Graduating Student Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I change my graduation date?
- Who can I talk to if I have questions about my GMAP and want to check that I’m still on schedule to graduate?
- What do I need to do to file for graduation?
- When will I receive information about the graduation ceremony?
- Where will the ceremony be held?
- Where do I purchase my cap and gown?
- Where do I purchase invitations and announcements?
- How many commencement guest tickets am I eligible to receive and how can I get additional guest tickets?
- Can commencement tickets be mailed to me?
- Will there be a rehearsal?
- Will there be photographs taken as I walk across the stage?
- Will I be able to purchase a video of the commencement ceremonies?
- What should I wear to the commencement ceremony?
- How long is each ceremony?
- When and where do I arrive for the ceremony?
- When should my guests arrive for the ceremony?
- Are there special parking arrangements for commencement?
- Can I carry my purse, cell phone or camera into the ceremony?
- Will I receive my diploma when I walk across the stage?
- When will I receive my diploma?
- What if my mailing address changes?
- What if my name is difficult to pronounce?
- Will my MBA diploma list my area of concentration?
- What if my name changes after I have applied to graduate?
How do I change my graduation date?
Please complete the GMAP (Graduate Maverick Academic Progress) Review/Change Request Form to update your expected graduation date. Fax or scan the form to Graduate Business Services (GBS). Note this form is also used for substitutions and reviewing your GMAP. It is very important that your graduation date is correct so that you will receive important information about graduation that we will mail to you. Please use change@uta.edu to email information to Graduate Business Services.
Who can I talk to if I have questions about my GMAP and want to check that I’m still on schedule to graduate?
You can contact your advisor if you have questions about your GMAP. You may also request a review of your GMAP (Graduate Maverick Academic Progress) Review/Change Request Form. GBS will review your GMAP and return it to you.
What do I need to do to file for graduation?
You need to complete an online application for graduation. The online application is available at the Graduate School website. You may also access the application through this link. Graduate School’s application date for each semester is on the Graduate Calendar. Remember that the graduation and application to graduate are two separate and distinct events. Walking at the graduation ceremony does not mean you have met the requirements for your diploma.
When will I receive information about the graduation ceremony?
The CoB Dean’s Office will mail you information about the graduation ceremony along with a response card so that you can state your intent to participate in the graduation ceremony. Only those that complete a response card and apply for graduation will receive information on how to access tickets. Replying with a response card and applying for graduation within the time parameters will ensure that you receive information on tickets. Mailings are scheduled for: Fall semesters in November and Spring semesters in April.
Where will the ceremony be held?
The commencement ceremony will be held in Texas Hall on the University of Texas at Arlington campus. Click here for map.
Where do I purchase my cap and gown?
Academic regalia may be purchased at the UTA Bookstore. Candidates must wear academic regalia if participating in the ceremony. The color of the hood is drab. All College of Business Masters students wear the same color.
Where do I purchase announcements?
Candidates may purchase announcements at the UTA Bookstore. Announcements should go to all others.
How many commencement guest tickets am I eligible to receive and how can I get additional guest tickets?
The number of tickets received is determined by dividing the number of candidates by the number of seats available in Texas Hall. Those tickets are distributed during Reserved Ticket week. One ticket required per adult, child or infant. Tickets are no longer available at the will call window at Texas Hall.
Can commencement tickets be mailed to me?
Tickets will not be sent through the mail nor can you pick them up. You will receive instructions on retrieving the tickets in your UTA email account. You will be able to use the information in the email to print your tickets.
Will there be a rehearsal?
There will be no rehearsal before the ceremony.
Will there be photographs taken as I walk across the stage?
A professional photographer will take your picture as you receive your memento. The photographer will mail you ordering information to purchase pictures.
Will I be able to purchase a video of the Commencement ceremonies?
No. A video of the commencement ceremonies will not be available for purchase. Watch the videos here.
What should I wear to the commencement ceremony?
Dress for the ceremony is business casual.
How long is each ceremony?
Each commencement ceremony lasts approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
When and where do I arrive for the ceremony?
Candidates must report to the bleacher area rear/west entrance to Texas Hall no later than one hour prior to the ceremony. Candidates arriving after the processional will not be permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony.
When should my guests arrive for the ceremony?
Doors to Texas Hall will open approximately one hour prior to the beginning of each ceremony. Seating is open and guests may claim their seats when entering Texas Hall on a first come, first serve basis. In order for all guests to have an equal opportunity to claim seats, guests will be asked not to save seats for guests who have not arrived. There will be sections reserved for disabled guests. Doors will close ten minutes after the ceremony starts and nobody will be allowed to enter. Please ensure your guests know what time to arrive.
Are there special parking arrangements for commencement?
Parking for commencement is free in designated areas on a first come, first serve basis. Additional parking information..
Can I carry my purse, cell phone or camera into the ceremony?
Due to security reasons, candidates will not be allowed to carry anything with them as they proceed into Texas Hall.
Will I receive my diploma when I walk across the stage?
No. You will receive a commencement memento as your name is announced.
When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas will be distributed from the Graduate School in Davis Hall approximately six weeks after the ceremony, either by mail or pick-up as you selected on your application for graduation. Specific questions about diplomas should be directed to the Graduate School, 817.272.2688. Diplomas will be distributed by the UTA Graduate School in the manner that you request approximately 6 weeks after the graduation ceremony.
What if my mailing address changes?
If your mailing address changes, notify the Certification Officer in the Graduate School immediately. The Graduate School telephone number is 817-272-2681.
What if my name is difficult to pronounce?
You will have an opportunity to phonetically spell your name for the announcer when you complete your card for graduation. If your name is difficult to pronounce, you will have an opportunity to speak to the announcer prior to the processional.
Will my MBA diploma list my area of concentration?
No, your diploma will only have Master of Business Administration on it.
What if my name changes after I have applied to graduate?
If your name changes you can petition to have your new name on your diploma

