This information is sourced from the Registrar website. Additional details may be available from the source page.
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What is the difference between graduation and commencement?
Graduation refers to the process in which students apply for their degree to be awarded at the end of the semester. The advising and registrar’s offices will complete final audits of student degrees. If the final audit is approved then students will be awarded a degree and a diploma will be mailed.
Commencement refers to the event held by the institution to celebrate students’ graduation. Commencement includes the public conferring of degrees, walking across the stage, and receiving a UNT Dallas diploma cover. Walking in commencement does not guarantee that a student has graduated. Some students may walk across the stage and appear in the commencement program while not having graduated yet.
Where can I order my cap/gown/stole/class rings/announcements?
Visit the UNT Dallas Bookstore on campus or contact them at 972-780-3652 or at untdallas@bkstr.com. The commencement gowns for both graduates and undergraduates have changed. Due to the uniqueness of the new commencement gowns, students will not be able to reuse gowns from previous commencements or purchase their gowns from another source.
How do I RSVP for commencement?
RSVP cards are available at the Registrar's Office on campus (first floor lobby of Building One). RSVP cards must be submitted by April 21st. Students must submit an RSVP card if they are intending to participate in commencement.
What if my final exam is the same time as rehearsal or commencement?
Please contact your instructor for more information on final exam arrangements. The final exam schedule for Spring 2017 can be accessed here.
How many people can I invite to the rehearsal or commencement?
Rehearsal on Wednesday, May 17th, is reserved for Spring 2017 graduation candidates only. For commencement on Friday, May 19th, , students are able to invite all immediate family and friends as tickets will not be required for the Spring 2017 ceremony. Guests should be aware that seating is on a first come first serve basis and that saving seats is not allowed.
When and where is the commencement ceremony?
The commencement ceremony for Spring 2017 will be held on May 19th, starting promptly at 5:00PM, at the Auditorium at IBOC at 7701 S Westmoreland Rd, Dallas, TX 75237.
Are tickets required for the ceremony?
Tickets are not required for the ceremony.
What do I wear to commencement?
This is a reverent and celebratory event. Students are expected to wear business casual attire under their cap and gowns. Students should be mindful that there will be a considerable amount of standing and walking at commencement, and are therefore encouraged to wear sensible shoes.
Students will report to the Chapel via the Cockrell Hill entrance already dressed out in their cap and gowns and be sure that their gowns are pressed and free of wrinkles. If cap and gown malfunctions occur, students are able to purchase replacement regalia items at the Chapel via our bookstore representatives.
What if I have earned honors?
An email will be sent out to all students who qualify for honors. This email will include information on how to order and wear honors regalia for commencement. The commencement program will include a notation on applicable honors based on the student’s current overall GPA prior to fall semester final grades. UNT Dallas recognizes the following Latin honors:
Cum Laude – 3.5-3.69 Overall GPA
Magna Cum Laude – 3.7-3.89 Overall GPA
Summa Cum Laude – 3.9-4.0 Overall GPA
Students with memberships to an honor society or student organization should contact that society or organization for information on their honor’s awards. Only sashes and embellishments from societies and organizations that are officially recognized by UNT Dallas may be worn at commencement.
What can I take with me to commencement?
Students should leave personal items in their vehicle or with their guests prior to reporting to the Chapel. Students will not be able to carry items with them across the stage, nor will they be able to leave their items in the chapel. The recessional line (when students leave commencement) will not return to the Chapel, and will instead take the students straight out the main entrance. There will not be any opportunity for students to return to the Chapel after commencement has begun.
Guests are encouraged to celebrate their students with flowers, gifts, and cheerful smiles. The following items, however, will not be permitted in the commencement auditorium:
Air horns or megaphones.
Large signs, flags or laser pointers, or incendiary devices.
Alcohol or any outside food items (Water bottles with caps are permitted)
Drones or any unmanned flying vehicles
What if I need special accommodations for myself or my guests?
Students or guests who need special accommodations for commencement will need to contact the UNT Dallas Office of Disability Services at 972-338-1777 or at UNTDdisability@untdallas.edu.
How do I get to IBOC and where should I park?
For directions to IBOC Auditorium click here.
Students will park and enter the building at the Cockrell Hill entrance, as indicated on the parking map.
Guests are encouraged to park and enter the building at the main entrance as indicated on the parking map.
What do I do when I arrive at commencement?
Students should be at IBOC Auditorium on Friday, May 19th, at 3:00 p.m. Students will park at the Cockrell Hill entrance and report to the chapel where there will be instructions on checking in and lining up. Guests should enter through the main entrance and will not be allowed in the chapel as students will not be allowed to leave the processional corridor after they have checked in.
What happens during commencement?
Students will line up in the chapel and begin to process into the auditorium sharply at the start time for commencement. During the commencement exercise students will be instructed on when to stand and line up, process across the stage, and return to a seat (likely not the same seat). After closing remarks, students will process out of the auditorium, through the lobby, and outside to the water fountain at the main entrance.
Where can I meet my guests after commencement?
The recessional line will not stop in the lobby. Students will be led out of the building and can meet their guests at the water fountain at the main entrance.
Will there be a professional photographer at commencement?
Flash Photography will be the official commencement photographer. Every graduate will be photographed at the ceremony. Students who have not received proofs within 2 weeks of the ceremony should contact Flash Photography directly at 888-325-3930 or at www.FLASHphotography.com.
Is there a lost and found for misplaced items?
Yes, there is a lost and found station at the main entrance in the lobby. The VIP kiosk will be the designated area for misplaced items to be turned in. A detailed description of the item may be requested by the attendant, prior to releasing the item.
Frequently-Asked Questions for Guests
Please distribute to guests before the commencement ceremony.
Additional questions?
Contact the Office of the Registrar by phone at 972-780-3664, by email at registrar@untdallas.edu, or in person at office 105A in Building One (to the left of the Enrollment Center).
