Graduation and Convocation

Graduation &
Convocation

College of Science
Spring 2024 Convocation

Friday, May 10, 2024
Ceremony: 2:00pm
Doors Open: 1:00pm
Location: McKale Center

Graduation and Convocation

Spring 2024 Graduation Ceremony

The College of Science Spring 2024 Convocation Ceremony is Friday, May 10, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. inside McKale Center.


Applying for Graduation or Filing for Degree Candidacy

Important: For undergraduate students, graduation from the University of Arizona requires a degree audit (also known as a degree check) in order to award a diploma, and there is a $50 candidacy fee involved. Students are strongly urged to begin this process and file for degree candidacy before registering for the last semester of course work, but not more than 1 year before the planned graduation date. Visit the UA Office of the Registrar website for more information.

  • Students graduating in December (fall) or January (winter) must file for degree candidacy by September 1st.
  • Students graduating in May (spring) for August (summer) must file for degree candidacy by February 1st. 

To file for degree candidacy, students in the College of Science must begin the process with their major advisor. MATH majors should email the Math Center to get started with their degree candidacy process at mathcenter@math.arizona.edu.

Late fees of $50 will also apply to students who file after the deadline.


FAQ

Take a moment to thoroughly review the Frequently Asked Questions section below. If you still have questions, please contact us at uascigraduates@arizona.edu.

The College of Science Spring 2024 Convocation ceremony will be:

Friday, May 10, 2024
2:00pm
McKale Center

There is ample seating inside McKale Center, so there is no need for tickets. The event is free of charge.

Applied Physics, Astronomy, Audiology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Hydrology & Atmospheric Sciences, Biology, Geosciences, Integrated Science, Mathematics, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Natural Science for Teachers, Neuroscience & Cognitive Science, Physics, Planetary Sciences, Psychological Science, Psychology, Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences, Statistics & Data Science and other GIDP degrees as well.

Instructions on how to RSVP for the College of Science 2024 Spring ceremony will be sent in an email invitation at the beginning of March to all students who have applied for graduation through UAccess. If you apply for graduation after March 1, please check back on this website for RSVP instructions, or speak with your advisor.   

Yes, you may still participate, but you will not have a personalized slide as you cross the stage and may not have your name listed in the event program.

The University of Arizona hosts a Commencement ceremony during the spring semester inside the football stadium. Visit the Commencement web page for specific details at http://commencement.arizona.edu.

Please arrive no later than 1:00pm. Graduating students will need to check-in at the registration tables outside of McKale.

All graduates will be ushered to sit with their departments on the floor of the Arena. If you have a double major, you are welcome to sit with either department you choose.

All guests sit in the stands.

You will be seated with your department. An usher will signal your department to line up at the right of the stage. Undergraduates will line up first, followed by Master's students, then by PhD's. You will hand your card to the person wearing the headphones at the top of the ramp leading to the stage. They will hand it back to you, and then you move forward and hand it to the name reader. Don't worry - it's very easy and goes very fast once you see it done the first time.

The doors to McKale will open at 1:00 pm.  The ceremony begins at 2:00 pm.  Seating is on a first come, first serve basis but there is plenty of seating for everyone.

Cherry Street garage is the closest parking garage to McKale Center.  This garage will likely fill quickly so allow plenty of time to find parking. You can refer to the visitors parking map for other options near McKale: https://parking.arizona.edu/parking/maps/

We encourage you to wear cap and gown, but you can also wear business dress. Graduation regalia (undergrad & grad students) is available for sale through the UA Bookstore. On the UA Bookstore website, under the Graduation tab (top of the page) you can select either undergrad or graduate cap & gowns to order your graduation attire.

Arizona Athletics has instituted a clear bag policy for all of its venues. The policy limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into our venues. The following is a list of bags that will be accepted for entry:

  • Bags that are clear plastic or vinyl and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”
  • One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar)
  • Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, after being searched
  • Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection, including but not limited to oxygen tanks, diabetes kits, allergy pens, etc.
  • Learn more here.

We reserve seats near the stage for mentors. When your department is called, your mentor will follow you onto the stage and hood you. Graduate students being hooded must wear their cap & gown. Please send your mentor to this website if they have questions.

When you RSVP, you will indicate if you want to be contacted by the photographer or you can go to www.gradimages.com to review/order your prints.

Dr. Alok Patel

Dr. Patel, the dynamic pediatric hospitalist, renowned medical journalist, and captivating on-camera expert, seamlessly blends his extensive experience in broadcast journalism, script writing, podcast hosting, and media consulting as he passionately spearheads innovative science communication strategies. As the Faculty Director of Communications for the Department of Pediatrics, he orchestrates creative media tactics to drive awareness, education, advocacy, recruitment, and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of public health messaging.

Yes, the ceremony will be livestreamed. We will share the livestream link later this semester. The ceremony recording will reside on YouTube and this webpage.

On average, the College of Science recognizes ~1000 students on stage during the Spring Convocation.  The ceremony runs between 2-2.5 hours. Students and guests are expected to stay for the duration of the ceremony to fully honor every graduate.

The stage for the College of Science Convocation is wheelchair accessible.

Parking & Access

The university is committed to creating an inclusive and universal experience for commencement and convocation ceremonies. Please review the information for Commencement - Disability Access for Students and Guests in addition to the Commencement's Parking and Access information. 

Wheelchair Rentals

Please contact the following company to discuss options for wheelchair rentals. 

 

Watch the College of Science Fall 2023 Convocation Ceremony