Graduation Process & Commencement Ceremony

• Step 1: Apply for Graduation via Banner Self-Service. See “How to Apply” below for those instructions and information
• Step 2: Be sure to speak with your advisor and graduation specialist to ensure that you are on track to meet your graduation requirements
• Step 3: Participation in the Commencement Ceremony is optional. However, if you plan to attend the Ceremony, you can purchase a cap and gown through the bookstore.
• Step 4: Register for mandatory Senior Exit Exam through the UTM testing center.
• Step 5: Clear account of any holds including the Bursar’s Office, Library, or Financial Aid Exit Counseling. Important! Holds will prevent the mailing of your diploma.
• Step 6: Graduation Day. Arrive at the Elam Center as early as 45 minutes prior to ceremony time.
• Finally: Review the After Graduation section for more information.

• Students (Undergraduate and Graduate) applying for graduation must apply online through Banner Self-Service
  • Please use the Intended Date of Graduation Application link in the Student Records tab.
• Students are eligible to participate in graduation ceremonies upon completion of ALL requirements for the degree. Students participating in the graduation ceremonies will not receive the degree until they have fulfilled all degree requirements. Students receiving degrees in the previous August may walk in December.
• Please RSVP using this link

• You may request from your college dean to walk in the commencement ceremony the semester prior to all your course work being completed, you must meet the following conditions.
  • Presentation of Documentation demonstrating inability (rather than choice) to attend the semester your course work is complete.
    • Examples of "inability" may include, but are not limited to: deployment to military duty, secured employment outside a 200-mile radius that requires you to work on Saturdays, graduate school acceptance outside a 200-mile radius that requires you to attend classes on Saturdays, etc.
  • Documentation of courses left to take after the semester you are requesting to participate in commencement.
  • Recommendation and signature of the dean.
• Your request will be reviewed by the Registrar’s Office and additional communication will be sent if seating is available.
• Students can find more information on the Academic Records OneSpace Site, located through the UTM Portal.

All students are required to complete the Senior Exit Exam (s). Students will not be eligible to graduate until the exam(s) have been completed. If you are not sure if you need to take the test or have questions, please contact the department of your major.

Tickets are not required for UTM Commencement Ceremonies. Note: Per the State Fire Marshall, we cannot go over capacity for the Elam Center. Calculations based on 11 guests per graduate.

Regalia is in stock at the bookstore through the day of graduation; you may come into the bookstore at any time between now and May 2nd to purchase your regalia. The Bookstore will also be at the Elam Center on graduation day before your ceremony should you need any last-minute graduation items. You can also order online if you would like your regalia to be mailed to you: https://oakhallcg.com/pages/utmartin. The deadline to order online is April 3rd.

Important Note: DO NOT IRON YOUR REGALIA! UTM uses Greenweaver gowns that are made from recycled water bottles. Using a hot iron will melt your gown; you can use a steamer to remove any wrinkles.

Graduates may decorate their caps.

How to Wear Your Bachelor's Cap and Gown

How to Wear Your Master's Cap and Gown

• Graduates and guests should arrive no earlier than 45 minutes prior to your ceremony
• Graduates will enter through the main entrance of the Elam Center and go down the stairs to the floor level
• Graduates will pick up their name card that has their submitted name to be read as they cross the stage
• Seats will be assigned for each graduate as there will be no processional or recessional of students.

We follow ADA guidelines for special seating for disabled guest and one companion. Guests needing special seating may be dropped off at the bottom of the Elam Center located just off JC Henson Drive.

Campus Maps

The University has arranged for a professional photographer for the ceremonies who will photograph each graduate as he/she crosses the stage to receive congratulations from the platform guests. All orders are handled strictly between the graduate and the photographer. You can find additional information regarding photos at the Grad Images website. You can also register online to receive your proofs as soon as they're available after the commencement event. When you register, you will automatically receive a coupon code for 20% off your purchase of $50 of more. Add your friend's and families' email addresses and they'll save 20% on your photos too. Plus, they'll receive a link to view your photos. Click here for more information on registering.

The Commencement (Flowers) Group will again be set up to sell flowers, floral bouquets and gifts to families and friends of our graduates on Commencement Day. Also available this year is the UTM Commemorative Commencement T-Shirt, Graduation Teddy Bear, and Graduation Spirit Necklace. The UTM Commemorative Commencement T-Shirt will feature every graduate's name. You can order ahead by using the link.