Commencement

Commencement is a time-honored tradition that celebrates the academic accomplishments of students. During commencement ceremonies at the University of Arkansas, we recognize the learning, commitment and effort by our students in completing their degree. This is a special event for the students and for all of those involved in supporting and encouraging them through this journey.

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There are commencement ceremonies at the end of the fall and spring semesters. Fall commencement is held on the second or third Saturday in December and is a single event for all undergraduate, graduate and law students who graduated the previous summer or who will graduate in the fall. 

Spring commencement is generally held on the second Saturday of May with University Commencement as the main ceremony where graduate students are individually recognized. Undergraduate and law students are individually honored at college recognition ceremonies held on Friday or Saturday of that weekend. The schedule will be determined early in the graduation term.

Students register their commencement attendance when they apply for graduation. The following guidelines should be used when selecting the appropriate commencement term:

Fall Commencement

  • Students who graduated in the previous summer term.
  • Students who are enrolled in, or will be enrolled in, the classes need to graduate in the fall term.

Spring Commencement

  • Students who graduated in the previous fall term.
  • Students who are enrolled in, or will be enrolled in, the classes needed to graduate in the spring term.
  • Students who are within 12 hours of degree completion and who will complete these hours in the following summer term.

University of Arkansas Graduation App

Students are encouraged to download the University of Arkansas Graduation app on Google Play or Apple devices for details on graduation and commencement including useful information about applying to graduate, attending commencement, and receiving the diploma.

Family, friends, and other guests will find helpful information such as commencement schedules, parking maps, live streaming and the list of prospective graduates.

Tickets are generally not required unless specified for a particular ceremony.  Tickets may be required for any events scheduled while COVID-19 protocols are in place.

Student regalia (cap and gown) may be purchased online or in person at the U of A Bookstore. Students will be able to order and pick up regalia, pre-order announcements, get a graduation photo taken and order their class rings at the Graduate Salute held at the bookstore one week each spring and fall.

Honors accessories are obtained in the dean's office of your school or college. College of Arts and Sciences Honors students may receive their stoles at a ceremony prior to Commencement or in the Honors office, Main 517.

Yes, family and friends may take pictures from the seating area. Access to the arena floor will not be allowed. A professional photographer will take pictures of each graduate. Order information may be obtained by visiting the Grad Images website or by calling 1-800-424-3686.

Yes, accommodations for parking and seating should be arranged beforehand by contacting the dean's office of your school or college.

Students who have applied to graduate for the spring term are encouraged to attend a Spring Commencement ceremony. Fall graduates are encouraged to attend the Fall Commencement ceremony. Summer graduates may choose to attend either the Spring or Fall ceremony. (Graduate students are required to receive approval by the Graduate School to participate in commencement if they are finishing degree requirements in a later term.) Students will select which ceremony they will walk in when applying to graduate in UAConnect.

Out of town guests are encouraged to visit Experience Fayetteville.