Congratulations, graduates, on your upcoming Commencement! Below are answers to commonly asked questions regarding Commencement ceremonies, ticketing, and more.
This is an exciting and busy time in the semester. Please refer to this page often as Commencement approaches, as it will be updated regularly.
Eligibility
How do I know if I’m eligible to participate in the May commencement events?
Eligibility to participate in the University-Wide Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2023 is limited to students who have graduated or will graduate during the 2022-23 academic year.
This includes:
- Those who graduated in December 2022.
- Those who will complete their degrees or areas of study by May 2023.
- Those who will complete their degrees or areas of study by August 2023. (Note: the Graduate School does not allow August candidates to participate in their ceremony. Colleges or schools may allow this, however. Please check with the appropriate contact regarding your eligibility.)
If you are unsure of your eligibility, please contact your academic advisor. Colleges and schools notify the Office of University Events of eligible students. The Office of University Events does not determine eligibility or “grant permission” to participate in Commencement events.
I’m planning to graduate in May 2023. Do I need to apply to graduate?
Yes, all degree candidates who plan to participate in the May commencement activities must apply to graduate through the college or school granting their degrees. Deadlines for these applications vary from college and school. Degree candidates will receive information from their college or school regarding the necessary steps and deadlines.
I won’t have completed my degree requirements by May 2023. Can I still participate in Commencement activities?
Degree candidates who will complete requirements by August 2023 can participate in the May commencement activities. (Note: Graduate School candidates may be able to participate in their specific discipline’s ceremony, but are not eligible to participate for the general Graduate School ceremony.)
Ceremony Information
What’s the difference between “college and school convocations” and the “university-wide ceremony”?
UT Austin’s 18 degree-granting colleges and schools host their own graduation ceremonies (also called “Convocations”) to honor the accomplishments of their specific degree candidates (or “graduates”). This ceremony is where degree candidates' names are read aloud as they are recognized individually for their accomplishments.
These convocations are organized by each individual college or school, and take place on various days at various times and at different locations around the UT Austin campus. Some may require tickets for guests. This information, including contacts for the various colleges and schools, can be found here.
For information not included on this website, please reach out to the appropriate contact for the college or school.
The University-Wide Commencement Ceremony is the formal, university-wide event which celebrates graduates from all UT Austin colleges and schools. Degree candidates are recognized as a college or school by their dean. The University-Wide Commencement Ceremony is held once a year in May. Graduates from the academic year (December, May, and August) are invited to participate.
What happens at the university-wide ceremony?
The University-Wide Commencement Ceremony is hosted by the President and is the formal ceremony in which graduates of all colleges and schools at UT Austin are recognized as a group. The ceremony includes remarks from university leadership, the student body president, and the commencement speaker, as well as the official conferral of degrees by the university president. The ceremony begins with a procession of all graduates, followed by faculty and university leadership. It concludes with a fireworks display.
Are individual names read at the university-wide ceremony?
Names are read at the college and school convocations. At the university-wide ceremony, graduates are recognized as a group by the dean of their college or school.
How long is the university-wide ceremony?
The university-wide ceremony is typically two hours long. This time can vary based on the number of students in attendance, remarks from speakers, and other logistical factors.
I (or a guest of mine) require assistance in attending the university-wide ceremony. How can I (we) make such a request?
UT Austin will strive to ensure that all graduates and guests are able to participate fully in the university-wide ceremony. Please visit the relevant page for Graduates or Guests to learn more about accessibility options and requests.
As accessibility options are specific to each venue, graduates and/or guests should contact their college or school regarding the options for a college or school convocation.
Will the ceremony be available online?
Yes, the university-wide ceremony is webcast live here on the Commencement website and broadcast live on Longhorn Network. A recording of the university-wide ceremony will be available a few weeks after the event.
Attire
How do I order a cap and gown for graduation?
Caps and gowns (also called “regalia”) can be ordered from the University Co-Op. Visit the Regalia page to learn more and for important deadlines.
Tickets
Will I need a ticket for any of the ceremonies? Will my guests need a ticket?
All degree candidates planning on attending the university-wide ceremony will need tickets to gain access to the graduate seating and to sit with their college or school. Guests attending the university-wide ceremony will also need a ticket. Information regarding ticket distribution will be shared later this spring.
Some college and school ceremonies may require tickets due to venue capacities. Colleges and schools will share this information, if needed, with their degree candidates.
Miscellaneous
When do we receive our diploma?
Diplomas are mailed to graduates in the weeks following graduation once all degrees are certified. Diplomas will be mailed to a graduate’s permanent address on record. For more information, contact Diploma Services.