Events

Graduate School Doctoral Hooding Ceremony

Beginning in Fall 2025, the university will offer a special Doctoral Hooding Ceremony — a commencement event designed exclusively for our doctoral graduates who submit a Plan 1 dissertation. This ceremony will be a more intimate gathering than the general commencement and will highlight the significance of the truly unique and unparalleled scholarly journey you’ve completed.

We hope this new Doctoral Hooding Ceremony will serve as a genuine celebration of your academic excellence, surrounded by fellow scholars, mentors, and loved ones who understand the depth of your scholarship, dedication, and sacrifice.

Graduate Student Appreciation Week

Each year, the UAB Graduate School is proud to celebrate the many contributions our graduate students’ make to our university and community.

Three Minute Thesis

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition celebrates the exciting research conducted by Ph.D. students. Developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), the exercise cultivates students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills. The competition supports their capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.

Graduate School Fair

Representatives from a wide range of UAB graduate programs will participate in the UAB Graduate School Fair, offering prospective and current students the opportunity to explore advanced degree and certificate options across disciplines. The fair will feature programs from across campus, including STEM, health professions, business, education, arts, and humanities.

Graduate School Awards Ceremony

The UAB Graduate School Awards Ceremony is an annual celebration recognizing the exceptional achievements, service, and impact of members of our graduate community. This event honors outstanding graduate students, faculty and staff whose contributions support the success and collaborative spirit of our graduate community.