Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, students should apply to graduate (Apply for Degree) six months prior to completing their studies.

Yes, students must apply for degree AND register to walk (separate processes) to participate in a graduation ceremony.

Students are eligible to walk in the commencement ceremony after the semester they complete their studies. Students completing their studies during the summer are eligible to walk in the spring or fall ceremony.

Yes, students' names will appear in the commencement program in the ceremony in which they walk.

If students choose not to attend a commencement ceremony, their names will appear in the commencement program after the semester they complete their degree (spring graduates' names will appear in the spring commencement program, summer and fall graduates’ names will appear in the fall commencement program).

No, you only need to purchase either your bachelor’s regalia or your master’s regalia.

No. Each student will select one ceremony to walk in, and all their degrees will be recognized in that ceremony.

Deadline for ordering for spring 2026 is March 1st for doctoral candidates and April 1st for all others. Use the button below to order your cap and gown.

Order Cap and Gown

Bachelors and Masters ceremonies are held at Bartow Arena; Doctoral hooding ceremonies are hold in the Alys Stephens Center.

Visit the Directions & Parking page for information on directions and parking.

Directions & Parking

Graduates need to arrive 60 minutes prior to the ceremony start time and enter Bartow Arena on the lower level from 13th Street South.

No. QR codes will not be emailed. The codes will be on a card that the graduates will pick up at check-in before the ceremonies on May 1 and May 2.

Enter Bartow Arena through the 13th Street South entrance where you will check in and will be directed to the seating area of your school.

You may pick up your Latin Honors Cords upon checking in.

Download the Bartow Arena clear bag policy and restrictions.

Bartow Arena Clear Bag Policy and Restrictions

Reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for accommodation requests. Please allow 2–3 weeks for requests. We have a quiet room assigned for graduates who may need that space, and we can make additional adjustments as needed per request.

No, seats may not be reserved in Bartow Arena. Guests who need accessible seating because of a wheelchair, crutches, cane, etc. will be able to get a seat on first-come, first-served basis. The doors to Bartow Arena will open 15 minutes before the doors are opened (1 hour before the ceremony) for graduates and other guests.

Ceremonies last approximately 90 minutes.

After crossing the stage, graduates will return to their seats. Because this is a formal ceremony, we ask that you do not leave until the ceremony has concluded.

Yes, we will livestream on our Facebook and YouTube channels.

Yes. You may access the closed captioning online .

No, it will be mailed to you. Assuming you have no financial holds on your student account, you will receive your diploma in the mail, to the address on file in Blazernet, within 6-8 weeks after final grades are posted.

Yes. There will be 2 professional photos taken. One while crossing the stage and one after exiting the stage at a designated portrait backdrop.

Proofs will be sent in 1–2 business days. If you have not received your proofs, please reach out to the GradImages Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576, www.gradimages.com, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Future ceremony dates can be found on the UAB Academic Calendar .