The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is introducing several updates to fall 2025 commencement ceremonies, offering graduates new traditions and a refreshed look to celebrate their academic achievements.

New Ceremony Structure

UAB will host a dedicated Doctoral Hooding Ceremony, open to doctoral graduates who submit a Plan 1 dissertation (such as PhD, DSc, EdD and DrPH).

• Wednesday, Dec. 10 at the Alys Stephens Center
  • Ph.D. Hooding Ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m. (doors open at 5:00 p.m.)

This change is designed to give Ph.D. graduates a moment that is personal, celebratory, and academically focused—surrounded by family, mentors, and colleagues.

In addition, UAB will shift from dividing ceremonies by graduate and undergraduate levels to grouping them by school and college, allowing students to celebrate alongside peers within their academic community.

• Saturday, Dec. 13 at Bartow Arena
  • Morning Ceremony | 9:30 a.m. (doors open at 8:30 a.m.)
    – College of Arts and Sciences
    – Collat School of Business
  • Afternoon Ceremony | 2:00 p.m. (doors open at 1:00 p.m.)
    – All other schools and colleges

New UAB-Branded Regalia

This fall marks the debut of new UAB-branded regalia, giving graduates the opportunity to be seen in the new green. The new regalia reflects a bold, cohesive identity that honors the university’s traditions while showcasing its forward momentum. Students should avoid reusing old regalia with retired logos from past ceremonies. Instead, students should purchase refreshed regalia this year to ensure every graduate walks the stage in the official new look.

Important Dates and Deadlines

• Register to Walk Deadline: Dec. 1
• Grad Fair Oct. 7 | 9 a.m.–6 p.m. | New Bookstore
• Regalia Ordering Windows:
  • Bachelor’s & Master’s Regalia: Oct. 1 – Nov. 7
  • Custom Doctoral: Aug. 18 – Sept. 30
  • Doctoral Rentals: Sept. 1 – Oct. 24

More information, including full schedules, registration details, and regalia guidelines, visit the UAB Commencement website.