Commencement

Commencement is the ceremony held by the University for students who are expected to have successfully completed all graduation requirements by the end of the semester. The Commencement ceremony celebrates the academic achievements of these students. Candidates do not receive their diplomas during the Commencement ceremony. There are three Commencement ceremonies a year, one at the end of the fall semester, one at the end of the spring semester, and one at the end of the summer semester.

Both doctoral and master's hooding will take place during the Commencement ceremonies.

Get the most out of your graduation experience

Applying on Time	Applying Late
*Costs less (only $75)	*Late fee of $40 added ($115)
*Transcript deficiencies can be caught and addressed early so you graduate on time.	*Transcript deficiencies found LATE, which may delay graduation.
*Option to walk in graduation ceremony.	*Participation may not be an option.
*Name can be included in the program.	*Name may not be included.
*More time for ordering regalia.	*Stricter deadlines for ordering.
*More time to order announcements, class ring, photos and for family to make arrangements for travel.	*Less time to order, plan and prepare for the big day! Which means more and unecessary stress during your final semester.

 

Key terms to know 

• Commencement: The ceremony celebrating your graduation. Participation is optional.
• Conferral Date: Also referred to as your graduation date, this is the official date your degree will be awarded and the date that will be printed on your diploma. It does not always match the commencement date.
• Graduate: A student who has successfully completed all requirements necessary to earn a degree, has received a clear audit after final grades have posted and has had a degree officially awarded. The transcript will show “Degree Awarded” once this step has been completed.
• Graduation: The successful completion of a course of study. All students must apply to graduate in order for the degree to be awarded.
• Graduation candidate: Someone who has applied to graduate but has not yet fulfilled the requirements, had final grades verified and had the degree awarded.

Graduation vs. Commencement
Graduation and commencement are not the same. "Commencement" and "graduation" are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two.

• Graduation refers to the completion of your academic program or degree requirements. It's the event when you officially finish your studies and are awarded your diploma or degree.
• Commencement is the ceremony that marks the formal celebration of graduation. It's the event where graduates are recognized, and degrees are conferred, often with speeches, honors, and the iconic cap-and-gown attire. The term "commencement" refers to the "beginning" of the next chapter in life, even though it happens at the end of your academic journey.

Graduation is the milestone, while commencement is the celebration.

Ceremony Information

Location: UT Tyler Campus

Dates & Times: 

• Friday, May 2, 2025
  
  • 9:00am CST
    • School of Nursing
  • 1:00pm CST
    • College of Engineering
    • School of Health Professions
  • 5:00pm CST
    • College of Education and Psychology
    • Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy
• Saturday, May 3, 2025
  • 9:00am CST
    • College of Arts and Sciences
    • School of Medicine
  • 1:00pm CST
    • Soules College of Business

 

• Student Checklist
• Guest Information
• Event Map
• Ceremony Program
  
• Ceremony Live Stream

If you have questions regarding Commencement, please contact graduation@uttyler.edu.  

Current students looking for graduation and diploma information may visit the Graduation page.

*Due to fire code regulations, tickets for the Commencement Ceremony are limited as it will be held indoors. Everyone attending the event, regardless of age, including infants, newborns, and children, must possess a ticket.