Information for Parents and Guests
Commencement is optional. Candidates must inform their colleges and the Office of the University Registrar of their participation and they must reserve their academic regalia by the deadline.
Commencement tickets are not required and degree candidates are encouraged to invite their family and friends.
Guests are encouraged to take advantage of shuttle service to the O'Connell Center. Shuttle buses will run to and from the commuter lot on Gale Lemerand Drive.
If you require hotel accommodations, please consult the list provided and consider making your reservations as early as possible. A list of suggested area restaurants is also provided. These listings are in no way complete nor do they imply arrangement with the university; we offer them solely to let you know that Gainesville offers a broad range of accommodations and restaurants.
If your party needs special accommodation at the ceremony because of a physical, visual or hearing disability, please contact the Dean of Students Office, 392-1261 (V) or 392-3008 (TDD), by April 17. Special entrances and limited parking will be available at all locations. Ushers can direct guests with limited mobility to special seating areas.
On behalf of the faculty and staff of the University of Florida, congratulations! You are about to experience every parent's dream – your child's graduation from college. Enjoy this wonderful celebration!
Commencement Protocol
Commencement marks the pinnacle of academic achievement and the university proudly celebrates the occasion with formal pomp and circumstance. Please help us provide a memorable event for all involved.
- Be seated before the procession begins. Guest seating is first-come, first-seated. No tickets are required.
- No guests are permitted in the graduates’ seating area.
- Guests will not be seated during the processional; late arrivals must wait until the procession ends.
- Cell phones and pagers should be turned off.
- Dress appropriately for the occasion.
- Please remain for the entire ceremony as a sign of respect for all graduates.
Photographs are encouraged, but please remain in your seat when photographing or videotaping any portion of the ceremony. Photographs of each graduate as they cross the stage are available from professional vendors who will contact you with purchasing information. Family pictures with the graduate in full academic regalia are generally taken before the ceremony.
Refer to the undergraduate commencement instructions and the graduate commencement instructions for additional information.
Video
We are pleased to announce that our ceremonies will be be available in streaming video! Links will be available prior to the ceremony.
The ceremonies will also be archived online for a few months. Please share this information with your family members and friends who are unable to attend the ceremonies!
