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Home Commencement Office
 

Welcome to the Commencement Office

We'll see you at Graduation! 

Sunday, December 15, 2024

12:00 pm & 4:00 pm

(Ceremonies with college breakdowns are listed below)

Location: FedExForum 

Clear Bags Only, Free and Open to the Public (No Tickets), Each participant and guests will go through Security Checkpoints

Social Media: Instagram & Threads 

12:00 pm - LAW, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Arts & Sciences, College of Education, College of Professional & Liberal Studies, Loewenberg College of Nursing, and Doctoral and Master Candidates from these groups. Must arrive by 11:00 AM for lineup. 

4:00 pm --College of Communication and Fine Arts, College of Health Sciences, Fogelman College of Business & Economics, Herff College of Engineering, Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management, School of Public Health and Doctoral and Master Candidates from these groups. Must arrive by 3:00 PM for lineup.

 

Cap and Gown & Pronouncer Card Distribution

   Thursday, December 12 & Friday, December 13, 2024

 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

University Center Ballroom, 320 (3rd Floor)

499 University St, Memphis, TN 38152

Bring an electronic copy of your Step 4 confirmation email.

  • The Office of Institutional Survey must be completed prior to receiving your cap and gown.
  • Anyone can pick up your items if they have your electronic Step 4 confirmation.
  • Caps and Gowns are NOT mailed.
  • Lambuth Students: Lambuth students were notified in prior communications. Please contact Lambuth about how to obtain your cap and gown.
  • Caps can be decorated. The decoration must be flat to the surface, or it will be removed, or participation cancelled.
  • Tip: Take a screenshot of the top portion of your Step 4 Confirmation Email that includes your Name, GPA, College, Major, etc. Then, simply save it as a photo in your phone. Save it in a location you can easily find. Do NOT bring hard copies please.
  • What will I receive? Each participant will receive a Cap and Gown, Undergraduate Honor Cord (if earned) and Pronouncer Card
  • The Pronouncer Card you will receive is your TICKET across the stage. Bring it with you to the ceremony. No Pronouncer Card. No Participation.
  • Any undergraduates receiving an honor cord for Summa, Magna or Cum Laude Honors Distinction will receive their cord at Cap and Gown Distribution. The representatives will have a list of students who receive a cord. We do not provide any other cords.

 

Details about diplomas, ceremonies and more

Due to our office being an event office, we are often away or closed for visitors. Please email or call prior to stopping by our office. We highly recommend contacting us via email only with questions or concerns, commencement@memphis.edu.  

Diplomas 

  • I am a recent graduate. How long does it take to receive my diploma? Diplomas are mailed 4 months after each semester ends.
  • How long does it take to receive my duplicate diploma? Diploma processing and orders take 4-6 weeks. Diplomas are not kept in the office. 
  • Clearing a Financial Hold: If you clear your hold, do not expect to receive your diploma immediately. Diplomas have to be processed and will take several weeks before they are ready. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
  • Financial Holds: The University policy is to hold any diplomsa for any graduate that has any financial obligation to the University in any amount.  Therefore, you need to clear your financial hold with the Bursar's Office prior to us releasing your diploma. All accounts are checked prior to any diploma being processed. 
  • Mailing Timeframe: Diplomas are mailed 4 months after each semester ends.
  • Updating Addresses: A graduate has 1 (ONE) month to update their address with the Commencement Office directly. Do not simply update your address with the University. We only send diplomas to the address listed on the graduation application.
  • Have not received diploma: You have up to on year to notify us of your diploma not received. If a graduate informs us after one year of the graduation date, the graduate is responsible for ordering the diploma by paying the diploma fee https://www.memphis.edu/commencement/diplomas/index.php. 
  • Reorder Duplicate Diplomas: To order duplicate copies of your diploma, visit https://www.memphis.edu/commencement/diplomas/index.php.
  • Digital Diplomas: We do not have digital diplomas. Please contact the Registrar's Office. 
  • Diploma processing and orders take 4-6 weeks. Diplomas are not kept in the office. 
  • We answer most messages within 24-48 hours, standardly.  All diplomas are mailed from the Processor and not available for pick up at anytime.

 

Ceremony Information

Commencement Conduct Guidelines & Commencement Day Instructions

No Longer Hosting an August Ceremony: Starting 2025, the University of Memphis will no longer host a Summer (August) Commencement Ceremony. Although anyone who is on track to graduate in August of each year, will still officially graduate in the summer and receive diplomas for that term, there is no longer a ceremony in August. August graduates interested in attending Commencement will participate in the December Commencement of the same year. December will be a August and December combined ceremony. 

Attending our events: We are NOT responsible for lost or stolen items, items left behind, theft, damage to vehicles, or personal injury of any kind. No property should be tampered, destroyed, or mishandled in any way by any graduate or guests attending. Attendance in the Commencement ceremony and events are completely optional, and decisions made to attend by the graduating student and any guests who choose to come on their own accord. NO weapons of any kind are allowed. 

No Guests Permitted on Event Floor: We do NOT allow anyone to participate with the graduate. Only the graduate is allowed on the event level and on stage (no parents, guests, children, etc.). We do not allow proposals or the like at the ceremony.

Public Event: These events are free and public large-scale events; therefore, while we work hard to ensure these events are great for everyone there are matters beyond our control. There will be traffic and parking lines. There will be many guests. There may be delays. We recommend working out plans with yourself and guests prior to attending. Remember: An idea you have may be shared by someone else. Someone will be first and someone will be last, and someone will be waiting. This should be expected. Prepare for possible and longer waiting time. Patience and understanding are a must! 

Parking Information

  • View Parking Information

  • FedExForum Parking-Parking is available in the FedExForum Garage (FedExForum Gossett Motors Garage, 195 Doctor M.L.K. Jr Ave, Memphis, TN 38103) on a first-come/first-served basis for $10.00. Must be paid via credit card ONLY. Guests will need to have a credit card to pay for parking in the FedExForum Garage. No cash accepted.

  • Consider Carpooling
  • Other Considerations: Getting dropped off: In the past, several of our graduates and guests use private drivers or shuttle services, and this is fine. It is a very helpful and smart idea and allows for ease and not worrying about parking! This is a great option to consider. To consider:
    • Uber
    • Lift
    • Taxi
    • Have a non-attender drop off graduates and guests.

 

Live Stream

  • All of our ceremonies are live streamed
  • Each ceremony is available to watch after the ceremony.
  • Click HERE to watch live. 

 

Security

  • All graduates and guests will go through Security prior to accessing the event. There will be separate lines for Graduates and Guests. Go to the proper line.

  • Absolutely no airhorns, noise makers, large signs, beach balls, helium balloons, weapons of any kind are allowed by graduates or guests.

 

Clear Bag Policy

  • Clear bags made of plastic, vinyl, or PVC no larger than 6x8x2 inches.

  • Bags MAY NOT have an all-over print or decoration that prohibits FULL view of its contents.

  • The bag may contain a strap, but metal or chain straps are prohibited.

  • One quart or smaller clear plastic storage/freezer bag (Ziploc or similar).

  • Wallets (sized to carried in the front or back pocket) no larger than 5x3.5 inches.

  • Clear bags and wallets compliant with the above will also be screened through X-Ray machines.

  • Exceptions to this policy will be made for all medically necessary items after proper inspection.

  • Outside food and beverages cannot be brought into facility.

  • Remember that wrapped gifts and helium balloons are never allowed.

  • Water available for purchase.

  • Bring Keys, ID, Credit Card and Cash for Parking and Phone (keep it simple).

  • We do not keep any items for individuals.

  • You are responsible for your items.

 

Security at the FedExForum

  • Walk-through magnetometers were installed at FedExForum under the premise of being used at all Memphis Grizzlies games, as per an NBA mandate conceptualized during league security meetings. The magnetometers have become an industry standard across MLB, NHL and NFL venues and their use will now be mandatory for every FedExForum event in order to improve fan safety and guest experience, a shared goal between FedExForum, the University of Memphis and touring production companies. To ensure your Commencement ceremony is enjoyable for you and your guests, please note the following:

  • X-Ray Units that bags must be scanned through instead of just opened up and visually checked.

  • Secondary metal detector for failed screening or individual must pass through metal detector until they are cleared.

  • Guests are advised to bring ONLY necessary items to the FedExForum during events, concerts and games.

  • Separate express lanes will be available for guests in the Grand Lobby without bags to be inspected.

  • Guests will not need to remove their hats, shoes, belts, watches or jewelry as with airport security. Instead, guests will have to place their cell phones, cameras  and keys on a security table prior to walking through the metal detector.

  • Expectant mothers, those with pacemakers and ADA guests are not subject to the magnetometers and will instead be screened through handheld devices.

 

Future Commencement Ceremonies (Only Fall and Spring Ceremonies. No Summer Ceremonies)

    • Sunday, December 15, 2024

     

    • Saturday, May 10, 2025, with Sunday, May 11, 2025 (Backup date)

     

    • Sunday, December 14, 2025

     

    • Saturday, May 9, 2026, with Sunday, May 10, 2026 (Backup date)

 

All May (Spring) Commencements have a back up date pending the NBA Memphis Grizzlies Basketball Team Playoff Schedule. https://www.memphis.edu/commencement/news/spring-commencement.php

Venue, Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Times and College Breakdowns are determined after official participation has been obtained (1 1/2 months prior to commencement dates). 

 

Commencement Programs: Current and Past

 

Gifts to Graduates

  • Custom T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, Flowers and More  

  • Parent and Family Graduation Yard Sign --  Are you a proud family member of a soon-to-be graduate? Celebrate your family’s accomplishment with a University of Memphis graduation yard sign! The 18x24 yard signs read “Proud Family of a UofM Graduate” and includes a metal stand. Orders will only be available for pick-up during Cap and Gown Pickup.

 

Invitations and Delaying Commencement

 

 

  • If you want to delay Commencement, please send an email to commencement@memphis.edu and request more information on how to do this. 

 

  • If you are not an F-1 Visa Holder and wish to invite friends and family outside of the United States for graduation, you should contact one of the following offices to assist (The Commencement Office is not permitted to write such letters): 

 

Loaning Out Caps and Gowns

  • We do not  loan out caps and gowns for photos. Please check with your photographer who should have caps available for props, etc.

  • Our caps and gowns are only available during Cap and Gown Distribution (1-2) days prior to commencement. 

 

Social Media: Instagram & Threads