The University of Texas at Arlington
Commencement 2012
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Completing the work required to earn an academic degree is a separate event from the public commencement ceremony that symbolically commemorates that academic achievement. In fact, UT Arlington students who participate in commencement ceremonies are considered "candidates" for graduation. The final awarding of degrees and honors is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the appropriate requirements by each candidate.
Their graduation is not official until grades are posted, outstanding fees are paid, and transcripts are completed. Only then do graduates receive their official diploma, which is sent to them several weeks after the end of their final semester.
UT Arlington holds commencement ceremonies every May and December. Students who have completed or are scheduled to complete their requirements for graduation in May are invited to participate in their School or College commencement ceremony in May. Students who have completed or are scheduled to complete their requirements for graduation in August or December are invited to participate in their School or College commencement ceremony in December.
An academic commencement is a formal ceremony, where decorum and respect for the customs of the occasion enhances the experience for the graduates and their guests alike. Therefore, in accordance with hundreds of years of academic tradition, students, guests, and the platform party are asked to observe the following:
Students must indicate their intent to participate in Commencement ceremonies by registering with the dean’s office for their college or school. This is in addition to applying for graduation with the Registrar’s office. Please visit your college or school’s Web site for more information and deadlines:
Candidates for graduation are encouraged to invite family and friends to help them celebrate their graduation. All family and guests must have a ticket to attend the commencement ceremony and are encouraged to arrive one hour early to ensure seating. Children over the age of two years must have a ticket. Each School and College determines the number of tickets available for guests, and guest tickets will be available for graduating students to claim and print 3-4 weeks prior to their commencement ceremony at utagraduationtickets.com. An e-mail will be sent to all graduating students' University e-mail address, notifying them of guest ticket availability and procedures for download.
All commencement ceremonies are held in the College Park Center.
The academic procession, consisting of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree candidates, participating faculty, and platform party members will assemble inside the College Park Center west entrance one hour before their School or College ceremony begins.
Do not bring personal items such as purses, bags or cell phones. At the lineup site, all candidates will be grouped by degree or major and will receive a card on which they can confirm the phonetic spelling of their name as they would like it to be read on stage.
To allow for parking, the walk or shuttle ride to the event venue, and ticket collection, it is strongly recommended that guests arrive 60 minutes prior to the ceremony (see Schedule of Events).
Guests arriving more than ten minutes late will not be permitted into the venue.
In accordance with tradition, all participants in commencement ceremonies are expected to dress in full academic regalia with the exception of the keynote speaker. Appropriate business attire should be worn underneath the gowns. Graduates will be directed to line up in order of program and major, and will walk together in those groups, be seated, and receive their degrees according to those groups.
Special thanks to the UT Arlington Jazz Orchestra, Tim Ishii, Director, for providing the music during all commencement ceremonies.
The academic procession begins when the graduates and platform party leave the lineup site, led by an appointee of the University called the marshal. From this point in time until the completion of the recession after the ceremony, the traditionally formal protocol of the occasion directs the proceedings, and the respectful solemnity of all participants and guests is expected.
Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree candidates will be seated on the floor level at the front of arena.
Guests will be seated in arena seating. Wheelchair and handicapped seating is available upon request. Strollers are discouraged and not permitted in the aisles but can be checked in to the Box Office.
After introductions and keynote address, candidates will participate in the ceremonial presentation of degrees (hard copies of diplomas will be mailed 4-6 weeks following commencement). Doctoral degree candidates are called to the stage first and acknowledged individually, then master's degree candidates, then bachelor's degree candidates. A professional photographer will take two photos of each degree candidate crossing the stage. The listing of a student's name in the printed program in no way implies or ensures his or her graduation or the award of honors.
The academic recession, led by the marshal, concludes the formal program. After the graduates and platform party have completed the recession, guests will be guided to the reception area.
Before and after each commencement ceremony, representatives from the UT Arlington Bookstore and the Student Alumni Association will provide graduates and their families the opportunity to purchase commemorative items and roses.
For information on general ceremony coverage, as well as individual photos for purchase, please see Photos and Videos.
To request accommodations, please see Guests with Disabilities.
How was your UT Arlington experience? Every UT Arlington undergraduate is asked to provide this feedback on a graduate exit survey. You will receive instructions for completing this online survey 4-6 weeks prior to your commencement ceremony. Your feedback will help make UT Arlington the best that it can be for future Mavericks.
