Jumbo tron with a photo of the commencement stage

five students smiling at the camera with their cap and gown on

Photo of two graduating senior citizens and their family

Photo of cap that says "on to the next adventure"

Student shaking professor hand as she walks across the stage

Frequently Asked Questions

Please click on bulleted items below to see individual answers, or click on "Expand All" to view all answers at one time.

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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, result in receiving a reduced number of guest tickets for commencement, and can result in the delay of your diploma. Refer to the Academic Calendar for graduation deadlines.

If your program of study is taught entirely online and in 8-week terms (module 1 and module 2), you are not eligible to participate in a commencement ceremony taking place prior to the last day of classes for your last term. Refer to the Online Accelerated Term Calendar for important dates.

Graduation applications are available on the web or from your academic advisor. You may apply online in myWings by clicking on the Student Records box, Student Self-Service, Student Records, Graduation Application. If you are applying after the deadline, you will need to see your academic advisor.
How do I know if I am eligible to graduate?

Check with your academic 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 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?

Commencement takes place 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. Refer to the commencement homepage for ceremony dates and times.
Where and when do I get my cap and gown?

Graduates can order their caps and gowns and announcements from the UNF Bookstore. Packaged specials are available during the graduation celebration. Caps and gowns are available for pickup from the UNF Bookstore the week of graduation. See cap and 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 and rental gown. Students do not need to pre-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.

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 obtain this form from your academic advisor and once complete, submit to One-Stop Student Services in 1 of 4 ways:

E-mail the scanned document to commencement@unf.edu

Fax the document to 904-620-2414

Hand-Deliver the document to One-Stop Student Services
Hicks Hall, Building 53
Suite 1700

Mail the document to One-Stop Student Services
1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224

Once your Graduation Application is cancelled, you must submit another Graduation Application at the beginning of the term you will actually graduate.
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 indicated that you would like your name listed in the program on your Graduation Application, provided 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?

All diplomas will be mailed to students' current mailing addresses on file beginning on the date specified on the Important Dates page.

To ensure delivery, students should verify current mailing addresses through myWings. 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 (Building 53, Suite 1700) or via a signed written or faxed request to One-Stop Student Services.

Personal Information Update form

Please note: Address changes CANNOT be accepted by telephone or e-mail.
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. See tickets for more information.
Where do we pick up our guest tickets?

Graduates can pick up their guest tickets at the UNF Bookstore during the week of the graduation ceremony. See Tickets for more information.
What if I can't pick up my tickets in person?

Graduates MUST pick up their commencement tickets. Photo identification is required.
See Tickets for more information.
What if I need extra guest tickets?

All graduates participating in commencement will have the chance to complete a brief survey for random consideration of extra tickets to commencement. See Tickets for more information.
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 age two (2) years of age and under are not required to have a ticket, but should also be held in the lap of an attendee. Children age two (2) and under should not occupy a seat. If you bring an infant in a car seat/carrier, they will need a ticket because the carrier would take a seat. Children who are 3 years old and over, 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.
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. For more information and details specific to your commencement ceremony, visit the Commencement Maps and Parking Information page.
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 at the Arena. The University Police Department will direct you as you arrive. Graduation shuttles will operate between the parking locations and the Arena, and each shuttle 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)