Graduation
Ceremonies
University Wide Commencement Ceremony
Where degrees are conferred by the university president and undergraduate students will turn their tassel. This ceremony is for all university graduates receiving a bachelor’s, master’s, or specialist’s degree. It does not require tickets for graduates or guests, nor is there a per-candidate guest limit.
COTA Recognition Ceremony
College Recognition Ceremonies are where each degree candidate will walk across the stage to be individually recognized and celebrated as their name is called. This ceremony is for all College of the Arts degree candidates. Out of respect for all candidates, everyone is asked to stay until all names have been called.
University Doctoral Ceremony
Where doctoral candidates are individually recognized and hooded on stage. This ceremony is for all doctoral graduates. It does not require tickets for graduates or guests, nor is there a per-candidate guest limit.
FAQ
For more information on commencement ceremonies and to view the livestream, please visit the UF Commencement Website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I missed a deadline?
Please contact the Academic Affairs Coordinator for the College of the Arts, Margarita Bernal Santana, at m.bernal@ufl.edu.
Why do I need to attend two ceremonies in Spring?
Due to the high volume of graduates in the spring semester, we hold two ceremonies for each graduate- a University Wide Commencement Ceremony and a College Recognition Ceremony. There is no need to use this same model in the summer and fall semesters, as our graduation numbers are significantly lower in those two semesters.
Will my name be called as I walk across the stage?
Yes, at the COTA Recognition Ceremony. All College of the Arts graduates will be recognized by name as they cross the stage at the COTA Recognition Ceremony.
How long will the ceremony be?
Generally, you should plan for the ceremony to last about 2 hours from the posted start time.
What should I wear?
Graduates should wear their academic regalia to both the COTA Recognition Ceremony and the University Wide Commencement Ceremony. You cannot participate in the ceremony if you do not have regalia. To order regalia, please visit the UF Bookstore, email cap-gown@ufl.edu, or order online.
Your commencement regalia includes a name card for you to complete. Please make sure to bring this with you to the recognition ceremony. Please have your name card in hand to give to the name reader when you process across the stage.
If you are an undergraduate degree candidate, please feel free to decorate your cap if you’d like to!
What if I have an accommodation request?
Accommodations are available. Please email COTAgraduation@ufl.edu to arrange.
Will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas are mailed to the graduates. Learn more here.
Where can I park?
All parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking restrictions are lifted for graduation weekend, but parking is limited. It is recommended that you arrive early, particularly if members of your party are elderly or have mobility impairments.
What if I have questions about the Doctoral Commencement Ceremony or University-wide Ceremony?
For questions pertaining to the UF Doctoral Commencement Ceremony and/or University-wide Ceremony, learn more here.
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