Congratulations on achieving this significant academic milestone at the University of West Alabama. Whether you opt to participate in the commencement ceremonies or commemorate this achievement in your own way, please know that we deeply value and commend your accomplishments. If you’ve chosen to join us for the ceremony as indicated on your degree completion application, we eagerly anticipate your presence on campus, where we will come together to honor your dedication alongside those who have supported you. 

Our Spring Commencement ceremonies are scheduled to take place at the Math & Science Building in the UWA Auditorium, situated on UWA’s campus in Livingston, Alabama, on Thursday, May 2nd and Friday, May 3rd, 2024.

During these days, the campus will be open, providing a wonderful opportunity for our long-distance students who may not have visited before to explore. Feel free to visit the UWA Bookstore or connect with our faculty and staff to share greetings and experiences.

Schedule of Events

Thursday, May 2

1:00 P.M. — MED
Master of Education

Friday, May 3

10:00 A.M. — DON, COLA, COB
Division of Nursing
AS, BS – Nursing
College of Liberal Arts
BS – Liberal Arts
MAT – English Language Arts, Social Science
MA – IMC
MS – Family Counseling
College of Business
BBA – Business
MBA

1:00 P.M. — ETEC, NSM, COE
Division of Engineering & Technology
AS, BS, BBA
College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
BS – NSM
MS – Conservation Biology, Sports Management
MAT – Physical Education, Science, Math
College of Education
BS – Education, IDS
MS ACE
MS – Clinical Mental Health and Guidance Counseling
Doctor of Rural Education
Education Specialist

Commencement Traditions 

The commencement exercise serves as the pinnacle of the academic year, signifying the culmination of years of dedicated learning and skill-building for our students. This occasion brims with happiness as students transition into a new phase of life. Simultaneously, it remains a formal ceremony rooted in tradition, encouraging a thoughtful and reverent contemplation of the university journey. Therefore, we kindly request that both graduating students and their guests observe the appropriate decorum befitting this esteemed event. 

Commencement Day Instructions 

Where and When to Report: All degree candidates must report to the front entrance of Pruitt Hall Gym one hour prior to your scheduled ceremony. 

Upon Arrival: All degree candidates should check in at the entrance, you will then be directed to the assembly location of the college to line up and have your photos made. 

Processional: Staff marshals will meet candidates at the assembly locations and direct movement throughout the ceremony. The candidate lines will begin processing out of their locations approximately 30 minutes prior to the start time of the ceremony. Candidates will follow their college marshal to the appropriate seating location. All candidates should remain standing until the ceremony begins and they are instructed to be seated. 

Degree Conferral: Staff marshals will direct candidates to the stage at the appropriate time to receive their degrees. Doctoral students should bring their hood with them at commencement check-in. After crossing the stage, all candidates must return to their seats. 

Duration: The commencement ceremony will last approximately 1 hour. Out of respect for all degree candidates, once seated, all participants are expected to stay until the conclusion of the ceremony. 

Late Arrivals: Late arrivals run the risk of not sitting with their college. 

Commencement Etiquette  

  • Arrive on time 
  • Men remove caps during the national anthem and state song 
  • Walk cheerfully and gracefully across the stage 
  • Silence cell phones 
  • Be respectful of others 
  • Remain in your seat until the ceremony has ended 
  • Remove gum before going across stage 
  • Hold applause until all graduates are recognized 

Professional Photographer 

To ensure there is no disruption to the procession of degree recipients, a professional photographer will be available to capture a photograph of each graduate as they receive their diploma. Students will receive both an email and a physical letter containing photo proofs. Two photos will be taken during the ceremony: the first as the student walks across the stage, and the second after they have left the stage. It’s important to note that there is no requirement to purchase these photos. 

Ticket Policy 

  • Tickets will be required for the ceremony  
  • Every person attending must have a ticket, regardless of age.  
  • Each participating graduate will receive four (4) tickets for their ceremony.  
  • No additional tickets are available.  
  • Tickets will be emailed only to graduates participating in the ceremony two weeks prior to the ceremony.

Graduates or Guests requiring ADA Accommodations or Assistance for the ceremony or other events should email commencement@uwa.edu, to make arrangements.