Where can I get information about Commencement exercises?
All activities related to Commencement are managed by the Office of Commencement, Building 21-T, 305-284-1821, or commencement@miami.edu. Please refer to the commencement web site for more information, at www.miami.edu/commencement.

Can I "walk" during the Spring commencement even though I have applied to graduate during the summer?
Yes. There are two commencements held yearly: December and May. In order to walk in the spring commencement ceremony, students must register for commencement by the deadline.  All students should register to graduate for the correct term.  So, for example, if you are planning to walk in spring, but will not finish your coursework until Summer 2, you must apply for Summer 2, but may walk in the spring ceremonies.  The same goes for Summer 1.

I missed the deadline to register for graduation, but was able to register late through my school.  Will I still have a cap and gown and be listed in the program?
Maybe. The Office of Commencement orders extra regalia for students that register late, but we cannot guarantee we will have all sizes available. Regalia that was not preordered is available on a first come, first served basis. Depending on when you registered to graduate, you may not be listed in the program.  Because of publication deadlines, we cannot guarantee that students who register after the deadline are listed in the program.  If you want to be listed in the program book, and have reserved regalia, it is important to register to graduate before the deadline.

Do my guests need tickets for commencement?
No tickets are required for any commencement ceremony at the University of Miami.

Is there a limit on the number of guests I can bring to watch me graduate?
There is no limit on the number of guests you can bring to any of the commencement ceremonies at the University of Miami.

How long does the commencement ceremony last?
Each commencement ceremony is roughly two hours.

Is there a reception for my school?
Each school or college has a reception for their students. All of the reception times and locations are listed on our website, www.miami.edu/commencement .

It’s commencement day.  Where do I go, and when?
All graduates are required to report to the graduate line-up tent (on the North side of the BankUnited Center) one hour prior to the start of the ceremony. This is important because the academic procession actually begins fifteen minutes before the start of the ceremony.

All faculty report to the faculty line-up tent one hour prior to the start of the ceremony. Faculty walking with a doctoral candidate should line-up with their doctoral candidate in the graduate line-up tent. 
Note: The academic procession enters the BankUnited Center fifteen minutes before the start of the ceremony.

Will there be a sign language interpreter?
Yes, there will be an interpreter at all commencement ceremonies.

Is there any cost for graduation?
No. The University of Miami covers all costs for all graduates’ regalia. After the ceremony, the regalia is yours to keep.

I am unable to pick up my cap and gown during the designated hours.  Can someone pick it up for me?
Yes, as long as that student has your permission in writing.

Where can I order graduation announcements, invitations, etc?
Those can be ordered through either Herff Jones, www.herffjones.com/college, or Balfour, www.balfour.com.

Where can I buy the University of Miami commencement tradition, the Stole of Gratitude?
The Stole of Gratitude can be purchased when you pick up your regalia. The cost is $20.

Will there be any photographs of me taken?
Yes, Bob Knight Photography will be at commencement and will take a picture of each graduate as they walk across the stage. A complimentary copy will be mailed to graduates, along with instructions to order additional prints. Personal photographs may be taken only before and after the ceremony. No one is permitted in the aisles during the ceremony. All graduates will have the opportunity to take photos in front of a banner with the University of Miami seal, located outside the BankUnited Center.

Will the ceremony be broadcast live? 
Yes.  Visit www.miami.edu on the day of the ceremony for more information.

Can I preorder a video of the ceremony?
Yes.  Video coverage of all ceremonies will be available for $30 per DVD copy. Go to www.miamicommencementvideo.com and reserve your copy today.

What is available for guests with special needs?
Special needs parking is available right in front of the BankUnited Center. No reservation or pass is required. Golf carts are available for transportation of guests with special needs.

Guests with special needs can enter the special needs entrance on the first floor of the BankUnited Center. Special needs seating is available with access through the special needs elevator. Two additional guests can sit in the special needs seating. There is additional seating close by.  All special needs accommodations fill up on a first come, first served basis, so please plan accordingly. Doors open an hour before each ceremony.

Where can I rent a wheelchair for a guest with special needs?
Please contact Randle Medical Supply at 1-800-753-1222.

Have I ordered regalia?  Am I all set?
If you registered to graduate on myUM by the deadline, then you have ordered regalia.

When will I get my diploma?
Once all financial holds are cleared and your degree is posted, your diploma will be ordered.  You should receive your diploma in the mail about eight weeks after graduation.

I have other questions.  Who do I call?
You may contact the Office of Commencement at 305-284-1821 or commencement@miami.edu.