Frequently Asked Questions
What is Commencement?
Commencement takes place in Arizona Stadium and includes an address from the University President, a guest keynote speaker, the conferring of degrees, and awarding of honorary degrees and student awards. Students are recognized by college and not individually.
Note: graduating students may attend ALL graduation ceremonies they are eligible to attend.
Students who graduated from the previous Fall and Winter terms, or who will graduate from the upcoming Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter terms, are eligible to attend. Please see the Eligibility page for more information.
What is Convocation?
Convocations are planned by an academic college or department and are more intimate ceremonies to recognize student accomplishments. Students typically have the opportunity to cross the stage and hear their name called.
Celebrations are events to honor students in special interest groups on campus. They occur before or after a student’s convocation and are an additional way to celebrate with friends and family.
Note: graduating students may attend ALL graduation ceremonies they are eligible to attend.
Do I need to RSVP for the College of Fine Arts Graduation?
Yes! You must RSVP and reserve tickets to attend the College of Fine Arts Graduation convocation.
How do I RSVP?
The Convocation’s Ceremony RSVP will go live late March or early April for Spring and late October or early November for Fall. Eligible graduating students will receive an email at their CatMail address with instructions on how to submit an RSVP for themselves AND their guests.
How many guest tickets are available for the College of Fine Arts Convocation?
The amount of tickets offered to each graduate for the Fine Arts graduation ceremony is determined by the number of graduates invited and the number of seats available within the hall. Graduating students do not need a ticket.
The official guest ticket allotment will be shared when RSVP goes live (typically in late March or early April for Spring and late October or early November for Fall).
As a graduating student, do I need a ticket?
No.
I need more guest tickets. How can I get extra tickets for the ceremony?
If additional tickets are available (there may be NO additional tickets), an announcement will be made prior to graduation. Additional tickets if available will be offered on a first come, first served basis.
Do I need to wear a cap and gown?
Yes! Regalia is required for our CFA Graduation Convocation.
Cap and Gowns are available at the UA Bookstore website under the Graduation tab or students can attend GradFest in person.
GradFest makes getting ready for graduation easy and convenient, bringing all of your grad and post-grad needs into one event that celebrates not only your academic accomplishments, but your exciting venture into the work force and your successes in the years to come!
Is there a separate University of Arizona ceremony?
Yes! The University of Arizona will be hosting an all-school Commencement ceremony. For all UA Commencement updates, please visit the Commencement website.
At which ceremony will I cross the stage?
You will have the opporunity to cross the stage at the College of Fine Arts Graduation Convocation ceremony.
Do you have recommendations on places to stay or where to eat?
We recommend checking out Visit Tucson to help plan your stay. Once there, you can find recommendations for hotels and accommodations, restaurants and farmer’s markets, events, and hiking and trail options.
When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas are sent approximately 2-3 weeks after your degree is posted. If you have any questions about your diploma or graduation requirements, please contact the Office of the Registrar.
How long is the Commencement ceremony?
The length of the ceremony is determined in part by our number of graduates. We try to keep our ceremony between 60 – 90 minutes.
What are the security policies for Centennial Hall?
For all events held at Centennial Hall, visitors must adhere to Centennial Hall’s security policies and screenings.
Full details can be found on the Centennial Hall website.
What are the COVID-19 guidelines for the ceremony?
All guests will be required to follow campus health and safety protocols in place at the time of this event as well as adhere to any existing state and local guidelines. In addition, this event may be cancelled or changed on short notice due to public health circumstances. For updates and information, please visit the COVID-19 Updates page.