Commencement FAQs

Do not apply for graduation until the semester you will actually complete your last class or requirement for your degree(s), whether it be a Class, Field Study, or Internship.

No. Applying for graduation is completely separate from registering to attend the ceremony. Some graduating students choose not to attend the ceremony. To have an accurate count of chairs for graduate seating, you must also RSVP for the ceremony.

Students should arrive at least 45 - 60 minutes before their ceremony. Once they have completed the check-in process, they will be directed to their seats for the ceremony.

Each graduate will receive a 3x5 reader card when they arrive at check-in for Commencement. Information for the reader card will be taken from the RSVP form. This form will include their name as they want it announced, a phonetic spelling, any honors designation for which they are eligible, and personal identifiers for the photographers. Students will give the Reader their card when entering the stage. Please do not roll the card up, make extraneous marks on it, etc., as this makes it more difficult for the Reader to announce you properly. The photographers use this card as well to keep track of the photo orders.

There will be a limited supply of replacement cards on-hand during check-in.

Yes, we provide printed programs for all graduates. If you want your name listed in the program, you must do two things: 
1. You must register to graduate by November 8 AND
2. Release your privacy hold in myUWF, allowing us to print your name

Generally, the mortarboard sits on the top of the head, so the board portion is parallel to the floor. It does not belong on the back of the head.

Yes, you can decorate your cap so long as the decorations are family-friendly.

No, we do not facilitate a grad cap toss at our ceremonies. Most universities do not do this. That's more of a television thing than a real-life thing.

Undergraduate students should wear the tassel on the right side. The President will indicate during the ceremony when the tassel should be moved to the left side.

Graduate students should wear the tassel on the left side.

Yes, Doctoral, Specialists, and Masters graduates will be hooded on stage.

There is currently no limit to the number of guests you can bring to the ceremony at the Pensacola Bay Center. Tickets are not needed.

• Please view the Honors tab under 'Graduates.' You will find that information there.
• You may also view the Undergraduate Catalog for detailed information on Baccalaureate Honors.
• Baccalaureate Honors are printed on the diploma and transcript.
• UWF does not recognize honors for graduate students since a 3.5 is the minimum required for admission to any graduate program.
• Your honors designation will NOT be announced during the ceremonies.

Students should drape the honor cords over their shoulders, with the cords hanging down each side of the gown. If you are uncertain, your college marshal should help you during check-in.

In general, students may wear their sorority or fraternity "stole" around the neck, with the sides hanging down each side of the gown. They may also wear cords or small ribbons awarded to them by an honorary society or group. While students will not be asked to remove them, they should refrain from wearing other decorations. Too many adornments become distracting and detract from the tradition of the event.

In order to participate in the ceremony, you must wear appropriate regalia. Anyone without regalia will not be allowed to walk in the ceremony. The University Bookstore orders plenty of extras for students who did not place a pre-order. Contact the University Bookstore at 850.474.2150.

Once your degree is placed in an awarded status, it will be reflected on your transcript. Students earning a bachelor's degree or higher will receive a courtesy electronic diploma at no cost approximately two weeks after the degree award. All financial holds must be cleared before the diploma will be released. Email graduation@uwf.edu with any questions regarding diplomas. If you want a hard copy of your diploma, visit How to Submit a Diploma Request.

Summer graduates are invited to walk in either the Spring ceremony before or the Fall after graduating. Your name will appear in the Spring Commencement program as a prospective graduate and then in the Fall program as a graduate. While UWF only has two ceremonies, degrees are conferred all three semesters- spring, summer, and fall.

If any programs are available afterward, you may email commencement@uwf.edu to obtain a copy. Please include the address to which you would like it sent and add MAIL PROGRAM in the subject line.

Questions regarding pictures taken at the Commencement ceremonies should be directed to Grad Images.

Limited handicap parking is available at the Pensacola Bay Center for cars with a parking permit. The Pensacola Bay Center does not supply wheelchairs, so guests should bring their own if needed. Special seating is limited and on a first-come-first-serve basis. Volunteers will be stationed around the center to offer direction and assistance. The commencement committee does not handle this assistance for family members. 

UWF commencement ceremonies are held twice a year, at the end of the fall and spring semesters. In addition to the in-person ceremony, UWF live streams both ceremonies.

Applying for graduation is entirely separate from registering to attend the ceremony. Students must RSVP for commencement to participate.

• Fall Graduates must RSVP to the Fall Commencement ceremony.
• Spring Graduates must RSVP to the Spring Commencement ceremony
• Summer graduates have the option to participate in either the preceding spring or the following fall ceremony.