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Commencement
Spring 2026 Registration Opens SoonOpens an external link.
commencement ceremony

CEREMONY DATES & TIMES – Bartow Arena

  • Friday, May 1 at 9:30 a.m. – doors open at 8:30 a.m.
    All undergraduate and graduate students from the School of Nursing
  • Friday, May 1 at 2:00 p.m. – doors open at 1:00 p.m.
    Undergraduate and master’s students from: Collat School of Business, School of Education and Human Sciences
  • Saturday, May 2 at 9:30 a.m. – doors open at 8:30 a.m.
    Undergraduate and master’s students from the College of Arts and Sciences
  • Saturday, May 2 at 2:00 p.m. – doors open at 1:00 p.m.
    All other schools

The deadline to register to walk is April 1, 2026.

Register to Walk


Apply to Graduate and Walk

Please Note: There will be no university-wide commencement ceremonies in summer 2026 due to construction in Bartow Arena. All students planning to complete their studies at the end of the summer 2026 semester may participate in either the spring 2026 or fall 2026 graduation ceremonies. Students must apply to graduate and register to walk to participate in a commencement ceremony.

1. Apply to Graduate

You should file the Application for Degree at least six months before completing your degree. Please refer to the Academic Calendar for the Application for Degree deadline for each semester. Students completing their degrees in the summer 2006 semester who wish to participate in the spring 2026 commencement ceremonies must file the Application for Degree in advance of the April 1 registration to walk deadline.

  • Undergraduates

    Please read the information below closely.

    • Confirm eligibility with your academic advisor and review your DegreeWorks audit to verify all requirements are on track.
    • Apply in BlazerNET: Student → Degree Audit and Graduation → Apply to Graduate. Select your graduation term and follow the prompts.
    • Submit by the deadline listed in the Academic Calendar and pay the graduation application fee (posted to your student account).
    • Monitor your UAB email for updates from records/degree audit staff and resolve any outstanding requirements or holds.
    • Diploma delivery: Diplomas are typically mailed 6–8 weeks after your degree is officially conferred, assuming your account is clear. It is your responsibility to notify the Registrar’s Office if your local mailing address changes after you have submitted your application for a degree.

    Complete the Undergraduate Application for Degree Opens an external link.

  • Graduates

    Please read the information below closely.

    • Track progress using the Graduation Planning System (GPS) in BlazerNET to confirm coursework, GPA, and any thesis/dissertation milestones. Be sure to confirm your eligibility to graduate with your academic advisor.
    • Apply in BlazerNET: Links/Forms → Apply for Graduate Degree/Certificate. Submit by your program’s posted deadline.
    • Pay the application fee (assessed once per degree) and complete any final program documentation (e.g., defense, thesis, dissertation, forms).
    • Final audit: After grades post, the Graduate School completes the official degree audit and confers eligible degrees.
    • Diploma delivery: Diplomas are typically mailed 6–8 weeks after your degree is officially conferred, assuming your account is clear. It is your responsibility to notify the Registrar’s Office if your local mailing address changes after you have submitted your application for a degree.

2. Register to Attend Commencement and Walk in Graduation

You must register to walk if you wish to attend and participate in a commencement ceremony. Applying for your degree and registering to walk in the ceremony are separate processes.

The deadline to register to attend commencement and walk in the spring 2026 ceremony is April 1, 2026.

IMPORTANT: You must register to attend the commencement ceremony. You will not be allowed to walk in graduation if you are not registered.

Register to Walk

 students attending commencement ceremony

O.D., M.D. and D.M.D. Graduates

  • School of Dentistry

    Graduates of the School of Dentistry do not submit formal degree applications. The School of Dentistry automatically orders diplomas for all students who successfully complete the program.

    For additional questions, contact the School of Dentistry Registrar Office:

    • E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    • Phone: (205) 934-7800
    • In-Person: School of Dentistry, room 125 (Office of Student, Alumni, and External Affairs) from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central, Monday through Friday.
  • School of Medicine

    Graduates of the School of Medicine do not submit formal degree applications. Students, however, should complete a Diploma Order Form in order to receive their diplomas; this form, as well as other graduation documents, will be discussed at the Senior Class Meeting (typically held in February each year) and made available via email from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. after the meeting.

    For additional questions about degree requirements, contact the Records Office in the School of Medicine:

    • E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    • Phone: (205) 934-4964
    • In-Person: Volker Hall, room 107 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central, Monday through Friday.
  • School of Optometry

    Graduates of the School of Optometry do not submit formal degree applications. The School of Optometry automatically orders diplomas for all students who successfully complete the program.

    For additional questions, contact the Office of Student Affairs in the School of Optometry:

    • E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    • Phone: (205) 975-0739
    • In-Person: Henry Peters Building, room 124 (Office of Student Affairs) from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central, Monday through Friday.