Required Forms
All degree candidates must submit an Application for Graduation and $25.00 payment check or cash by the last Friday in June. If you are graduating with multiple degrees in a single term, you must complete a separate Application for Graduation form and pay a $25.00 non-refundable fee for each degree. For more information about application visit Graduation Application.
You must legibly complete and return your yellow Commencement Attendance form and the white Graduate Statistical Information form you will receive in the mail to the Graduation Services Office, 109 Canfield Administration Building South, no later than Friday, July 26, 2013, to advise us of your plans. Return the forms whether or not you are participating in commencement. If you have misplaced the forms, visit Canfield room 109 for duplicates. If you are graduating with two degrees, please list on your yellow Commencement Attendance form which degree candidates you wish to be seated with for the ceremony.
Commencement Ceremony
Commencement is Saturday, August 17, 2013, at 9:30 a.m., Pinnacle Bank Arena.
In the event that Pinnacle Bank Arena is not available for commencement due to construction delays beyond the control of the University, your commencement ceremony will be at Pershing Center, 226 Centennial Mall South, in Lincoln. Ceremony time will remain the same. That information will be emailed to August graduates’ personal email address and published as soon as possible at www.unl.edu, on UNL social media sites (facebook.com/unlincoln, twitter.com/unlnews, twitter.com/unlincoln), and via local media outlets. Graduates only may register for electronic notification of changes using the Commencement Contact Form (My.UNL Login required). Decisions regarding venue will be made by the Office of the Chancellor. We do not foresee the need to limit the number of guests attending commencement at either venue. Tickets will not be required.
Commencement Participation
Commencement is not required in order to graduate.
Participation means attending the Commencement ceremony in academic costume, marching in the processional and recessional, and going forward to the stage to receive your diploma from your Dean.
Students who participate in the Commencement ceremony are expected to be present throughout the entire ceremony. You will not be allowed to receive your diploma and depart before the recessional.
Graduation Services will mail information regarding instructions for the commencement ceremony to all degree candidates approximately four (4) weeks prior to graduation. You must advise us of your plans concerning participation so that seating and diploma arrangements can be made.
For more information, please contact Graduation Services, 109 Canfield Administration Building South, (402) 472-3636.
Graduates with Disabilities
Graduates with disabilities are welcome and should notify us several days before Commencement to allow time to establish reasonable accommodations, note your need for accommodations on your yellow Commencement Attendance form. Please report any special needs to Dr. Patrice Berger, Head Marshal, at (402) 472-5425. Dr. Berger will advise you regarding procedures to be followed.
Admission to Commencement/Seating for Guests with Disabilities
Your family and friends are cordially invited to attend the ceremony and may sit anyplace other than the area on the main floor reserved for the graduates, faculty, and dignitaries. Tickets are not required.
Any guest with disabilities or who uses a wheelchair, accompanied by one person, may sit in a designated area. Please direct your guests with disabilities to see an usher for seating assistance.
Academic Regalia
All participants are required to wear academic caps and gowns appropriate to the degree they are receiving at Commencement. You may order caps, gowns, hoods and graduation announcements in person or by mail from the University Bookstore, General Merchandising Area, Lower Level, Nebraska Union on City Campus. Direct your questions about regalia and graduation announcements to the Bookstore (402) 472-7300.
Diplomas
Each candidate whom participates in the Commencement will receive a diploma from a College Dean upon arrival at the stage. A professional photographer will take your picture as you are handed your diploma.
All financial obligations to the University must be satisfied before your diploma will be released. If you are uncertain about this matter, check with the Office of Student Accounts, 124 Canfield Administration Building North (402) 472-2887. Candidates whom choose not to participate in Commencement may receive their diploma as follows:
1. Pick it up on Commencement Day, you must present a photo ID to claim your diploma.
2. By mail as requested on the enclosed yellow form. Submit the Graduate Statistical Form with your request. Diplomas will be mailed the Monday following Commencement.
3. Pick it up at the Graduation Services Office, 109 Canfield Administration Building South, beginning the Monday following Commencement. Bring your photo ID with you.
Change in Plans
Please call the Graduation Services Office at (402) 472-3636 as soon as you determine you are unable to complete your requirements for graduation for this semester, or if you change your mind about participating in the Commencement ceremony.
