Graduate Information
Ceremony Instructions: Candidates should check in for the ceremony at 4:00 p.m. Friday, May 10 at the Manuel Garza Gym. Each candidate must be inside, have cleared check-in, and be properly seated no later than 5:00 p.m.; otherwise, the candidate will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony.
Please do not bring any personal items such as balloons, bouquets or purses as they will not be allowed in the seating area. Only candidates will be allowed into the Manuel Garza Gym during check-in – no exceptions. This same space will be used as an overflow room for our guests, once the ceremony has begun.
After the initial check in, the candidates will be given specific seating assignments, instructions regarding ceremony protocol, and last-minute updates. Check-in ends promptly at 5:00 p.m. In addition, President, Dr. Juliet V. García will address the candidates. As a show of respect we expect your attendance throughout the entire ceremony.
Caps and gowns: Candidates for graduation should visit the University bookstore as soon as possible to place cap and gown orders. In keeping with the dignity of the ceremony, no additions to the regalia will be allowed. Candidates with altered regalia will not participate in the ceremony. For more information contact the Bookstore at 882-8249.
Diplomas: Diploma covers will be handed out on stage during the ceremony. Official diplomas will be available at the Registrar’s Office for certified degrees beginning January 2, 2013 through January 10, 2013. If you do not pick up your diploma in person, it will be mailed to the address on your graduation application. Diploma covers will only be given to candidates participating in the commencement ceremony and are not available for purchase.
If you choose not to pick up your diploma, the diploma will be mailed to the address listed on your graduation application. Diplomas returned in the mail will be destroyed. There is a $35 reprinting cost per diploma. If you have any questions or have not received notification of your graduation status, please call the Office of the Registrar at 882-8254.
Official Photos: Official photographs will be taken during the commencement ceremony. You will be receiving information directly from Ultimate Exposures of Van Nuys, Calif.
Parking: Parking for graduates and visitors is available in parking lots at the Arnulfo L. Oliveira Memorial Library, Jacob Brown Auditorium, Tandy Hall, the Village at Fort Brown (old residence hall parking), the Science, Engineering and Technology Building, the Biomedical Research Building and the Education and Business Complex. Parking decals are not required.
Services for Graduates with Disabilities: Special services are available to accommodate the needs of degree candidates with disabilities who will be participating in the commencement ceremony.. If have a guest with a disability or a health concern and need assistance to participate in the ceremony or require a sign language interpreter, please contact Steve Wilder at the Disability Services Office in the Camille Lightner Student Center at 882-7372 as soon as possible.
Inclement Weather: Due to inclement weather forecasts, Commencement has been rescheduled to 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 10 on the Cardenas South Hall Lawn. Check-in for graduates will be at 4 p.m. at Garza Gymnasium.
Once the decision has been made to move the ceremony indoors, candidates will receive the information via email. Information will also be available at utb.edu and on Facebook and Twitter.