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The ÍøºìºÚÁÏ is excited to celebrate its 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 2, 2026, on the picturesque Campus Green.

Calendar of Events

• Pending: Cap and Gown Day in The Nest Spirit Store
• April 28 – May 1: Final Exams
• College Honors Programs
  • April 6 at 11:00 AM: Business, Gault Auditorium
  • April 13 at 11:00 AM: Arts & Humanities Honors Ceremony, Martin
• Hall Auditorium
  • April 17 at 11:00 AM: Social Sciences, Gault Auditorium
  • April 21 at 11:00 AM: Math & Sciences, Gault Auditorium
  • May 1 at 5:00 PM: Nursing Honors Program, Martin Hall
• Auditorium
  • May 1 at 6 PM: Education Honors Ceremony in Gault Auditorium.
  • May 2 at 8:15-8:15 AM: Commencement Breakfast on Reville Lawn
  • April 24 at 11:00 AM: Commencement Orientation and Lunch, Campus Green
  • May 1st at 1:00PM: Athletics Sash Ceremony
  • May 2 at 10:00 AM: Commencement, Campus Green

Apply to Graduate

Seniors must complete the . The Registrar’s Office will also contact eligible seniors via their university email accounts to provide additional information.

Applications deadlines:

• Fall Graduates must apply by September 15
• Spring Graduates must apply by January 31 (and Summer graduates who plan to walk in May)
• Summer Graduates must apply by May 31

Graduation Regalia

Any student unable to purchase their cap & gown in person is welcome to email Shelley at ssarmiento@utsouthern.edu to arrange for their cap & gown package to be shipped to them. There will be a $10 shipping charge and the deadline to ship is April 21. 

Graduation Regalia

Graduation is just around the corner! Below is the information for students regarding cap, gown, and other graduation regalia:

• Caps and gowns will be available for purchase at The Nest starting April 3 until Commencement day.
• The Nest Hours:
  • Monday-Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Friday & Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• The Nest Hours during Commencement:
  • Monday-Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Friday & Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• The deadline to ship caps and gowns directly to your home (versus in person purchase) is April 21. Shipping is $10, and requests can be sent directly to ssarmiento@utsouthern.edu.
• Payment Reminder: The Nest accepts credit and debit cards only – no cash or checks.

A size chart is attached to help select the right fit, and sample gowns will also be available to try on in The Nest!

Pricing:

If you have any questions, please email ssarmiento@utsouthern.edu or stop by The Nest for assistance.

Student’s Instructions for Graduation

Candidates are required to arrive at the Johnston Building by 9:15 AM to ensure they are fully prepared for the commencement ceremony. Upon arrival, they will be organized by degree and candidates may choose to sit with friends within their degree program.

Each candidate will receive a graduation card with their name printed to carry to the stage and present to the card reader. The card reader will then announce the candidate’s name as they cross the stage to receive their degree. Ushers will be on hand to provide guidance and support throughout the ceremony, ensuring a smooth and memorable experience for all participants. No graduation practice will be scheduled.

Graduation will also be livestreamed on the 

In the Case of Rain

Every effort will be made to hold the commencement ceremony outdoors on the Green, allowing graduates to invite unlimited family and friends to celebrate this significant occasion. However, if inclement weather is expected, a decision will be announced 48 hours in advance of the day of the ceremony to confirm whether the event will occur outdoors or be moved indoors to the Curry Athletic Center.

If relocation is necessary due to weather, commencement will take place in two separate ceremonies at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM in the Curry Athletic Center.

In the event of rain:
10:00 AM: Business; Arts & Humanities; Math & Sciences
1:00 PM: Education; Nursing; Social Sciences

Upon arrival at the Curry Athletic Center, all students will gather near the pool before proceeding to the gymnasium. Arrival times: Students attending the 10:00 AM ceremony must arrive by 9:15, and students attending the 1:00 PM ceremony must arrive by 12:15 PM.

What to Bring

Degree candidates are required to purchase their caps, gowns, and tassels in advance from The Nest Spirit store on campus in advance of the ceremony. If you are no longer in the area, please email ssarmiento@utsouthern.edu to arrange for shipping. Additional academic regalia such as stoles and additional cords may be worn if the candidate meets the eligibility for those items. On commencement day, students should arrive dressed in their regalia and refrain from bringing personal items, such as purses or backpacks, as secure storage will not be available at the event.

Photography

The University has arranged for a photographer to be on hand to capture students as they receive their diplomas and shake hands with the Chancellor. Instructions on receiving these free portrait photos will be emailed to the graduate’s ÍøºìºÚÁÏ email address. As portraits will be taken during the ceremony, we kindly request guests remain seated throughout the event. Commencement video will also be available on YouTube after the ceremony.

Parking

Parking on campus is limited, so we encourage candidates and their guests to carpool. Security personnel and directional yard signs will be available to help guide traffic to the designated parking lots, which operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Regardless of where you park, the ÍøºìºÚÁÏ campus is conveniently located in the heart of Pulaski, ensuring that all parking locations are within walking distance of the campus.

Accessibility Information for Graduation Day

• If the ceremony is held on the Green:
  • Reserved handicap parking will be available on Madison Street via 5th Street for vehicles with a disabled parking permit.
  • Accessible seating will also be reserved near the front, close to the parking area, for guests with mobility or accessibility needs.
• If the ceremony is held in the Gym (Curry Athletic Center):
  • Accessible parking will be available directly outside the Curry Athletic Center.

Directional signs and arrows will be posted to help guide you to the appropriate parking and seating areas.