FAQs
Commencement is a special time for our graduates, their families, friends and the University of Tampa community. Please review the following frequently asked questions. If you have a questions not listed here, please reach out to the commencement team at commencement@ut.edu
Preparing for Graduation
- What is the difference between graduation and commencement?Ìý
- Which commencement ceremony do I attend?Ìý
- How do I register for commencement?Ìý
- How do I get my cap and gown (regalia)?Ìý
Commencement Ceremony General Information
- Where and when is the commencement?Ìý
- Is the venue indoors?Ìý
- Where is the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall, and where do we park?
- What items are permitted or prohibited at the venue?
- Is there accessibile seating available?Ìý
- What time do doors open for guests?Ìý
- How long does the ceremony last?Ìý
- Where do I meet my guests after the ceremony?Ìý
- Are strollers or carseats allowed in the venue?Ìý
Graduate Arrival and Seating
- What time should graduates arrive?Ìý
- What should graduates wear to the venue?
- What is graduate check-in, and when does it end?Ìý
- Is seating assigned for graduates?Ìý
- What etiquette is expected of graduates?Ìý
Guest Tickets
- How many guest tickets do graduates receive?Ìý
- Do children need tickets?
- Is the ticket a physical ticket or electronic?
- Is there a Livestream available for families and friends that cannot attend?
Diploma and Recognition
Photography and Video
- Will there be professional photos, and how do I view them?
- Where can I take photos with my guests before or after the ceremony?
Additional Questions
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What is the difference between graduation and commencement?Ìý
Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements to be awarded your degree and receive your printed diploma. Commencement is the symbolic ceremony, at which your graduation is publicly acknowledged and celebrated.
The University commencement ceremonies recognize all graduates across disciplines and degree levels. Individual colleges and departments sometimes arrange additional celebrations including hooding ceremonies for master and doctoral candidates.
Participation in the commencement ceremony or additional celebrations is optional, and not required to receive your diploma. Likewise, participation in the ceremony does not equate to graduating.
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Which commencement ceremony do I attend?Ìý
The University’s commencement ceremonies are held in December and May. Students earning bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees are only permitted to participate in the commencement ceremony for their college's primary program of study during their final term of coursework.
Students finishing their final coursework in the Summer Terms are eligible to attend the May before or the December after their degree is conferred.Ìý
January graduation candidates are eligible to attend the December immediately preceeding their final coursework, or the May ceremony immediately after their final coursework is completed, although degree conferral will not take place until May. Please reach out to commencement@ut.edu if wishing to participate in December's ceremony, as your name will not appear on the graduation list.
For more information regarding commencement participation policies .
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How do I register for commencement?
Please refer to the Graduation Checklist for full details of the multi-step process. Applying to Graduate from the university is a separate step than registering for commencement. Each term will have specific deadlines for both applications.
When graduating students register for commencement they are able to provide the phonetic spelling of their name; submit ADA accomodation requests for themselves or for their guests; and register for guests tickets.
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How do I get my cap and gown (regalia)?
Regalia (cap and gown) are pre-ordered during the Grad Fair each fall and spring. They are then distributed from the University Bookstore starting typically 3 weeks prior to commencement ceremony. Students can only pick-up regalia for themselves and are required to show their Spartan IDs.Ìý
If a student did not pre-order their cap and gown by the deadline, they will be served on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please note that sizing may be limited if a pre-order was not completed.Ìý
Please refer to the Graduate ChecklistÌýfor specific dates for pre-orders and pick-up.
Additionally, please try on your cap and gown as soon as you pick it up to make sure it fits before arriving to the fairgrounds for commencement.
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Where and when is the commencement?Ìý
University of Tampa commencement ceremonies are held twice a yearÌýat the Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds.Ìý Please refer to the main Commencement page for specific ceremony dates and times. Ceremony times for December and May are updated each year based on expected graduate numbers. These dates and times are posted by October 1 of the academic year.
Please note that the university-wide commencement ceremony is a separate event from individual graduate program hoodings and celebrations. Information for those events will come directly from the program or individual college.
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The Expo Hall is an indoor venue with stadium-style seating. Please note that there are no elevators or escalators on site, and getting to the seating area requires navigating stairs. Limited ADA accessible seating is available. Tickets for this section must be requested by the graduating student in their commencement registration form.
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Where is the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall, and where do we park?
To get to the Florida State Fairgrounds please use the addressÌý4800 US-301, Tampa, FL 33610.ÌýThis will take you to the gate on US-301. Graduates, families, and guestsÌýMUST ONLYÌýutilize the US301 or MLK Blvd Entrances.Ìý
The venue is about 15-20 minutes from campus without traffic. Please plan for congestion around the fairgrounds area, and at least aÌý45ÌýminuteÌýdrive with parking.
Parking isÌýFREE,Ìýjust let the attendant know that your are attending the commencement ceremony.
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What items are permitted or prohibited at the venue?
All graduates and guests will go through security screening including metal detectors and bag checks, prior to gaining admittance to the venue. For the safety and security of all graduates and guests, please see below for permitted and prohibited items.
Please note, that security has the right to inspect any item at any time based on safety. 
Prohibited items must immediately be returned to the owner’s vehicle or disposed of before entering the commencement venue.  Failure to do so will result in being denied admittance to the ceremony. 
Should individuals, including graduating students, display disruptive behavior or be found in possession of any of these items, they may be immediately removed from the venue and denied access from participating in the ceremony. â¶Ä¯Ìý
The commencement ceremony is an alcohol, tobacco and drug-free event. â¶Ä¯
- Permitted Items: â¶Ä¯
- Small purses and clutches with personal belongings â¶Ä¯â€¯Ìý
- Necessary medications â¶Ä¯
- Umbrellas â¶Ä¯
- Cameras and video recorders â¶Ä¯
- Strollers â¶Ä¯
- Service animals 
 As defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, a service animal is defined as an animal that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.
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- Prohibited Items: â¶Ä¯
- Weapons â¶Ä¯of any kind
- Please note that the Florida Open Carry law does not include school functions. No weapons are allowed at this event.Ìý ÌýÌý
- Beverages of any kindÌý
- Alcohol or illegal substances
- Glass containers â¶Ä¯
- Backpacks â¶Ä¯
- Tobacco, vaping, hemp-based THC, or intoxicants â¶Ä¯
- Noisemakers â¶Ä¯
- Laser pointers â¶Ä¯
- Non-service animals â¶Ä¯
- Balloons â¶Ä¯
- Banners â¶Ä¯
- Signage Ìý
- Any item that may cause a disruption or pose a safety risk
- Weapons â¶Ä¯of any kind
*Please note: While strollers are permitted into the commencement venue, guests must leave the strollers at the designated stroller check location. СÓÅÊÓƵ is not responsible for strollers or any items left at the stroller check location.
Prohibited items must immediately be returned to the owner’s vehicle or disposed of before entering the commencement venue. Failure to do so will result in being denied admittance to the ceremony.ÌýSignage listing prohibited items will be posted at entrances and communicated in pre-event materials.
Concessions will be open prior to the ceremony (snacks & beverages).
The University Bookstore will sell limited graduation merchandise on-site, and СÓÅÊÓƵampa Diplomats will offer flowers for purchase.
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Is accessible seating available?Ìý
If any of your guests require accessible seating, it is important that you indicate this during registration for guest tickets as you will be given specific tickets for them, as space allows.
For guests in wheelchairs and those with limited mobility, there is designated seating.
A Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and Visual Impairment ADA section is located near the stage with views of the LCD screens and the ASL interpreter.
Please note: For all guests who require special accommodations for seating,Ìýonly one companion from the remainder of your guest party may sit with them during the ceremony. The remainder of your guests will need to sit in the open stadium seating. Ushers will be available to escort guests to the designated ADA seating area.
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What time do doors open for guests?Ìý
Doors open one hour prior to each ceremony. Please note that while we highly suggest planning ample time for parking and traffic, the entrance area to the venue is outdoors and guests will not be admitted prior to doors opening.
Attendees must be seated before the processional. No one can be seated during the processional. Please let your guests know this in advance. Seats cannot be reserved for other guests and seats are available on a first-come basis.ÌýÌý
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How long does the ceremony last?Ìý
The ceremonies are expected to last approximately two to two and a half hours, depending on the number of graduating students.
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Where do I meet my guests after the ceremony?Ìý
Guests will exit the ceremony from the gates they entered in front of the Expo Hall. Graduates will exit the ceremony from the gates they entered in front of the Entertainment Hall.Ìý Outside the gates there will be "Meeting Zone" signs. Please make note of these before entering the venue to setup a meeting place for your party.
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Are strollers or carseats allowed in the venue?Ìý
While both are allowed, please note the following:
Children 3 and under do not require a ticket, onlyÌýif they are not occupying a seat and sitting in the lap of a ticketed guest. If you bring an infant in a car seat/carrier, they will need a ticket because the carrier will take the space of a seat.
Strollers can be brought into the Expo Hall cannot be taken into the seating area and must be left at the stroller check. СÓÅÊÓƵ and the Florida State Fairgrounds are not responsible or liable for strollers or any items left at the stroller check location.
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What time should graduates arrive?Ìý
Graduates may enter the venue beginning one hour prior to the start of the ceremony.Ìý Please refer to the specific commencement page (DecemberÌýorÌýMay) for dates and times.
Please allow plenty of time for arrival, parking, and going through security (metal detectors and bag checks) before entering the building. If you are in the second or third ceremony in May, there will be extra traffic at the fairgrounds when you arrive from the prior ceremony ending and other events happening at the Florida State Fairgrounds.
Graduates and guests will park in theÌýsame parking lot, but enter throughÌýseparate entrances.Ìý
Graduates should plan ample time for arrival, and should be checked-in 25 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Pre-seating closes 15 minutes before the ceremony.ÌýGraduates arriving after this time will be seatedÌýafter the National Anthem, and seats cannot be held.ÌýIf you plan to sit with friends, you must arrive together.
Throughout the check-in process, you must follow the instructions of the faculty marshals, staff and University of Tampa Diplomats who are organizing the event. Be patient and understanding.Ìý Ìý
*Please note that family members and guests are not permitted in the graduate check-in area.*
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What should graduates wear to the venue?Ìý
Graduating candidates are required to wear the University official traditional cap, gown and hood (if applicable). There will be no exceptions. Please note, that starting December 2025 there is new university regalia. Graduating candidates must beÌýin this regalia. Please ensure you have picked up your regalia in the 2025-2026Ìýacademic year.
Graduates must enter through security when arriving at the venue. They will not be allowed to enter wearing their robes, and should hold the robe over their arm as they pass through security. They can put on their regalia once in the check-in area.
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What is graduate check-in, and when does it end?Ìý
At graduate check-in, students will put on their regalia and pick-up their "reader card". They will then get in line for pre-seating. University staff and СÓÅÊÓƵampa Diplomats will take students to the ceremony floor, and show them where to sit. All available seats in each row must be filled in, and seats cannot be held.ÌýIf you plan to sit with friends, you must arrive together.
Pre-seating closes 15 minutes before the ceremony.ÌýGraduates arriving after this time will be seatedÌýafter the National Anthem, and seats cannot be held.ÌýIf you plan to sit with friends, you must arrive together.
Once candidates have been seated, they must remain in their seats for the duration of the ceremony.
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Is seating assigned for graduates?Ìý
Seating is not assigned for graduates. However there are specific sections that graduates will sit in. Undergraduate students have a section, and Master's and Doctoral candidates have a separate section.
Additionally for the May Ceremony that combines both the College of Arts and Letters and the College of Social Sciences, Mathematics and Education, students are seated by college.
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What etiquette is expected of graduates?Ìý
All graduating students are required to remain seated throughout the ceremony. Please tell your family and friends that all guests must remain in their seats until the platform party, faculty and graduates have processed off the floor. Students and their families/friends should designate a meeting place outside before entering the building. Graduates utilize a different entrance and exit than guests.
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How many guest tickets do graduates receive?Ìý
All guest attendees must have a ticket to attend the СÓÅÊÓƵampa commencement ceremonies. Each graduate that registers for commencement by the posted deadline is guaranteed six guest tickets through electronic distribution.
Additional tickets may be requested in the application, but are not guaranteed. Extra tickets are distributed as available. If demand for additional tickets exceeds supply, a lottery system will be used to distribute extra tickets.ÌýÌý
Graduates should refrain from inviting more than the allotted ticket amount as extra tickets on the day of the ceremony are not available, andÌýguests without tickets will not be permitted to enter the ceremony.Ìý
For more information regarding ticketing, please see the Ticketing Information page.
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Children ages 3 and under do not require a ticket. However, they cannot occupy a seat and must sit in the lap of a ticketed guest. All guests ages 4 and above will require a ticket to enter the ceremony.
Additionally, if you bring an infant in a car seat/carrier, they will need a ticket because the carrier will take the space of a seat.
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Is the ticket a physical ticket or electronic?Ìý
Electronic tickets are sent to each graduating student who is registered to participate in Commencement. Graduates can print or email their tickets to their guests.
Tickets can either be presented and scanned from a printed copy or from any smart device. Each ticket has a unique QR code and cannot be scanned more than once.
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Is there a Livestream available for families and friends that cannot attend?Ìý
A livestream is available on our Commencement website for each ceremony. The stream begins 15 minutes before the ceremony. Approximately 1 - 2 weeks after the ceremony, the recording will be posted on the website as well.
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When will I receive my diploma?Ìý
At the ceremony, you will receive your diploma cover.  Your will receive an email from the Registrar's Office prior to graduation that will include the estimated timeframe for diploma shipment.Ìý
Please make sure to update your "Diploma Address" with the University via Workday to ensure you receive your diploma.Ìý
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How are graduates recognized on stage?Ìý
Graduates will be recognized individually. The students will stand by row and be led up the aisle by the faculty marshals. They will proceed to the left side of the stage (from the audience vantage point), pick up their diploma cover and hand the card they were given to the reader for their name to be announced.Ìý
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Will there be professional photos, and how do I view them?Ìý
Students will then walk across the stage as a photographer takes their picture with the University President. Students will then continue off the platform to the right for two more professional photos and return to their seats. The photography company, Grad Images, will send a link to the graduating student's Spartan email account to access the photos and purchase them if they would like. These links are typically sent within 1 - 5 days after the ceremony.
To expedite the process, graduating students will be sent a link to upload a selfie to help receive their graduation photos faster.ÌýÌýIf you have any issues accessing your photos after Commencement please contact Grad Images's Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576, online at , or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.Ìý
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Where can I take photos with my guests before or after the ceremony?Ìý
Graduates and guests enter and exit the venue from two separate entrances, and will not be able to take photos inside the venue. Please plan accordingly to meet at the meeting zones outside the venue after the ceremony. There will be signs with "Meeting Zone A", "Meeting Zone B", etc. outside of the entrance gates.
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What if I have additional questions regarding the ceremony?Ìý
Please contact Orientation and Family Engagement atÌýcommencement@ut.eduÌýor (813) 257-1999. Our office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. We are happy to help!
