Frequently Asked Questions

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Graduates

How and when do I apply to graduate?

You are required to apply for graduation during the first month of the term in which you expect to graduate. Failure to apply for graduation by the deadline may affect your ability to graduate and can result in the delay of your diploma and transcripts.

Graduation applications are available on the web or from One Stop Student Services. You may apply online in myWings by signing into Student Self-Service, then selecting Student Records, then Graduation Application. If you are applying after the deadline, you will need to download the application here or pick up a copy at One Stop Student Services. If applying after the deadline, you will need the signatures of your Advisor and the Dean on the form.
How do I know if I am eligible to graduate?

Check with your Advisor to verify that you have completed your program of study and satisfied all graduation requirements. If there are incomplete or non-recorded grades on your academic record, the course work must be completed and the official Change of Grade form must be submitted to One Stop Student Services by the date of commencement.
May I walk in the ceremony if I am not graduating this semester?

Only students who are eligible to graduate may walk in the ceremony.
Where is the ceremony and what time do I need to be there?

The spring 2013 ceremonies will be held on Friday, April 26, 2013 in the UNF Arena, building 34. Graduating students must arrive one (1) hour early to check in and line up for the processional. You must use the rear entrance at the northeast side of the building.

                                             9:00 a.m.            College of Education and Human Services

                                                                          Brooks College of Health

                                          12:30 p.m.          College of Computing, Engineering and Construction

                                                                         Coggin College of Business



                                             4:00 p.m.             College of Arts and Sciences

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Where and when do I get my cap and gown?

Graduates can order their caps/gowns and announcements from the UNF Bookstore. Packaged specials are available during the Graduation Celebration. Caps/gowns are usually available for pickup from the Bookstore beginning two (2) weeks before graduation. See cap & gown.
Where and when can I purchase my Latin Honors cord?

Undergraduates eligible to graduate with Latin Honors, will be permitted to purchase a gold honor cord from the UNF Bookstore when they pick up their cap, gown and commencement tickets.Students do not need to order their Latin Honor cord. The UNF Bookstore has the cords in stock. At the time of the regalia pick up date, the UNF Bookstore will have record of undergraduates who qualify to purchase a Latin Honors cord. Only those students who are eligible for Latin Honors may purchase an honor cord.

If you have questions about your Latin Honors status, please contact Leah Carpenter at l.carpenter@unf.edu.

Cords, stoles, etc. for honors organizations are NOT available at the UNF Bookstore. You must contact your organization's faculty advisor for ordering information.
How long does the ceremony last?

Each ceremony will last approximately one and one-half hours.
How do I change my graduation date?

Contact One Stop Student Services as soon as possible if your plans for graduation change.

If you want to postpone your graduation, you must submit an Application for Graduation (with signature) checking off the box at the top of the form where it says you wish to retract your application. You can submit this form to One Stop Student Services in 1 of 3 ways:

Email the scanned statement to records@unf.edu

Fax: (904) 620-2414, ATTN: Graduation

Mail: One Stop Student Services

1 UNF Drive

Jacksonville, FL 32224

Please remember to submit another Application for Graduation form in the beginning of the term you will actually be graduating.
How do I check to see if my name will be in the commencement program?

Your name will appear in the commencement program if you checked off that you would like your name listed in the program on your application for graduation, providing that you submitted your application by the deadline to apply and you have not been denied graduation. Students who have a privacy request on file but wish to have their names printed in the program must notify One Stop Student Services as soon as possible.
When and how will I receive my diploma and two transcripts?
Students who have a mailing address within Duval County must pick up their diplomas and two transcripts from One Stop Student Services located in Hicks Hall (Building 53, Suite 1700) beginning on the date specified on the Important Dates page.
- If someone other than the student will be picking up the diploma and transcripts, the student must designate this on the Application for Graduation.
- The individual picking up the diploma and transcripts must present a photo ID.
- All graduates will receive two official transcripts with their diploma.
Diplomas and two transcripts will be mailed to graduates who have a mailing address outside of Duval County. If you anticipate an address change, please notify One Stop Student Services as soon as possible. For your convenience, address changes may be made in person at One Stop Student Services via a written or faxed request.

Please note: Address changes CANNOT be accepted by telephone or e-mail.

**Beginning Summer 2013, all graduating students' diplomas and transcripts will be mailed to their current mailing address on file.**
Do we need tickets for the ceremony?

All guests are required to have a ticket for the ceremony, due to the limited seating capacity of the UNF Arena. Graduates do not need a ticket for themselves.
Where do we pick up our guest tickets?

Graduates can pick up their guest tickets at the UNF Bookstore when they pick up their regalia during the distribution period, typically beginning two (2) weeks before the graduation ceremony.
What if I can't pick up my tickets in person?
Graduates must pick up their commencement tickets April 15 to April 20, 2013. For graduates who cannot pick up their tickets by this deadline:
- The graduating student may designate someone to pick up commencement tickets on their behalf. This person would need to bring with them:
- 1) a copy of a letter or email indicating they have permission of the graduating student to pick up their tickets;
- 2) a photo ID of themself; and
- 3) a copy of the photo ID of the graduating student (to prove that the letter is not forged).
- If you live outside the Jacksonville area you may send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the address below, along with a letter including your name printed clearly, student number, college and ceremony time. This request must be received no later than TBA.
Sharon Bove

Commencement Coordinator

University of North Florida

Enrollment Services

1 UNF Drive

UNF Hall Building 53, Room 1700

Jacksonville, FL 32224

s.bove@unf.edu

(904) 620-5750
Is there a dress code?

No. Graduates are permitted to wear the style and/or color of their choosing. Dress comfortably - it will get warm in the Arena with your robe on. Remember that there is no storage facility in the back of the Arena for personal items. Whatever you bring into the back hallways as you check-in and line-up will have to be carried out onto the Arena floor (and across the stage as you accept your diploma). Leave personal items like phones, purses, jackets, etc. with a guest or family member before entering the Arena.
Is there a rehearsal?

No. Faculty marshals will guide you through the procession and direct you as you walk to the stage to accept your diploma cover during the ceremony.
What is the difference between Commencement and Convocation?

The Student Awards Convocation ceremony is held each Spring semester to honor those students who have received awards from their College or Department. Commencement is held each term (Spring, Summer, Fall) to confer degrees upon those students who have satisfied the criteria to graduate.

Family / Guests

When should my guests arrive for the ceremony?

The doors to the Arena will open one (1) hour before the ceremony begins. Seating is first-come, first-serve. If you have a guest who requires special seating (see below), it is recommended that they arrive as early as possible to secure seating.
Do children need a ticket?

Children under the age of three (3) years of age are not required to have a ticket. Children who are over 3 years old MUST have a ticket for entry into the Arena. Be advised that strollers brought into the Arena cannot be taken up into the seating area. If you bring an infant in a car seat/carrier, they will need a ticket because the carrier would take a seat.
Is there a charge for parking?

No. Parking the day of commencement is free on campus in all legal parking spaces with the following exception: you may not park in Designated or Reserved parking spaces without an appropriate decal.
I have a family member or guest in a wheelchair, where do we park? What is the best entrance to the facility? Where do we sit?

Disability parking is available in Lot 18 and in the Arena. The University Police Department will direct you as you arrive. Graduation busses will be running between the parking locations and the Arena, and each bus is handicap accessible.
Can I reserve a seat for my handicapped family member or guest?

No, we do not reserve seats. There is a designated section on the floor of the Arena for guests in wheelchairs. One or two members of your party may be seated with them on the floor in stand-alone chairs, but the rest of your party must sit in the stands behind them. Additionally, the first row of seats in the stands is reserved for guests with mobility issues. Again, only 1-2 members of your party will be permitted to sit with them, and the rest must sit in the next row.
How can I get special accommodations for the ceremony?

Contact the Disability Resource Center: (904) 620-2769 or (904) 620-2969 (TDD/TYY)