Frequently Asked Questions

Commencement takes place in Arizona Stadium and includes an address from the University President, a guest keynote speaker, the conferring of degrees, and awarding of honorary degrees and student awards. Students are recognized by college and not individually. Note: graduating students may attend ALL graduation ceremonies they are eligible to attend.

Students who graduated from the previous Fall and Winter terms, or who will graduate from the upcoming Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter terms, are eligible to attend. Please see the Eligibility page for more information. 

Convocations are planned by an academic college or department and are more intimate ceremonies to recognize student accomplishments. Students typically have the opportunity to cross the stage and hear their name called. To find your specific college ceremony, please see the convocation page under about in the navigation bar.

Celebrations are events to honor students in special interest groups on campus. They occur before or after a student’s convocation and are an additional way to celebrate with friends and family. Note: graduating students may attend ALL graduation ceremonies they are eligible to attend.

FOR COMMENCEMENT

Pending public health and safety guidelines in May, there is no limit on guests at Commencement in Arizona Stadium. Students will be contacted via their CatMail address if this changes.

FOR CONVOCATIONS

For convocations and celebrations, guest limits are dependent on the college or department and size of the venue. Please contact the coordinator of your ceremony for specifics.

FOR COMMENCEMENT

Eligible graduating students will receive an email at their CatMail address with instructions on how to submit an RSVP for themselves AND their guests. 

FOR CONVOCATIONS

Convocations and celebrations may have an RSVP process as well; that said, these RSVPs are not managed by the Commencement office. Please contact the coordinator of your specific ceremony for more information.

Yes! There will be stadium seats rentals available at Arizona Stadium. Prices are set at $10 and can be paid with cash or credit. If you choose to bring in your own, all portable stadium seats are limited to 18" width, 9" depth, cannot have attached armrests or cupholders, and cannot recline to encroach upon the access or legroom of adjacent patrons. 

FOR COMMENCEMENT

The University's 160th Commencement Ceremony will be streamed live and recorded for later viewing. More information will be shared to students via their CatMail email address.

FOR CONVOCATIONS

Convocations and celebrations may be recorded and/or streamed live. Please contact the coordinator of your specific ceremony for more information. 

While the transmissibility of flu and COVID-19 is decreasing, people who are at high risk or immunocompromised should continue taking appropriate steps for prevention, including wearing masks and getting vaccinated. Anyone who is feeling ill should stay home.

The University's 160th Commencement Ceremony will be hosted on Friday, May 10, 2024, at 7:30pm in Arizona Stadium and is expected to run for approximately 90 minutes.

Information for convocation ceremonies and celebrations can be found on the May 2024 Convocations page. Please note, information for December 2024 convocations and celebrations will be available later this spring.

We recommend checking out Visit Tucson to help plan your stay. Once there, you can find recommendations for hotels and accommodations, restaurants and farmer's markets, events, and hiking and trail options.

Diplomas are sent approximately 2-3 weeks after your degree is posted. If you have any questions about your diploma or graduation requirements, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

Regalia is required for Commencement and many convocation ceremonies. It can be purchased through the UA BookStores' website under the Graduation tab or students can attend GradFest in person.

GradFest makes getting ready for graduation easy and convenient, bringing all of your grad and post-grad needs into one event that celebrates not only your academic accomplishments, but your exciting venture into the work force and your successes in the years to come!

Students who graduate in December have the option to participate in either the Commencement Ceremony prior to or following their expected graduation date. You cannot participate twice. Be sure to submit your RSVP through the form on our website when it opens!

Names in the printed program are by the semester of degree completion and when the application for degree candidacy was filled out in the students UAccess Student Center. Spring and Summer graduates have a deadline of February 1st of the intended semester and Fall and Winter graduates have a deadline of September 1st of the intended semester. 

The Commencement ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes.

Please be advised that the celebration will include loud music, fireworks, strobe lights, fog effects as well as fast paced video content on large led screens While these may occur at any time during the event, those with sensitivities are especially advised to consider exiting the stadium during the recessional when the platform party leaves the stage.

The Spring 2024 University of Arizona Global Campus In-Person Commencement Weekend will be held Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9, 2024.

Graduation Celebration Events will take place Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel and Spa, 9495 W. Coyotes Blvd, Glendale, AZ 85305.

The Commencement Ceremony will take place Sunday, June 9, 2024 at the Desert Diamond Arena, 9400 W Maryland Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305.

Students can refer to the UAGC graduation information website for additional information. For email inquiries, you can contact graduation.information@uagc.edu.