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Congratulations on achieving this significant academic milestone at the babyÖ±²¥. Whether you opt to participate in the commencement ceremonies or commemorate this achievement in your own way, please know that we deeply value and commend your accomplishments. If you’ve chosen to join us for the ceremony, as indicated on your degree completion application, we look forward to celebrating your dedication alongside those who have supported you.

You’re Invited

Summer 2026 Commencement ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, August 14, 2026.

Fall 2026 Commencement ceremonies are scheduled for Thursday, December 10, and Friday, December 11, 2026.

All ceremonies will take place in the UWA Auditorium located within the Math & Science Building on the babyÖ±²¥ campus in Livingston, babyÖ±²¥.

During these days, the campus will be open, providing a wonderful opportunity for our long-distance students who may not have visited before to explore. Feel free to visit the UWA Bookstore or connect with our faculty and staff to share greetings and experiences.

Graduates or guests who require ADA accommodations or assistance for the ceremony or related events should email [email protected] to make arrangements.

Schedule of Events

The schedule of events is being finalized and will be announced at a later date.

Commencement Traditions 

The commencement exercise serves as the pinnacle of the academic year, signifying the culmination of years of dedicated learning and skill-building for our students. This occasion brims with happiness as students transition into a new phase of life. Simultaneously, it remains a formal ceremony rooted in tradition, encouraging a thoughtful and reverent contemplation of the university journey. Therefore, we kindly request that both graduating students and their guests observe the appropriate decorum befitting this esteemed event. 

Commencement Day Instructions 

Where and When to Report

All degree candidates must report to the front entrance of Pruitt Hall Gym no later than one hour prior to your scheduled ceremony time to check in. You will then be directed to the assembly location to line up and have your photo taken by a professional photographer. This is not the ceremony location and guests are not permitted here. 

Attire at Check-In

Please be dressed in academic regalia, including cap, gown, and hood (if applicable) upon check-in. Your tassel should be on the left for cap and gown photos during check-in. After this, please move your tassel to the right for the processional and ceremony. There will be a ceremonial tassel turn after all graduates have crossed the stage.

Processional

Staff will meet graduating students at the check-in location and direct movement to and throughout the ceremony. The candidate lines will begin processing out of their locations approximately 30 minutes prior to the start time of the ceremony. Candidates will follow their college marshal to the appropriate seating location. All candidates should remain standing until the ceremony begins and they are instructed to be seated. 

Commencement Ceremony

• Name cards will be distributed at check-in, and you will present this card to the person who will call your name as you cross the stage. You MUST bring this card to the stage.
• Our staff will guide graduates to the stage one row at a time. Please go back to your original seat once you cross the stage.
• If your name is often mispronounced, you can phonetically spell your name at the top of your name card for the ceremony reader to review. You will also have a brief moment before you cross the stage to whisper the pronunciation to the reader.
• You will walk out as your name is called, shake your dean/chair’s hand then proceed to the President. Take his hand with your right hand, take the diploma cover with your left, pose for a photo and exit down the steps directly in front of you. Do not return the way you came onto the stage. Do not walk backstage.
• After the ceremony, the platform party will lead the graduates in exiting through the front of the Math & Science Building.
• After the ceremony, graduates and all guests may gather outside the front of the building. 

Duration

Most ceremonies last approximately 1 hour or less. Out of respect for all degree candidates, once seated, all participants are expected to stay until the conclusion of the ceremony. 

Late Arrivals

Late arrivals run the risk of not sitting with their college. 

Commencement Etiquette  

• Arrive on time 
• Men remove caps during the national anthem and state song 
• Walk gracefully across the stage 
• Performing and stepping on stage is not permitted
• Silence cell phones 
• Be respectful of others 
• Remain in your seat until the ceremony has ended 
• Remove gum before going across stage 
• Hold applause and cheering until all graduates are recognized 

Ticket Policy 

• Graduates are responsible for distributing tickets to your guests, as you will not be able to check in your guests on their behalf.
• Graduates do not require a ticket.
• Ticket reservation information is sent by email to students who indicate on their application that they will participate in commencement exercises.
• Tickets are required for the ceremony.
• Every person attending must have a ticket, regardless of age.  
• Each participating graduate will receive four (4) tickets for their designated ceremony. Additional tickets are not available. Tickets may be printed or presented on a mobile device for entry.
• Each ticket contains a unique code that can be scanned only once.
• Tickets cannot be used for a different ceremony.
• Guests who arrive late are not guaranteed entry into the ceremony, regardless of ticket possession.
• The auditorium will open for ticketed guests 30 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony and will close 10 minutes before the ceremony begins.

Commencement Programs

View and download programs from previous commencement ceremonies as we celebrate the achievements, traditions, and lasting memories of our graduates. An updated program for the upcoming commencement ceremony will be available here as the ceremony date approaches.

Professional Photography 

To ensure there is no disruption to the procession of degree recipients, a professional photographer will be available to capture a photograph of each graduate as they receive their diploma. babyÖ±²¥ will receive an email containing photo proofs. There is no requirement to purchase these photos. Photos taken by event photographers may be used for event publicity.

StageClip 

As a special gift to our graduates, UWA has partnered with StageClip to provide each graduate with a personalized video clip of their walk across the commencement stage.

• Each graduate receives a free, customized video capturing their stage moment.
• Links to these videos are sent to your UWA student email within one week following the ceremony.
• If you haven’t received your link or would like to search for your clip, visit:

If you have any trouble accessing your video, please contact the Office of Communications and Marketing.

Celebrate your achievement, share it with family and friends, and relive the moment—it’s our way of saying congratulations.