Thompson-Boling Assembly Center and Arena

Announced each semester in the University calendar,
and Graduate Student Deadline Dates for Graduation

The Graduate Hooding Ceremony is for all graduate students. The Main Commencement Ceremony is for all students. To participate in the main Commencement Ceremony, it is necessary to R.S.V.P. Students must R.S.V.P. separately for the University Commencement Ceremony and the Graduate Hooding Ceremonies. Please see step 7 for a link to the R.S.V.P. form.

Graduate Hooding Ceremony: This ceremony is held every Fall and Spring, the evening prior to the Main Commencement Ceremony. Participants may pick up their diplomas at the close of the ceremony.

University Commencement Ceremony: This ceremony is held every Fall and Spring. The rehearsal for graduate students is normally held the day prior to the ceremony.
On the day of commencement, participants must be present at Thompson-Boling Assembly Center and Arena 30-45 minutes prior to the announced time for the ceremony. Graduate students should be in their seats on the Arena floor no later than 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the ceremony. The official diplomas are not given out during the commencement ceremony: students are given a token diploma. Doctoral students may pick up their diplomas after the ceremony. Masters students may pick up their diplomas approximately three weeks after the ceremony in Room 201 Student Services. Building. Exact dates will be posted in the Deadline Dates. Diplomas not picked up will be mailed to the student's permanent mailing address.