Yes, students should apply to graduate (Apply for Degree) six months prior to completing their studies.

Yes, students must apply for degree AND register to walk (separate processes) to participate in a graduation ceremony.

a. Yes, all students will have the opportunity to walk in a graduation ceremony. Students can choose to walk in the Spring ceremonies (May 1-2, 2026) or the fall ceremonies (December 12, 2026).

Yes, students' names will appear in the commencement program in the ceremony in which they walk.

If students choose not to attend a commencement ceremony, their names will appear in the commencement program after the semester they complete their degree (spring graduates' names will appear in the spring commencement program, summer and fall graduates’ names will appear in the fall commencement program).

No, you only need to purchase either your bachelor’s regalia or your master’s regalia.

No. Each student will select one ceremony to walk in, and all their degrees will be recognized in that ceremony.

Contact the UAB Bookstore: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (205) 996-2665.

Bachelors and Masters ceremonies are held at Bartow Arena; Doctoral hooding ceremonies are hold in the Alys Stephens Center.

All lots within proximity to Bartow Arena will be open for parking.

Handicap parking (placard or tag required) is also available in the lot behind Campbell Hall (off University Blvd. and 13th Street). Parking is free.

Graduates need to arrive 60 minutes prior to the ceremony start time and enter Bartow Arena on the lower level from 13th Street South.

Yes. A QR code will be used as your digital name card during the ceremony. You will receive an email with this code.

Enter Bartow Arena through the 13th Street South entrance where you will check in and will be directed to the seating area of your school.

You may pick up your Latin Honors Cords upon checking in.

Bartow Arena enforces a clear bag policy. Strollers must be left in the concourse area, and umbrellas should be stored under your seat or in the concourse area. Balloons are not permitted, as they obstruct the view of guests watching the graduates cross the stage.

Reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for accommodation requests. Please allow 2–3 weeks for requests. We have a quiet room assigned for graduates who may need that space, and we can make additional adjustments as needed per request.

Ceremonies last approximately 90 minutes.

After crossing the stage, graduates will return to their seats. Because this is a formal ceremony, we ask that you do not leave until the ceremony has concluded.

Yes, we will livestream on our Facebook and YouTube channels.

Yes. You may access the closed captioning online .

No, it will be mailed to you. Assuming you have no financial holds on your student account, you will receive your diploma in the mail, to the address on file in Blazernet, within 6-8 weeks after final grades are posted.

Proofs will be sent in 1–2 business days. If you have not received your proofs, please reach out to the GradImages Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576, www.gradimages.com, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Future ceremony dates can be found on the UAB Academic Calendar .