrinkles.
12. How many guests can I invite to the commencement ceremonies?
13. Where do I park?
Parking is available at the Alamodome. For parking information, please visit the Alamodome website for information.
14. What should I bring to commencement at the Alamodome?
The Alamodome has specific safety procedures that must be followed, including a prohibition on large bags, posters, noisemakers, banners, signs and more. All guests will be subject to a bag check and security scan. All attendees should carefully review the Alamodome Safety Procedures.