Graduation and Commencement
Countdown to
Fall 2026 CEREMONIES
Saturday, December 12, 2026 | James A. Rhodes Arena (JAR)
10:00 AM Ceremony
Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
College of Business
Interdisciplinary Programs
ROTC Commissioning
2:00 PM Ceremony
College of Engineering and Polymer Science
College of Health and Human Sciences
ON THIS PAGE
You will find how to get information and details for:
How to apply to graduate.
Watching or attending the commencement ceremony.
What to expect after completing graduation.
Additional related university resources.
Graduation vs. Commencement
These two words are often used synonymously, but there are key differences.
Graduation — REQUIRED
- Is the conferring of a degree. This happens after you have completed all of your program requirements.
- You must apply to graduate to officially complete your degree. The Registrar conducts a last review and then certifies your degree. This process takes at least a few weeks after the end of the semester and after the Commencement ceremony.
- You can graduate regardless if you particpate in commencement.
Commencement — OPTIONAL
- This is the formal ceremony to celebrate your graduation. Your participation in this is completely optional.
- You do not need to participate in the ceremony to complete your degree and officially graduate.
