Office of the Registrar - Commencement

What is the difference between Graduation and Commencement?

Graduation is the official confirmation that you met all your degree requirements and that your degree has been conferred.

Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates your graduation. UT Dallas students who participate in commencement ceremonies are considered “candidates” for graduation.

Commencement Checklist:

1.   Important deadlines to remember:

2. Summer applicants need to review the Summer 2013 Graduation website for information regarding Commencement.

3. Submit your Commencement RSVP by the deadline above. This is required if you plan to attend your Commencement Ceremony.

4.  Review your Diploma Name in Orion, as the Commencement program and the name the Orator read when you cross the stage will be the Diploma Name shown therein.

5.   Order your cap and gown from Herff Jones*.

6.   Order your graduation announcements from Herff Jones*.

7.  Tickets will not be available to claim electronically until 3-4 weeks before Commencement.

• Please see the Academic Calendar for the date guest tickets will be available.
• Follow the step-by-step instructions when you claim your electronic tickets.
• Read more information regarding  Commencement Ceremony tickets.

8.  Read the Commencement Ceremony Instructions for you and your guests.

9. Participating in Commencement with Latin and Major Honors:

A student with less than 45 U.T. Dallas graded credit hour in the semester prior to graduation may receive their Latin Honors medallion at Commencement if and only if they meet the following conditions:

• You must be enrolled in enough hours to meet the 45 hours requirement in the semester they are choosing to walk at commencement (i.e. a student who will officially graduate in summer but choosing to walk in spring must be enrolled in enough hours to meet the 45 hours requirement at end of spring not summer).
• You should not have initiated any drop/withdrawal procedures that would drop them below the 45 hour requirement.
• You must have been passing all courses at the time of midterm grades.
• You must meet these requirements by the incomplete deadline for the term you are planning to participate in Commencement.

10. Find out how and when you will receive your diploma.

11. Undergraduates - Make a lasting contribution to UT Dallas by completing the Undergraduate Graduation Exit Survey.

12. For any additional questions, please review the Frequently Asked Questions page.

13. Go back to the Undergraduate or Graduate Graduation Checklists and make sure you complete all the steps necessary to complete your degree.

*Herff Jones is the official vendor for the UT Dallas Commencement Ceremonies.