When is the commencement ceremony?
Friday, May 24, 2024
Start Time: 2:00 p.m.
End Time: 4:00 p.m.
Doors open at 1:00 p.m. and the ceremony will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m.
What time do graduates have to be there?
All graduates must arrive one hour before the start time of the ceremony.
Where will the commencement ceremony take place?
Curtis M. Phillip’s Center for the Performing Arts
3201 Hull Road; Gainesville, FL 32611
Phone: (352) 392-2787
(see map to right for parking)
May I request reserved seats for my family and guests?
Seating is on a first come, first served basis. Seats may not be held or reserved.
Are there handicap accessible seats available?
Yes. Seats are available for such accommodations and it is suggested that you arrive early and locate an usher so they may escort you to the appropriate seat(s).
Is there a limit on how many tickets I may request?
Yes. Each graduate will be given 12 tickets. If you are not using all of them you are welcome to give them to your classmates. Graduates and hooders do not need a ticket.
When will I receive my tickets?
Tickets will be distributed at commencement rehearsal on Thursday, May 23, 2024.
What happens if my family forgets their tickets?
It is strongly recommended that you give the tickets to someone in your family you feel will keep close guard of them. The Phillip’s Center is very strict on patrons surrendering their tickets to any event held there due to fire code issues. Please stress to your family and friends that they must have their tickets upon arrival or they will not be allowed inside. Small children under the age of 2 years old are not required to have a ticket.
Is there a reception after the ceremony?
There will not be a formal reception after the ceremony, but you are welcome to utilize the Phillips Center fountain and outdoor space to take photos with your graduate after the ceremony.
Is my hooder(s) allowed to sit wherever they choose?
No. All hooders must sit in the specified area of the theater. In order to be readily available to the graduate(s) they will be hooding that day, they must all be seated together. Upon their arrival to the theater, one or more individuals from our office will be there to escort them to their seats.
Is my hooder(s) required to wear regalia?
If they are not vet med faculty, they are not required to wear regalia but they are welcome to if they so choose. All vet med faculty serving as hooders during the ceremony must wear regalia whether they provide their own or choose to order regalia through us. Vet Med faculty will be contacted by our office when it is time to order faculty regalia.
How do I order my regalia?
Regalia may be rented or purchased. Prices between the two options vary greatly so please read carefully when placing your order. Please visit the UF Bookstore’s website for more information. Make sure you place your order by the deadline provided.
What do we wear underneath our regalia?
We ask that all graduates and all participants wearing regalia wear business casual attire underneath. It is also requested that guests, family, and patrons of the event also wear business casual attire for this special occasion. Flip flops are discouraged.
Where and when do we return our regalia?
If you rented your regalia, you will return it via mail directly to Herff Jones utilizing the mailing slip provided when you initially received your regalia.
When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas will be mailed directly to the graduate’s mailing address after the commencement ceremony as long as there are no academic or financial holds on the graduate’s record. You are responsible for correcting and updating your mailing address with the University of Florida which can be done via ONE.UF
How will I know if I am eligible to receive honors or high honors?
In order to be recognized with honors or high honors, you must possess a GPA of 3.50 or higher. The GPA ranges for honors and high honors are:
- Honors: 3.50 – 3.74
- High Honors: 3.75 or greater
Assuming you have achieved the GPA requirement, you will be recognized in the program, on your transcripts, and you will receive honor cords at rehearsal to wear at commencement. Please refer to the Student Handbook for more information.
Is it mandatory to attend commencement rehearsal?
Yes. All graduates planning to participate in the commencement ceremony must attend rehearsal. Family and guests are not permitted to attend rehearsal. During this rehearsal, you will learn where you will be seated, when and where to walk, etc. A run through of walking across stage will also be practiced.
Where do I submit my hooder(s) information?
You will receive an email with a link. Make sure you access the link and complete the form.
What if my hooder(s) changes?
You must notify the Office for Academic and Student Affairs as soon as possible. Hooders will be contacted via email and provided information about the commencement ceremony. Their names will also be published in the commencement program. All information included in the program must be submitted to the publishing company by the end of April.
If I am choosing not to select personal hooders, do I still need to complete the form on the link?
Yes. Everyone must complete the hooding information form and submit it by the deadline regardless of who is hooding them.
More details and instructions will be sent to all graduates via e-mail as we get closer to the event. Please direct any questions to Tiffany Griffith, Commencement Coordinator at: tgriffith@vetmed.ufl.edu