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Congratulations on achieving this significant academic milestone at the Õ¬Äи£ÀûÉç. 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 2026 Commencement ceremonies are scheduled to take place at the Math & Science Building in the Õ¬Äи£ÀûÉçAuditorium, situated on UWA’s campus in Livingston, Alabama, on Thursday, May 7 and Friday, May 8, 2026.

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 Õ¬Äи£ÀûÉçBookstore or connect with our faculty and staff to share greetings and experiences.

Schedule of Events

Thursday, May 7 – 10:00 AM

College of Education
Graduate Programs (MEd):

• Dyslexia Therapy
• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education
• Instructional Leadership
• Library Media
• School Counseling
• Student Affairs in Higher Education
• High School Education
• Physical Education
• Early Childhood Development
• Learning, Design, and Technology

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Thursday, May 7 – 1:00 PM

College of Education
Graduate Programs:

• Doctor of Rural Education (EdD)
• Collaborative Special Education (EdS)
• Early Childhood Education (EdS)
• Elementary Education (EdS)
• Library Media (EdS)
• Instructional Leadership (EdS)
• Physical Education (EdS)
• School Counseling (EdS)
• Teacher Leader (EdS)
• Counseling (EdS)
• Adult Continuing Education (MS)
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS)
• Guidance and Counseling (MS)
• Special Education (MEd)

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Thursday, May 7 – 4:00 PM

College of Education & College of Nursing

• All undergraduate programs

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Friday, May 8 – 10:00 AM

College of Business & Division of Engineering Technology

• All programs

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Friday, May 8 – 1:00 PM

College of Liberal Arts

• All programs

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Friday, May 8 – 4:00 PM

College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

• All programs

All commencement ceremonies will take place in Õ¬Äи£ÀûÉçAuditorium in the Math & Science Building. Graduates should plan to check-in at Pruitt Gymnasium one hour before the ceremony start time.

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 taken. 

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: Most ceremonies last approximately 1 hour or less. 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 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 and cheering until all graduates are recognized 

Ticket Policy 

• Ticket reservation information is sent by email to students who indicate on their application that they will participate in commencement exercises.
• Tickets can be reserved only during the designated time of availability.
• Tickets can be reserved only by participating graduates.
• Tickets are required for the ceremony.
• Every person attending must have a ticket, regardless of age.  
• Each participating graduate can reserve up to four (4) tickets for their ceremony.  
• No additional tickets are available.  
• Guests who arrive late are not guaranteed entry into the ceremony, regardless of ticket possession.

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 an email containing photo proofs. There is no requirement to purchase these photos. Photos taken by event photographers may be used for event publicity.

Graduates or Guests requiring ADA Accommodations or Assistance for the ceremony or other events should email [email protected], to make arrangements. 

StageClip 

As a special gift to our graduates, Õ¬Äи£ÀûÉçhas partnered with StageClip to provide each graduate with a personalized video clip of their walk across the commencement stage.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Each graduate receives a free, customized video capturing their stage moment.
• Links to these videos are sent to your լÄи£ÀûÉçstudent email within 48 hours following the ceremony.
• If you haven’t received your link or would like to search for your clip, visit:

If you have any trouble accessing your video, please contact the Office of Communications and Marketing.

Celebrate your achievement, share it with family and friends, and relive the moment—it’s our way of saying congratulations.