Commencement Q&A

Graduation is a time of anticipation and excitement. A time that suddenly appears on the horizon as senior projects are finalized, the last of the "final examination frenzy" is completed, answering machines and email accounts receive messages offering that much sought after job offer, and the realization that as "college days" are swiftly coming to a close, a new and exciting beginning is approaching.

The following questions and answers will help you prepare for your Graduation Day!

• Who is eligible to participate in the ceremonies?
• What do I need to do before I graduate?
• How do I get information about the graduation ceremonies and events?
• Do I have to tell anyone that I plan to attend the graduation ceremony?
• Are tickets required for the commencement ceremonies?
• How do I get a cap and gown for the ceremony?
• What if a candidate or a guest of a candidate needs special accommodations?
• How do I find out about local lodging for my guests?
• Are diplomas presented at the commencement ceremony?
• May I receive my diploma prior to the ceremony?
• When will diplomas be mailed?
• How do I update my permanent mailing address
• Can I have my diploma mailed to an international address?
• Can I prevent my name from appearing in the commencement program or being released to local newspapers in an announcement of graduates?
• What if I do not complete degree requirements or need to change my graduation date to a later semester?
• What if I have additional questions?

Who is eligible to participate in the ceremonies?

All degree candidates who have an application for degree in The Office of The University Registrar at the beginning of their last semester of enrollment are eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony held at the end of the specific term the student applied for graduation. Note: The one exception is that summer candidates, with the approval of their College of Enrollment and based on space available as deemed by the Office of the University Registrar, may choose to walk at the summer ceremony

A degree candidate that cannot because of extenuating circumstances participate in the graduation ceremony held at the end of their last semester of enrollment may petition The Office of The University Registrar to participate in the next graduation ceremony immediately following their semester of graduation. Doctoral candidates must consult to with the Graduate School concerning participation at a later date.

Candidates are defined as those students who will complete their academic requirements for a degree during the current term and have applied for graduation through their respective college/school and the applications is on file in The Office of The University Registrar. The only steps remaining are a review of the candidate's transcript at the end of the current term to insure degree requirements have been fulfilled and for the degree to be deferred by the Board of Trustees. The purpose of the commencement ceremony is to recognize and celebrate these students' academic accomplishments.

What do I need to do before I graduate?

• File an Application for Degree Deadline:
• Check your school/college for the due date for filing a degree application. Degree application may be printed from the web at registrar.ua.edu. Select the Degrees tab and click on degree application. Print the degree application, complete and sign the document, keep a copy for yourself, and take the original to your school/college by the published college deadline. Applications received after the deadline are normally transferred to the next graduation opportunity.
• Graduation Fees:
• Degree candidates are assessed a graduation fee of $ 36.00 for undergraduate candidates and $ 41.00 for graduate level degree candidates. The fee is applied to the student account in the semester that the degree application is filed with The Office of The University Registrar.
• Major(s) and Minor(s):
• Verify accuracy of your degree program, major, and/or minor information as conainted in the Student Information System with your college/divisional Student Services Office. You may view current information by visiting your myBama website and selecting student transcript.
• Full Legal Name:
• Your name apprears on your diploma as it appears in the student information system. Normally, educational records are maintained under a student's full legal name. This is First Name, Middle Initial/Middle Name, and Last Name. For international student's the name will be the same as the one that appears on their passport and U.S. immigration documentation, including the Form I-20 certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant. You should review how your name appears on your student transcript found at your myBama website to determine how it will appear on your diploma. You may contact the Office of the University of Registrar if you have additional questions.
• Meet with your Advisor in your school/college for final requirement check
• Current Mailing Address:
• Verify accuracy of address information with The Office of The University Registrar.
• All Transcripts from other institutions received in The Office of The University Registrar
• Complete all Correspondence Course work:
• Deadline for grades: Two days after the last day of finals.
• All Fees paid:
• All past due financial obligations must be cleared prior to receiving your diploma. Diplomas and transcripts are held for those accounts not cleared prior to graduation.
• Attend a Financial Aid or Loan Receivable Exit Interview:
• If you borrowed from the Stafford/Direct loan program, attend a Financial Aid Exit Interview. Contact Loans Receivable for the time and location of the interviews

How do I get information about the graduation ceremonies and events?

Instruction and information for graduate and undergraduate candidates will be emailed to your Bama.ua.edu email 6-8 weeks prior to graduation.  Candidates are reminded to submit the online reply card by the deadline indicated.

Information can also be found on the Internet at http://www.ua.edu/commencement/index.html.

Do I have to tell anyone that I plan to attend the graduation ceremony?

Yes. An email is sent to your Bama.ua.edu email address. This email contains a link to an online reply card. The reply card is data sensitive and requires an online response.

Are tickets required for the commencement ceremonies?

No. Tickets are not required for the university commencement ceremonies. See question "What if a candidate or a guest of a candidate needs special accommodations?" for additional information.

How do I get a cap and gown for the ceremony?

Academic regalia may be obtained during Graduation Cerebration in the Ferguson Center Ballroom or from the University Supply Store located in the Ferguson Center. All candidates participating in the ceremony must wear the appropriate academic regalia.

What if a candidate or a guest of a candidate needs special accommodations?

Candidates or guests of candidates requesting consideration for special accommodations or seating should first review the Commencement Instructions section found at registrar.ua.edu for general information. If the information provided in this document does not address your particular question you should write to registrar@ua.edu or to The Office of The University Registrar, Box 870134, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, 205-348-8166 or 205-348-8176, at least three weeks prior to each graduation ceremony.

The University of Alabama does not provide wheelchairs or escort service. Special seating areas are located off the main Coleman Coliseum concourse and across the hall from restrooms. Only one family member or guest may sit in this area with the guest in need of special seating. Tickets are not required for access to this area.

How do I find out about local lodging for my guests?

Check out local lodging and restaurant listings at http://www.tuscaloosaweb.com or http://www.tcvb.org.

Are diplomas presented at the commencement ceremony?

Candidates for the degrees of Doctor of Education, Doctor of Musical Arts, Doctor of Public Administration, and Doctor of Philosophy are presented their diploma during the ceremony. All other candidates are presented with a diploma cover. At the time of graduation final grading and determination of degree requirement completion have not been finalized.

May I receive my diploma prior to the ceremony?

No. A degree is not automatically conferred simply upon completion of the academic requirements, but only after a full evaluation of such by the College of Enrollment AND upon the official action of the President of The University of Alabama. The President, empowered by The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees, acts once each term to grant degrees effective at the end of the term. Consequently, diplomas will not be released to degree candidates until after the commencement ceremony which officially represents the end of the term. According to The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees Board Manual rare exceptions are made for the most extenuating of circumstances, such as a degree being awarded posthumously.

When will diplomas be mailed?

Diplomas are mailed approximately six weeks after the graduation to the permanent address indicated in the student information system. it is the responsibility of the student to maintain a current and correct address in this system.

How do I update my permanent mailing address?

Verify accuracy of address information at https://mybama.ua.edu/. Select the Student Tab, click on Personal information, and then click on Updates, Addresses and Telephone. If you do not have internet access contact the Office of the University Registrar.

Can I have my diploma mailed to an international address?

Yes but you will be charged the international shipping rate [UPS]. Contact The Office of The University Registrar, 206 Student Services Center, with complete address information, to include payment, two weeks prior to graduation.

Can I prevent my name from appearing in the commencement program or being released to local newspapers in an announcement of graduates?

Yes. The University of Alabama presumes all candidates for a degree want their names recorded in the Commencement Program for sentimental, as well as, historical reasons. As a result, your name will appear in the University's Commencement Program (and be available for public dissemination) unless you check the "Do not Print In Program" box on the Application for Degree.

What if I do not complete degree requirements or need to change my graduation date to a later semester?

Undergraduate candidates should contact their divisional Student Services Office to resubmit an application for degree. Graduate candidates should contact the Graduate School in the Rose Administration Building. Law students should contact their registrar's office. A new application must be submitted for each semester that the student is to be a candidate for the degree. A graduation fee is assessed with each application for graduation.

What if I have additional questions?

Contact The Office of The University Registrar, 206 Student Services Center, telephone (205) 348-8166 or on the web at http://www.registrar.ua.edu/.