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. 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 2025 is limited to students who have graduated or will graduate during the 2024-25 academic year.
This includes:
- Those who graduated in December 2024.
- Those who will complete their degrees or areas of study by May 2025.
- Those who will complete their degrees or areas of study by August 2025.
- Graduate students who are completing their degree in August are eligible to participate in the university-wide ceremony on May 10.
If you are unsure of your eligibility, please contact your academic advisor. Colleges and schools notify the Office of University Events and Experience 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 2025. 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 2025. Can I still participate in Commencement activities?
Undergraduates who will complete requirements by August 2025 can participate in the May commencement activities. Graduate students who will complete their degrees by August 2025 are eligible to participate in the university-wide ceremony.
- Participation in Spring 2025 ceremonies does not serve as official conferral of your degree. Students must still complete all degree requirements to officially graduate and receive their degree.
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. More information about these ceremonies will be available in February.
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.
Do I or my guests need tickets for the university-wide ceremony?
Guests do not need tickets for the university-wide ceremony. Graduates need tickets to access graduate seating. More information will be shared regarding graduate ticketing in the spring semester.
How long is the university-wide ceremony?
The university-wide ceremony typically lasts 90 minutes to two hours. 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.
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.
Recommended Attire:
The University-Wide ceremony is held outdoors and beholden to the current weather. Temperatures in the 90s with high humidity are common, and students and guests will be outdoors for a significant amount of time before sunset. Please wear light, breathable fabrics, comfortable shoes, and recognize that graduates will be wearing a gown in addition to their outfit.
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.