Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Graduation and Commencement?

Graduation is the process of being awarded a degree. All graduate and undergraduate students wishing to graduate, whether or not they intend to participate in the commencement ceremony, must apply for graduation by the semester deadline. Commencement ceremonies are the services held at the end of each fall, spring and summer semester. These are ceremonies in which the attainment of the degree is recognized and celebrated by the University community and the students' friends and family.

Can I participate in a commencement ceremony the semester before I actually graduate?

Students must be enrolled in or have all coursework/degree requirements completed to participate in commencement. With a commencement ceremony at the end of each academic semester including summer, students should plan to participate in the ceremony that coincides with the completion of all degree requirements. Students will not be allowed to march in an earlier ceremony.

When should I apply for graduation?

An Application for Degree Form must be filed with the Office of the Registrar for students seeking bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees. Applications must be submitted by the following deadlines:

Graduation Date	Deadline
Spring 2009	Sept. 15, 2008
July 2009	Dec. 5, 2008
August 2009	Jan. 23, 2009

What is the application fee and procedure to apply for graduation?

A nonrefundable graduation fee of $32 is charged for undergraduate and graduate degrees. The application for graduation may be picked up at the Office of the Registrar, located in the Student Services Building, Room 1.150. The fee is payable at Payments and Collections, Student Services Building, Room 1.145 and then returned to the Office of the Registrar. The fee is used to pay for the processing of applications for graduation, music, graduation speakers, postage, diplomas and other expenses associated with graduation.

What if I don't meet graduation requirements?

You must pay a $10 transfer fee and submit a copy of the receipt to the Office of the Registrar in order to be transferred to the next graduation date.

If I have participated in the commencement ceremony, does that mean I graduated?

Participation in the ceremony does not guarantee the student has actually graduated until all requirements have been met.

How will my name appear on the diploma?

Your name will appear the same as it does on your student records.

How can I obtain a second copy of my diploma?

Submit a diploma re-order form to the Office of the Registrar with a copy of the $20 receipt from the Office of Payments and Collections.

Where do I purchase my cap and gown?

All commencement related materials (announcements, invitations, caps, gowns, tassels, class rings, commemorative memory stoles) may be purchased from the University Bookstore, which can be reached by phone at 956/381-2252 or by visiting their Web site at http://www.utpa.bkstr.com/

How long is the typical commencement ceremony?

The length of each UTPA commencement ceremony is approximately two hours.

When should I arrive for commencement?

Guests, graduates and faculty should arrive one hour before the ceremony begins.

I am pending to be hired based on proof of receiving my degree. How long will it take to certify my degree?

It normally takes between 6-8 weeks to certify all of our prospective graduates. The Office of the Registrar can draft a letter of intent for you in the meantime.

Where can I request a copy/copies of my transcript?

A copy/copies of a transcript may be requested at the Office of the Registrar by calling 956/381-2481 or by e-mailing registrars@panam.edu