Instructions for Graduates

Congratulations!

You are so close to joining the ranks of our legendary alumni.

  • If you intend to participate in the commencement ceremony, read below for what to do before, during and after the event. 
  • If you are undecided about participating in commencement, or if you change your mind about attending, please update your intent to participate or not on your application in myBama (under Degree Audit & Graduation on the Student tab). Choosing not to attend will remove you from future communications about the event. 
  • If you did not elect to participate in commencement, you will not receive further communications from the ceremonies and events office. Choosing not to participate in the ceremony does not affect receiving your diploma. All diplomas will ship per the date on the Academic Calendar.  

Arrival and Check-in

Where to go:

  • Arrive at the Crisp Indoor Practice Facility, located directly to the west of Coleman Coliseum, 90 minutes prior to the ceremony start time.
  • Door opens 90 minutes before the ceremony time.

What to expect:

  • Arrive on time, check in with your college, get your official portrait made, then line up on the practice field with your divisional college.
  • The processional to the coliseum begins 30 minutes prior to the ceremony start time.
  • Photo lines close 45 minutes prior to the ceremony start time.
  • No guests are allowed in the Crisp Indoor Practice Facility.
  • No graduates are allowed inside Coleman Coliseum prior to the ceremony. 
  • Doctoral candidates will check in with the Graduate School. Make arrangements to meet your hooding professor prior.
  • Accelerated Master’s Program graduates receiving both degrees will check in with the Graduate School. AMP will be recognized for receiving both degrees simultaneously. Master’s regalia is required but any undergraduate cords, stoles and caps may also be worn. 

What to bring:

  • Arrive in full academic regalia.  (Contact the University Supply Store now to obtain regalia.)
  • Comfortable shoes are recommended. You will be traveling long distances on varied surfaces, including artificial turf and stairs at the stage.
  • Graduates eligible for any honors items including cords, stoles, or caps, will be contacted by their college to arrange receiving them prior to or during check-in.
  • No food or beverages are allowed, except for disposable bottles of water.
  • All bags must adhere to the clear bag policy.  

Ceremony

  • The ceremony lasts 1-1.5 hours.  
  • Take all your belongings with you to the stage and exit the building once you cross the stage.  
  • The exit leads to the east parking lot where you can meet your guests. 
  • A wheelchair lift for the stage is available. Please let an event staff member know day of, if you would like to use the lift, and they will coordinate this as you approach the stage. 
  • In case of severe weather, graduates will be allowed to return to their seats, per direction of event staff during the ceremony.
  • All diplomas will ship to the student’s permanent address listed on their MyBama, per the date on the Academic Calendar

InfoEmail Communication Awareness

All communications regarding commencement will be sent to your Crimson email. Please monitor it for updates, deadlines, and further instructions.