UTC Graduation Frequently Asked Questions

All University events are subject to change in date, location, protocols and/or format, based on prevailing public health conditions.

When are graduation ceremonies held?

Normally, Graduation ceremonies are held at the end of the fall (in December) semester and the spring (in May) semesters. Specific dates can be located on the online Academic Calendar. 

May I have guests in attendance?

Guests are welcome at Commencement.

Where can we park?

Guest Parking is available for each of the ceremonies in the following lots on campus: Lot 32, 33, 34 and the Mocs Alumni Drive Garage (Lot 31). Accessible disability parking is available in Lot 20. These lots can be viewed on the Parking Map.

What items are permitted in McKenzie Arena?

Building policies for McKenzie arena are published on the arena website. Please note that the arena’s clear bag policy will be in effect.

When are degrees awarded at UTC?

Degrees are awarded/conferred at the end of the fall (December), spring (May), and summer (August) semesters. Students must apply for Graduation to be considered a candidate for a degree. 

Participating in a commencement ceremony does not equate to earning a degree.

Is there a rehearsal?

There is no rehearsal prior to the commencement exercise. You will receive instructions from a faculty marshal on the day of commencement. Please be sure to arrive on campus 45 minutes prior to the start time of your ceremony.

How will they know how to read my name correctly?

Closer to the commencement ceremony, you will receive a Commencement RSVP survey via email which includes space for you to provide written pronunciation guidance to us. Additionally, you will be notified by UTC email of an in-person opportunity to verify the pronunciation of your name with the person who will be reading your name at commencement.

How long do the graduation ceremonies last?

Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies are typically expected to last approximately 1.5 – 2 hours. 

Graduate Commencement ceremonies are typically expected to last approximately 1 hour.

Where do I get my cap and gown? What about graduation invitations?

UTC graduation candidates are invited to wear navy blue caps and gowns.

Caps, gowns, invitations, and other graduation regalia can be purchased through the UTC Bookstore online ordering site. 

1. You'll select your degree & shipment preference to start.
2. Next, you'll enter your first and last name
   1. Graduate School students will also need to choose their major/program.
3. Then, you'll choose which package/individual items you'd like to order.
   1. Individual items are available à la carte as well.
   2. If ordering a gown, you'll need to know your approximate height & weight.

The UTC Bookstore is located in the University Center and you can call 423-425-4107 if you have questions.

When will I get my diploma?

Diplomas will be delivered 6 - 10 weeks after the semester ends. Diplomas will be shipped to graduates at the address confirmed through the commencement RSVP survey. If this address changes after the RSVP is completed, please notify the Office of the University Registrar at [email protected]. Diplomas for students with holds on their account will be released after the hold is cleared (see Diplomas for more information on holds). Please contact [email protected] when you have cleared your hold.

UTC diplomas for doctoral degrees measure 14" x 17". All other diplomas (bachelor, master, education specialist) measure 12" X 15".

What information will be included on my diploma?

Please see the Diplomas page for more information.

Will I be recognized for Latin Honors?

Undergraduate students notated as "Latin Honors Candidates" will receive a white tassel for their cap at commencement. (For details about Latin honors eligibility, GPA minimums, etc., please review the information under "University Honors" on our After You've Applied webpage.)

Graduate students are not eligible for Latin Honors designations since a minimum 3.0 grade point average is required to graduate. 

Will my name appear in the program?

The May commencement program includes the names of May and August graduation candidates who applied by March 30. 

The December commencement program includes the names of August graduates and December graduation candidates who applied by October 31.

What should students wear to the ceremony?

Graduates wear the academic regalia (cap, gown, etc.) which can be purchased through the UTC bookstore.

Graduates should wear lightweight, comfortable clothing underneath the gown.  Examples include an appropriate day dress or slacks, dress trousers in a dark color, a dress shirt with tie, comfortable dark shoes and dark socks. Graduates should not carry a purse or handbag.

The cap should be worn so that the mortarboard is level/flat on the head. It should not be slanted to the back or side of the head. The crown should be approximately one inch above the eyebrow.

Will I be able to participate in commencement if I'm graduating in a different semester?

If you wish to participate in commencement but you are not completing your requirements before the ceremony, you may submit a Commencement Participation Request form. Please refer to the Commencement Participation Request page for more information.

If friends and family want to watch, how do they access the livestream?

Links to live stream the ceremony for family and friends will be published on the UTC livestream site: https://livestream.com/utc.

Will someone be there taking pictures?

A professional photographer will take your picture before you cross the stage as well as candid pictures after the ceremony. See Commencement Day pages for more detailed information.

Can I purchase a DVD of the ceremony?

Yes! UTC TV Productions offers a DVD of the commencement ceremonies. To purchase a copy, please allow two weeks for production time and then visit or call the UTC Bookstore at 423-425-4107.

Will closed captioning be provided?

Yes. Closed captioning will be provided by a live captioner and made available to the live stream viewing audience. Viewers can toggle closed captions on or off in the live stream player. Those in attendance at the graduation ceremonies also have the option of accessing a StreamText link to view the live captions. StreamText is a text platform that delivers real-time/live captions, and can be accessed by going to https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=UTC during the graduation ceremonies.

Can I decorate my cap?

Yes, caps can be decorated as long as the content and style of decor adheres to the Standards of Conduct established in our Student Code of Conduct.

Other Questions

Please contact [email protected] if you have any other questions or concerns that are not addressed here.