Commencement FAQ's
Registration and Participation
- Students approved for graduation will receive a link through their Cardinal email to claim their tickets for Commencement.
- The portal will open for students to access tickets.
- Students can receive 15 commencement tickets.
- Tickets will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Register early as tickets are usually in high demand.
Your participation was noted in the Statement of Intention to Graduate form at beginning of the semester. No further confirmation is required.
The $50 graduation fee is not associated with the ceremony. The graduation fee is applicable to all graduates, even those who are not participating in the ceremony. The fee covers services including, but not limited to, degree audits and the printing and shipping of diplomas. This fee is non-refundable.
Ceremony Details
For Guests:
Doors will open one hour prior to each ceremony. In order to avoid missing the processional, guests should be seated twenty minutes prior to the start time.
For Students:
Graduates must check in with the Office of the Registrar at the Expo Hall behind the Freeman Coliseum. When planning your arrival time, please expect increased traffic through the West Gate entrance which may delay parking access.
Additional parking information
- Parking is $15.00.
- Payment may be made by cash or credit card.
We anticipate each ceremony to last on average two and a half hours. When planning events after your ceremony, we advise that you allow for additional time to exit the parking lots with heavy traffic.
A livestream will be available on the University's YouTube channel.
UIW YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Yes, graduates will gather in the Expo Hall behind the Coliseum to line up for the processional one and a half hours before the ceremony start time.
Yes! The Grad Team photographers will be on site to take photos as graduates cross the stage. An email to purchase your images will be sent to your UIW email address following the ceremony.
Event photographers will also be on-site, documenting the occasion. By participating in the ceremony, you agree to having your photo taken during the event.
There are no bag or purse restrictions.
We kindly ask that graduates meet their guests outside following the ceremony. Guests will not be allowed on the floor of the Freeman Coliseum.
Tickets
Tickets are required for Commencement. Each graduate will receive 15 tickets, graduates do not require a ticket. All guests ages 3+ require a ticket.
Students approved for graduation will receive a link through their Cardinal email on March 31 when the ticket portal opens to claim their tickets for Commencement.
Students will receive 15 commencement tickets each.
If there are any unclaimed tickets, an email will be sent to graduates to claim extra tickets (no more than two additional tickets) on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Arrival Time
Graduates must check in with the Office of the Registrar at the Expo Hall behind the Freeman Coliseum. When planning your arrival time, please expect increased traffic through the West Gate entrance which may delay parking access.
For Guests:
Doors will open one hour prior to each ceremony. In order to avoid missing the processional, guests should be seated twenty minutes prior to the start time.
For Students:
Graduates must check in with the Office of the Registrar at the Expo Hall behind the Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum. When planning your arrival time, please expect increased traffic through the West Gate entrance which may delay parking access.
Attire
As with every commencement ceremony, Sunday's best attire is encouraged under your commencement regalia (cap and gown).
Learn about graduation stoles for student organizations and the required submission process.
Parking
Yes, the Freeman Coliseum has parking available for graduates and their guests. Graduates receive one complimentary parking permit for Lot 9. Information will be sent to each graduate by email.
Guests may use lots 1 and 2, and parking is $15 cash and card per vehicle. Please see the map detailing which gates to use to access the correct lots.
All cars with graduates should follow the Graduate Parking and Arrival instructions.
Accommodations
Please be advised that this year’s Commencement Ceremonies will conclude with a confetti cannon, which will be loud. These elements will go off directly after Dr. Evans’ speech. If you prefer to avoid being present when the cannons go off, you are welcome to remain in the backstage area after you cross the stage and have your picture taken. You may then depart through the back ramp doors early to avoid the loud bursts associated with the cannons. Thank you.
Accommodations
The University of the Incarnate Word provides reasonable accommodations for special events with adequate notice. To request disability accommodation for events, please complete the online form.
Request for Event Accommodations