Commencement

All UT Tyler students must formally apply for graduation. Failure to do so will result in a student not being reviewed for, or awarded, their degree.

• Commencement: The ceremony celebrating your graduation. Participation is optional.
• Conferral Date: Also referred to as your graduation date, this is the official date your degree will be awarded and the date that will be printed on your diploma. It does not always match the commencement date.
• Graduate: A student who has successfully completed all requirements necessary to earn a degree, has received a clear audit after final grades have posted and has had a degree officially awarded. The transcript will show “Degree Awarded” once this step has been completed.
• Graduation: The successful completion of a course of study. All students must apply to graduate in order for the degree to be awarded.
• Graduation candidate: Someone who has applied to graduate but has not yet fulfilled the requirements, had final grades verified and had the degree awarded.
• Tassel: Platform where you can register for your graduation ceremony, claim tickets, and access important event details. It’s the one-stop site to manage your graduation participation and ensure everything’s set for the big day!

Graduation vs. Commencement
Graduation and commencement are not the same. "Commencement" and "graduation" are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two.

Graduation refers to the completion of your academic program or degree requirements. It's the event when you officially finish your studies and are awarded your diploma or degree.
Commencement is the ceremony that marks the formal celebration of graduation. It's the event where graduates are recognized, often with speeches, honors, and the iconic cap-and-gown attire. The term "commencement" refers to the "beginning" of the next chapter in life, even though it happens at the end of your academic journey.

Graduation is the milestone, while commencement is the celebration.

There is a fee to apply for graduation. There is no additional fee to participate in the commencement ceremony. There are fees for purchasing academic regalia for students who wish to participate in commencement ceremonies. Check with Herff-Jones or the Campus Store for pricing information.

Yes, we understand circumstances may arise where you cannot attend your commencement ceremony. Students who are interested in this option should contact graduation@uttyler.edu and request to WALK OFF SEQUENCE. Requests will be reviewed and approved by the appropriate Dean of your college on a case-by-case basis.

No. Participation in a commencement ceremony does not imply or infer the awarding of a degree at the time of the commencement ceremony; a final degree audit must be completed before a degree is officially awarded.

Degrees are not officially awarded until after the commencement ceremonies. Before a degree can be conferred, several approvals are required, including those from your advisor, department chair, and dean. Because of this process, we allow up to 30 days after the end of the semester to complete all degree awards, although they are typically finalized sooner.

Once all degrees are officially conferred, diploma orders will be submitted through our external vendor, Parchment. Please note that diploma production and mailing can take an additional 45 days after conferral.

Transcripts will reflect degree information once a students degree has been conferred. We advise that you verify before placing a transcript order. 

Tassel is the system our university uses to manage graduation. Through it, you’ll RSVP for the ceremony, confirm how your name should be pronounced, get your digital name card/QR code, and manage guest tickets. Basically, it keeps all your commencement details in one place so everything runs smoothly on graduation day.

We invite all graduates to confirm their participation and complete their Tassel profile by the specified deadline. This helps the university plan a memorable experience for both graduates and guests.

Graduates who have applied for graduation on or before the application deadline can register to attend the commencement experience and complete their Tassel profile by the specified deadline.

Students who respond after the specified deadline can still join the commencement experience but may have limited or no personal ceremony details.

Check your Patriot email for important emails with details on how to register for your commencement ceremony through Tassel.

Graduates who complete their profile can do the following:

• Personalized Commencement Experience: Tassel allows students to customize and record their name, ensuring the personal details are pronounced correctly during the ceremony. This adds a personal touch and reduces anxiety about mispronunciation in such a significant moment.
• Streamlined Check-in Process: Students benefit from a more organized and efficient check-in for commencement with a “Grad Pass.” Additional details will be sent closer to event date.
• Digital Name Cards and QR Codes: Students are provided with a digital name card or “Grad Pass,” which will be scanned on stage. This ensures their names are displayed accurately on screens and read aloud at the right time, creating a seamless and polished experience.
  
  Once graduates complete their profile, they will receive important emails with event details as the commencement ceremony date approaches. Please check your Patriot email regularly to stay informed.