Do I need to apply to graduate?
Yes. All students must apply to graduate by the deadline, regardless of whether they plan to participate in commencement or convocation ceremonies.
How do I apply to graduate?
When is the deadline to apply for graduation?
Spring semester: Apply to graduate by February 28, 2026.
Summer semester: Apply to graduate by July 31, 2026.
Fall term: Apply to graduate by November 30, 2025.
What do I need to do before graduation?
Use this graduation checklist to make sure you’re on track to graduate.
Can I still walk if I don’t complete the graduation requirements?
Participation in the graduation ceremonies does not guarantee completion or awarding of degrees. Graduates walking in the ceremonies who do not complete their graduation requirements must submit a new graduation application to receive their degree. We do not recommend walking until you are certain that you will have completed all degree requirements.
What is commencement?
Commencement is a ceremony held for all graduates. President Tuminez and a guest speaker address the graduating class, congratulating the graduates on their hard work. The ceremony includes a processional, the awarding of honorary degrees, and a celebration, including confetti cannons. All graduates are encouraged to participate in this ceremony in addition to convocation.
What is convocation?
Each of UVU’s seven colleges and schools holds individual convocation ceremonies for its graduates. Graduates participating in convocation ceremonies will walk with other graduates in their specific school or college. This is the ceremony where students’ names are read as they walk across the stage and receive a diploma cover. Most families choose to attend this ceremony.
Can I walk in a different convocation ceremony than the one I am assigned to?
Graduates are welcome to select the convocation ceremony that works best for their individual situation. When the graduate knows which convocation they would like to attend, they should notify the graduation office, which can provide further information.
When is commencement?
The commencement ceremony for the Class of 2025-2026 will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Find out more about the ceremony here.
When is convocation?
The convocation ceremonies for the Class of 2025-2026 will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, and Friday, May 1, 2026. Each college and school will hold its convocation ceremony at a specific date, time, and location.
Find out more about the convocation ceremonies here.
What can I bring into the ceremony?
Graduates just need to bring themselves. Graduates must wear graduation regalia.
Who is invited to commencement?
Friends and family members of graduates are invited to attend both commencement and convocation ceremonies. Tickets are not required.
Who can walk in the graduation ceremonies?
Students graduating in summer 2025, fall 2025, and spring 2026 are invited to attend the spring 2026 commencement and convocation ceremonies. Summer 2026 graduates are welcome to attend on an exception basis, meaning they can participate in the ceremony, but not receive honors.
Can my family member walk with me?
Family members are not permitted to walk in the ceremony with their graduate unless they themselves are also graduating from UVU during that academic year.
Can my pet walk with me?
Service animals are the only animals permitted to walk with graduates in the ceremonies. Graduates wishing to have their service animal with them during the ceremonies will need to contact the Accessibility Services Center.
What time does commencement start?
The commencement ceremony begins promptly at 7:30 pm. To view the graduate processional march, guests should be seated by 7 pm.
Find times for convocation ceremonies here.
Do I need tickets?
No. Tickets are not required for commencement or convocation ceremonies.
Can I bring a bag into the commencement ceremony?
The UCCU Center allows clear bags only. All clear bags are subject to search. View the UCCU Center’s Guest Guide to learn more.
What items are not allowed into the ceremony?
Guests should avoid bringing the following items:
Note: Utah Valley University and the UCCU Center reserve the right to inspect all items brought into campus facilities. Guests who refuse to consent to searches will be denied entry into the arena or other parts of campus.
Will the commencement ceremony be livestreamed?
Yes. The ceremony will be livestreamed on YouTube and will be available for viewing during and after the ceremony.
Is there reserved seating?
No. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
How long are the commencement and convocation ceremonies?
The commencement ceremony typically lasts around 90 minutes, although the time may vary due to the length of the speeches.
Convocation ceremonies vary by college or school, but typically last from 60 to 90 minutes.
Where can I park?
Guests and graduates can park in any legal parking space on campus for free on the days of commencement and convocation. Any cars parked illegally will be ticketed.
Parking MapHow do I request special services and accommodations?
The UCCU Center has accessible parking, elevators, accessible seating, and wheelchairs available for check out. For additional information, please contact Accessibility Services at 801-863-8747.
To request a sign language interpreter or other accommodations due to a disability for graduation ceremonies, please use the link below or contact Accessibility Services at 801-863-8747 or [email protected].
Request Accommodations for Graduation CeremoniesAccessibility Services on Campus
I have more questions about commencement.
See the ceremony page for further information on commencement and convocation ceremonies.
When do I get my official diploma?
The graduation office will automatically mail diplomas to the address provided in the graduation application. Diplomas should arrive 6-8 weeks after the end of the term. A link to order a digital diploma will also be sent to the graduate’s myUVU email account when the paper diploma is mailed.
What if the name on my diploma is incorrect?
Students must have the correct name on their records by the end of their graduating term to ensure their name is printed correctly. Please contact the graduation office if the name on your diploma is incorrect.
What if the Latin honors on my diploma are incorrect?
Graduates should contact the graduation office to verify the honors printed on the diploma.
Where is my minor?
Minors are not printed on diplomas but will appear on official transcripts. Transcripts are the legal documentation that shows a degree has been earned. You can order your official transcript through the registrar’s office.
What is authorized degree awarding?
Each semester, a select group of students is given the opportunity to accept their completed associate degree after the graduation application deadlines have passed. These students do not need to submit a standard application; they will be notified of their eligibility via email and must accept the degree offer through an online form.
If a student does not want the authorized degree awarded, they can apply for a different degree through the standard graduation application. To graduate with a specific associate degree, students should submit the standard graduation application and select the appropriate major.
Why doesn’t UVU award my associate degree automatically?
UVU only awards associate degrees if a student officially confirms they want to receive it, either through the standard graduation application or by accepting the degree via email, as mentioned above. According to UVU policy, students are eligible to receive only one Associate of Science or Associate of Arts degree from UVU. We rely on students to inform us of their desired degree by applying for it.
Why doesn’t every student get notified when they qualify for an associate degree?
We do our best to contact as many students as possible, but the only way to ensure you will receive a degree is to have your academic advisor declare you in all degrees you wish to receive and apply through the standard graduation application.
How can I see my eligibility for different associate degrees?
Use the What If feature of Wolverine Track to see your eligibility for various degrees. If you want help using What If, contact the graduation office or your academic advisor.
What about my bachelor’s or master’s degree?
Bachelor’s and master’s degrees are never awarded automatically, and students will not be contacted by the graduation office when they need to apply for those degrees. Students must always submit a graduation application before the semester’s deadline to be eligible for graduation with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. It’s the student’s responsibility to be aware of degree progress and application deadlines, and to apply for their bachelor’s or master’s degree on time.
How do I get my graduation regalia (cap, gown, etc.)?
Find options for purchasing regalia here.
Can I borrow my cap and gown from family or friends?
Yes, if it matches the UVU-approved attire. Learn more about approved regalia here.
How do I get my program distinction cords?
Cords are given to students who have participated in extracurricular activities across campus, and are not used to signify honors. Find out which cords you may qualify for here.
How do I get academic honors medallions?
Honors medallions signify that students have received academic honors. They are given to students with a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher.
Associate degree: Honors, high honors
Bachelor’s degree: Cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude
Master’s degrees do not qualify for honors
Am I allowed to decorate my cap/mortarboard?
Appropriately decorated caps/mortarboards are permitted. Learn which decorations are permitted here.
Can I wear something besides my regalia?
It depends on which ceremony you are attending. At commencement, all graduating students must wear approved regalia (cap and gown) only.
At convocation, specific colleges/schools have approved regalia items that may fall outside the approved standard. Please check with your specific school/college if you have additional questions.
