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commencement ceremony

Regalia & Merchandise

UAB bachelor's and master's graduates will be “Walking Green” at Commencement.

Regalia – which includes caps and gowns – makes Commencement ceremonies a visually stimulating experience and highlights the importance of the day for graduates and UAB. Learn more about how to purchase Commencement regalia prior to the ceremony, as well as UAB merchandise (announcements, class rings, and diploma frames) to commemorate graduation. There is a process in place for graduates and their friends and families to obtain a branding permission letter to share with bakeries to use UAB trademarks on cakes and edible goods.

GreenWeaver regalia is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. It takes an average of 23 plastic bottles to manufacture one cap and gown, meaning that your class has the opportunity to divert over 87,000 plastic bottles from landfills. GreenWeaver is also cooler and lighter weight than non-sustainable fabric.

Students in the School of Dentistry, UAB Heersink School of Medicine, and School of Optometry should note that their schools typically coordinate the specifics of these orders.

Dress Code/Academic Regalia

Commencement recognizes the academic achievements of UAB graduates and is considered a formal academic ceremony that should be viewed as such in dress and demeanor. The undergraduate and master’s academic robes are green. The recommended dress for graduates is comfortable business attire.

Order regalia for Bachelor/Masters/PhD/Optometry degrees Opens an external link. Order regalia for Faculty (not medical and dental) Opens an external link.

Order regalia for Medical and Dental (must be paid for at time of pick up) Opens an external link.

Order regalia for Faculty - Medical and Dental Opens an external link.

Distance Learning Students

If you are unable to attend the ceremony, it will be livestreamed and links will be made available on the Commencement website. You will still receive your diploma, as participation in the ceremony has no impact on your degree. Also, you are welcome to participate in future ceremonies when you are able. Please contact us during the semester of the ceremony in which you wish to participate.

student at commencement ceremony

Honors Graduates

Undergraduate students who have achieved meritorious scholastic standing are eligible to wear a gold honors cord. Honors designations are based on grades reported at the end of the previous term and may not reflect all earned honors. The honors designations for undergraduates are as follows:

  • Summa Cum Laude: 3.9 – 4.00 overall grade point average
  • Magna Cum Laude: 3.7 – 3.89 overall grade point average
  • Cum Laude: 3.5 – 3.69 overall grade point average

Graduation Announcements, Frames, Rings

Announcements can be purchased online through CB Graduation Products. Generally, students receive their announcements within 2-3 weeks; rush service is available for an additional fee.

UAB diploma frames are available at the UAB Bookstore (in Hill Student Center, 1400 University Blvd). They can also be purchased through the UAB Bookstore.

Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Optometry, Doctor of Medicine, and Doctor of Dental Medicine graduates should contact regalia@uab.edu for details about ordering diploma frames, as the size of these diplomas varies from other UAB diplomas.

UAB class rings are available from Balfour. Display cases of sample rings and brochures are available at the UAB Bookstore.

Representatives from Balfour will be at Grad Fest to take orders. Orders may also be placed online through Balfour.

Faculty Regalia