Convocation

1. Will my name be read out loud?
Yes, during the ceremony, the names of attending graduates will be read aloud. Additionally, doctoral graduates will be hooded by their dissertation supervisor or dean. All graduates will have the opportunity to walk across the stage.

2. Are extra tickets available?
Convocation tickets will be released in phases. After all graduates have registered to participate and claimed their initial allotted number of guest tickets, any additional tickets available will be communicated via email to all registered participants on approximately April 11, 2025.

3. What if I forget to register for convocation by April 11, 2025? 
Contact the Graduate School at GS.Commencement@austin.utexas.edu.

4. May I participate in the ceremony if I do not complete all requirements for my degree during the spring semester? 
No, participation in the ceremony requires the completion of all degree requirements, including the dissertation defense and submission of final paperwork, by the end of the spring semester.

5. May I participate in convocation if I completed all my degree requirements in a previous semester? 
Yes, graduates who have completed all degree requirements in a previous semester are welcome to participate in Convocation. Please ensure to register for the ceremony by April 11, 2025.

6. Will I receive my diploma at the ceremony?
No, diplomas will not be distributed at the ceremony. Approximately six weeks after the graduation date, your diploma will be mailed to the permanent address listed in your University of Texas at Austin directory information. To verify or update your address, please click here. You will also have the option to view an electronic version of your diploma through CeDiploma. More information about receiving diplomas can be found on the Texas One Stop website.

7. What should I bring to the ceremony?
Personal items such as backpacks, purses, or coats cannot be brought into the venue, and there is no secure area available for storage. To ensure convenience, we recommend carrying cell phones and keys on wristbands or utilizing clothing with pockets beneath the regalia.

8. Which colors should I choose for my academic hood and tassel?
The University Co-op has charts to determine the colors of your college or school. The University of Texas at Austin uses the “Academic Costume Code and Ceremony Guide” by the American Council on Education. Click here to view the chart.

9. My family can’t make it to the ceremony. Can they watch it online? 
The Graduate School intends to livestream each convocation ceremony. Unfortunately due to issues outside of our control, the livestream was not able to be captured for the 2025 Doctoral Ceremony. We apologize to any family and friends who were not able to view the livestream, and are working to remedy this for future convocation ceremonies. 

10. How can I find hotels for my guests? 
The Austin area offers an abundance of lodging options for visitors. Visit Austin has information to help you plan your trip. Note that Commencement brings thousands of visitors to the city; we recommend making lodging plans sooner rather than later.

11. Where can I get graduation announcements?
Invitations and announcements may be ordered from the University Co-op.

12. I am an international student and I need a letter signed by the Graduate School to assist my family in obtaining a visa to attend my graduation ceremony. How do I get this?
To obtain a letter signed by the Graduate School to assist your family in obtaining a visa for your graduation ceremony, please complete the online form. Once submitted, the Graduate School will process your request and provide you with the necessary letter.

13. Will my guests need to print their digital tickets?
Guests have the option of printing their digital tickets and bringing them to the ceremony, or can save the digital version on a mobile device. Staff will scan the QR code on each ticket for entry.

14. Am I required to attend the Graduate School Convocation ceremony?
No, students have the option for which ceremonies they attend. As a reminder, the University’s colleges and schools will host individual convocation ceremonies. Some departments within the larger colleges and schools may host individual ceremonies based on the size of their graduating class. There will also be the University-Wide Commencement Ceremony where deans of each college and school will recognize graduates as a group.