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commencement ceremony

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where will the ceremonies be held?

    All in-person ceremonies will be held at Bartow Arena.

  • When will the ceremonies be held?
    • Graduate Ceremony: Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 9:30 am
    • Undergraduate Ceremonies: Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 2:00 pm.
  • Where should we park?

    All lots within proximity to Bartow Arena will be open for parking.

    Handicap parking (placard or tag required) is also available in the lot behind Campbell Hall (off University Blvd. and 13th Street). Parking is free.

  • Do we have to wear masks?

    Masks will not be required for commencement. Please refer to the https://www.uab.edu/uabunited/faculty-staff/health-safety#personal-safety-practices regarding the current masking policy on campus.

  • How many guests can we bring?

    There is no limit on family, friends, and guests.

  • Are there any clothing or bag restrictions?

    Bartow Arena enforces a clear bag policy. Strollers must be left in the concourse area, and umbrellas should be stored under your seat or in the concourse area. Balloons are not permitted, as they obstruct the view of guests watching the graduates cross the stage.

  • Will there be concessions?

    Concessions will be available. The UAB Bookstore will, also, have it's kiosk open so the guests may purchase items.

  • How long will the ceremonies last?

    We expect these ceremonies to last approximately two hours.

  • When should we arrive?

    Graduates should arrive at Bartow Arena at least one hour prior to their ceremony start time. You will enter on the lower level of Bartow Arena from 13th Street South. You will then go to your left and onto the arena floor. Find your school section and take a seat.

  • How do we get to our designated area?

    Enter Bartow Arena through the 13th Street South entrance. You will be directed to the area for your school.

    We will be using a digital QR code for your name card. Please make sure to bring your charged cell phone with your QR code displayed in order to have your name read as you cross the stage. If you do not receive a QR code, please head to the Lost & Found / Name Card Pickup area to create a name card.

  • How should we prepare for the ceremony once we arrive?

    Find your school section and take a seat (please do not save seats. If you wish to sit with your friends wait until you are all there and find seats together). A faculty school marshal will then let you know when it is time for your row to make your way to the stage to have your name called and walk across the stage.

  • Will there be a traditional handshake and photo?

    There will be a photo opportunity with the president and dean. We will have 2 opportunities for photos: While crossing the stage -- The spot where graduates will stand will be marked with an “X”. After exiting the stage, there will be another photo opportunity at a designated portrait backdrop.

    After the photo, graduates will return to their seats. Because this is a formal ceremony, we ask that you do not leave until the ceremony has concluded.

  • Will there be a formal recession?

    There is not a formal processional for the graduates. Once the ceremony is over and the platform party has recessed, graduates, guests, family, and friends must immediately exit Bartow Arena.

  • Will the ceremonies be livestreamed?

    Yes, we will livestream on our Facebook and YouTube channels.

  • How will I receive updates about any changes to the ceremonies?

    You will always receive an email from the UAB Commencement account.

  • How soon after the ceremonies will I receive my diploma?

    Assuming you have no financial holds on your student account, you will receive your diploma in the mail, to the address on file in Blazernet, within 6-8 weeks after final grades are posted.

  • When will I receive photos taken at commencement?

    Proofs will be sent in 1-2 business days. If you have not received please call Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576, online at www.gradimages.com, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  • What if I have questions about regalia?

    Please direct all questions regarding regalia (cap and gown) to the UAB Bookstore: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (205) 996-2665.

  • Where do I pick up my Latin Honors cords?

    You may pick up your Latin Honors cords in the Lost and Found/Lost Name Card/Coat Check room off the 13th Street South entrance of Bartow Arena. When you walk into Bartow Arena, head straight into the Lost and Found room. Someone will verify that you are on the list and give you your cords. If you are not on the list, you will not receive cords.

  • Will closed captioning be provided?
  • Why am I receiving communications about QR codes?

    You will receive emails from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. about a QR code. This code will be used as your digital name card during the ceremony and is how your name will be read and displayed on the Jumbotron. IT IS NOT SPAM. Please save this e-mail!

  • I am an ABM student; do I need two sets of regalia?

    No, you only need to purchase either your bachelor’s regalia or your master’s regalia.

  • How do I request disability accommodations?

    Reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for accommodation requests. Please allow 2-3 weeks for requests. We have a quiet room assigned for graduates that may need that space and we can make additional adjustments as needed per request.

 

Contacts for Additional Questions

Diploma and Commencement program questions should be directed to the Registrar's office:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (205) 934-8228

Graduate school questions should be directed to Kim Eaton, director of Graduate School communications and events:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (205) 975-6539

Disability Support questions or requests should be directed to Jessica Eddings, Commencement Coordinator:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (205) 975-7724