Commencement
The University’s commencement ceremonies are held in December and May. Students earning bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees are only permitted to participate in the commencement ceremony for their college's primary program of study during their final term of coursework.
Students with Multiple Majors
Students earning a bachelor’s degree with multiple majors in different colleges may choose which college’s commencement ceremony to attend. Participation is limited to one commencement ceremony.
Students in the College of Business 4+1 Programs
Students enrolled in College of Business 4+1 concurrent degree programs are not eligible to participate in their commencement ceremony until they have completed their final term of master’s degree coursework since both the bachelor’s and the master’s degrees are conferred simultaneously at the conclusion of these programs. This policy does not apply to accelerated and direct-entry programs in which the bachelor’s degree is conferred separately, prior to completion of the master’s degree.
Students Completing Coursework other than Fall and Spring Semesters
The University allows students who are expected to complete their final coursework other than within the Fall and Spring semesters to take part in the commencement ceremony immediately preceding or immediately following the term of their degree completion. Students who elect to participate in the ceremony immediately preceding the term of their degree completion must understand that:
- Their degree is not conferred until all coursework is completed.
- Participation in a commencement ceremony does not imply the completion of degree requirements.
- Graduation honors will not be announced for these candidates, as they will not have completed their requirements by the date of the ceremony. They will, however, have appropriate honors recorded on their official transcript and diploma.
The May commencement program will list degree candidates for May and August. The December commencement program will list the graduates from August and degree candidates for December.
Walking Out of Term
The University recognizes that in some instances, there are circumstances that may require a student to request an exception to participate in a commencement ceremony that does not align with their final term of coursework or specific college ceremony of their degree attainment. If the exception is granted, the student may participate in the requested ceremony, but they are not extended any other privileges of a graduate that semester such as:
- Receiving a diploma in that semester.
- Having their name printed in the program.
- Wearing honor cords in the ceremony (if walking early).
Students who wish to walk out of term must apply before graduating from the University. The Walk Out of Term application deadline is April 10 for May graduates and November 10 for December graduates. Applications submitted after graduation will only be considered if the student previously applied to participate in that semester’s commencement and was unable to do so due to extenuating circumstances.
A student applying to walk out of term may only apply to defer participation to the next scheduled commencement ceremony. For visa-related circumstances only, a student may apply to defer participation up to two times.
Approval to walk out of term is granted at the sole discretion of the Office of Orientation and Family Engagement and based on space availability. Reasons to apply to walk out of term may include:
- Health issues (of the applicant and/or their immediate family members).
- Military station changes or deployment of the graduate or their spouse.
- Visa expiration deadlines or issues with obtaining (of the applicant and/or their immediate family members).
- University of Tampa student athletes that are participating in a game or tournament with the University of Tampa team on the day of the ceremony.
- Studying abroad or participating in an out-of-area internship during final semester.
To request a Walk Out of Term application, students must email the Office of Orientation and Family Engagement at commencement@ut.edu. Applications must include a written rationale for the request and supporting documentation (e.g., visa appointment confirmation or medical paperwork).
All decisions regarding commencement ceremony participation are final and made by the Office of Orientation and Family Engagement
Questions about commencement ceremony participation policies should be directed to the Office of Orientation and Family Engagement at commencement@ut.edu.