Graduation & Commencement

Graduation

Application for the Degree

A student cannot be cleared for graduation until an application for the degree has been filed with the Registrar's Office and the appropriate graduation fee has been paid. The degree application card is obtained from the Graduate School Office and filed with the Registrar for the semester in which the student expects to receive the degree. If the student does not graduate in the indicated semester, the student must reapply for graduation by contacting the Registrar's Office. Please refer to the Master's Calendar or Doctoral Calendar for specific deadline dates.

Announcement of Dissertation Defense

Announcement of a doctoral candidate's dissertation defense must be submitted to the Graduate School at least TWO WEEKS prior to the date of the defense. Upcoming defense schedulings available to the public can be found on the Dissertation Defense Announcements page.

Time to Receive Diploma

The diploma is mailed by the Registrar's Office approximately 6-8 weeks after the official diploma date.

Availability of Final Transcripts

Final Transcripts with degree confirmation are available after the Graduate School forwards the appropriate clearance materials to the Registrar's Office. Students who need a transcript showing degree confirmation should submit a request indicating "Hold for Degree" to guarantee that the transcript will not be issued until the degree is officially posted to the academic record.

Degree Completion Letter

A letter from the Graduate School verifying that degree requirements are complete and verifying when the degree will be conferred is available upon request. Note: This letter can only be generated after ALL requirements are satisfied, including final grades, submission of thesis/dissertation, application for graduation, etc.

Commencement

Commencement Ceremony

Once a year, the University of Arkansas offers a number of ceremonies in the month of May for graduates who have completed graduation requirements within the academic year. Graduate students are recognized at the All-University Commencement ceremony which begins at 8:45 on the 2nd Saturday of May and runs approximately 3 hours. The College of Engineering and the Walton College of Business Administration allow graduate students to participate in their ceremony as well. Additional information is made available in the spring semester.

Participation in Ceremony

Summer, Fall and Spring Degree Recipients/Applicants are invited to participate in the All-University Commencement ceremony. Degree applicants for the future summer and fall semester MAY participate with approval of their adviser. A form is required and may be obtained from the Graduate School or our home page.
An immediate family member (spouse, parent, child) who is a member of the academic faculty at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, may present your diploma. Please contact the Graduate School for arrangements.

Regalia

All graduates participating in any commencement ceremony must wear appropriate regalia. The Instructions to Graduates will provide necessary information about obtaining the appropriate regalia. Regalia is distributed by the University Bookstore.

Deadline for Name to Be Included in Commencement Program

The Graduate School makes the effort to include as many graduate students in the Commencement Program as possible. Keep in mind that there are printing deadlines. We tell students that their name should be included if they apply for graduation by late February. All past degree recipients for the academic year are automatically included.

Dissertation Titles in Commencement Program

The dissertation title is included for doctoral recipients/candidates. Every effort to have an up-to-date title on file with the Graduate School by late February is appreciated.

Photography/Video Services

Heart of America, a professional photography company in Lawrence, Kansas, will be on hand to take pictures of each candidate as the diplomas are presented during the ceremony. You will receive information regarding their services directly from them. They can be contact directly at 1-800-487-4080.

The Department of Media Services, Division of Continuing Education, will be recording the ceremony. If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the video, please contact them at 501-575-5710.

Other Commencement Information

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University of Arkansas

A nationally competitive, student-centered research university serving Arkansas and the world.

The Graduate School

Office of the Dean of the Graduate School