Frequently Asked Questions

  • I think I deleted the e-mail about the upcoming commencement ceremonies. Where can I find the information in that e-mail?

    You can download the email in a PDF format to view all the information.

  • Where will the ceremonies be held?

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

  • When will the ceremonies be held?
    • Graduate Ceremony: Friday, August 12 – 6:00 p.m.
    • Undergraduate Ceremony: Saturday, August 13 – 9:30 a.m.
  • 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?

    While Bartow Arena does not have a bag policy; strollers must be left in the concourse area and umbrellas must be kept under your seat or in the concourse area. No balloons are allowed as they impede other guests' view of graduates crossing 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 upstairs to the concourse area and find your school line for the processional.

  • 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.

    This semester we are implementing a digital name card system, so please make sure you bring a charged cell phone with you, which will be used to display your name card to the card scanner. You will receive text alerts about this new system from a company called Full Measure. Do not ignore it, it is not a spam text.

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

    Find your school and line up approximately 3 feet away from the person in front of you. You will then be led onto the arena floor by faculty school marshals, where you will be seated. As the ceremony progresses, you will process across the stage when your school is called.

  • Will there be a traditional handshake and photo?

    There will be no handshake with the president or dean, but graduates will still have their photo taken. 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. Also, once you have registered to walk, you will receive a text message from a company called Full Measure with information on how to access the program, take the First Destination survey, and share photos to social media.

  • 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 can pick up your cords for Latin Honors from the UAB Bookstore. The Bookstore has a list of those who should receive various cords for their Latin Honors.

  • 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.

 

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 Gwynne Mountz, Commencement Coordinator:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (205) 934-0622

EVENTS