SPRING 2025 COMMENCEMENT GUIDE
FROM THE PRESIDENT WELCOME
Dear Guests,
On behalf of the University of West Alabama, I want to welcome you to campus for our commencement exercises, which are a celebration of achievement for our graduates as well as those who have supported them along this journey.
We are immensely proud of our students and their achievements All uniquely talented, each graduate celebrating this milestone achievement has followed a path unlike any other, and each has a special path going forward It is our honor to celebrate this day with you!
This guide provides information you will need as a ticket-holding guest of a graduate, including a map and directions, available services, traditions, and even pertinent information that we have provided to graduates over the last several weeks that you can help remind them of as they prepare for the day. We strive to make this day enjoyable for our graduates and guests as we follow the traditions of commencement with decorum and honor.
All my best,
Todd G. Fritch, Ph.D.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
ALL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES WILL TAKE PLACE IN UWA AUDITORIUM IN THE MATH & SCIENCE BUILDING.
THURSDAY, MAY 8
1:00PM
EDD, EDS, MED
Doctor of Rural Education Education Specialist
Master of Education
FRIDAY, MAY 9
10:00AM
COLA, NSM, COB
LIBERAL ARTS
BS - Liberal Arts
MAT - English Language Arts
MA - IMC
MS - Family Counseling
NATURAL SCIENCES & MATH
BS - NSM
MS - Conservation Biology, Sports Mgt.
MAT - Physical Education, Math
BBA - Business MBA BUSINESS
GRADUATES SHOULD PLAN TO CHECK-IN AT PRUITT GYMNASIUM ONE HOUR BEFORE THE CEREMONY START TIME.
1:00PM
ETEC, NURS, COE
ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
BS - Technology, Eng. Tech
BBA - CIS
NURSING
BS - Nursing
AS - Nursing
EDUCATION
BS - Education, IDS
MS - Adult Continuing Education
MS - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
COMMENCEMENT OVERVIEW
ASSEMBLY LOCATION FOR GRADUATES
There is no rehearsal for the ceremony. All participating graduates must arrive 1 hour prior to the start of their college ceremony at Pruitt Gymnasium. Early arrivals will not be able to check in until their designated times
Guests are not allowed at the holding location.
WHAT GRADUATES NEED TO BRING
All graduates should be dressed in complete regalia items, including any hoods, mortarboards, gowns, stoles and cords. Graduates will need to lock valuables in their vehicle or ask a guest to carry bulky items as there is no available storage space Graduates will not be allowed back into the holding rooms following the ceremony
ATTIRE FOR GRADUATES
The decoration of caps is not allowed for the ceremony. Graduates will be asked to remove decorated caps.
Graduates should wear dark shoes and clothes that will harmonize with the academic regalia. Appropriate attire includes dresses and/or pantsuits, dark slacks, dark ties, and dark shoes and socks
Jewelry that “dangles” or “jangles” should be avoided.
Please wear flat shoes or wedges. Graduates will be walking across parts of campus and up and down sets of stairs.
The mortarboard (cap) should be worn parallel to the floor with the tassel on the left side.
COMMENCEMENT OVERVIEW
THE CEREMONY
Guests are not permitted at graduate check in or in the holding rooms.
We ask that the graduating students and their guests adhere to the proper decorum for this hallowed event.
Please stand for the processional.
The commencement ceremony will last approximately 1 hour
Out of respect for all degree candidates, once seated, all participants are expected to stay until the conclusion of the ceremony
Hold all applause until the group has finished.
Following the graduate presentation, guests will be asked to stand for the exiting of the President's party, faculty and graduates.
Once the ceremony ends, guests will exit the main entry of the building to meet graduates outside of the Math & Science Building.
PLEASE TAKE YOUR PHOTOS QUICKLY AND THEN DEPART TO HELP TO ALLEVIATE TRAFFIC/PARKING FOR THE CEREMONY THAT WILL FOLLOW.
COMMENCEMENT OVERVIEW
GUEST TICKETS
Guests must have a ticket to gain access to the ceremony.
Tickets can be printed or presented on a mobile device
Tickets have a unique coding and may not be duplicated.
THE AUDITORIUM WILL OPEN FOR TICKETED GUESTS 35 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE START OF THE CEREMONY.
GUESTS ACCESSIBILITY
Guests needing accessiblity accomodations should park in the designated spots directly in front of the Math & Science Building.
A state-issued accessiblity placard or plate is required.
We know that guests may want to come earlier to be sure to get a seat. Because we have issued a limited number of tickets to participating graduates, there is no need to come earlier than this.
Each individual, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
No guests will be permitted to remain at the auditorium following their graduates ceremony.
Guests or graduates in need of wheelchairs or other mobility aids should make provisions to bring those with them Wheelchairs and other mobility aids are not provided. Limited accessible seating is available in the auditorium.
PHOTOGRAPHY PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION
Guests can expect to take photos with their graduates after the ceremony. Zap photography will take pictures prior to the ceremony in Pruitt Gym
During the ceremony, official photographers will be on the floor taking photos of each graduate receiving a diploma and shaking hands with the president They will also take candid photographs Candid photos will be shared on UWA social platforms
LIVE VIDEO STREAM
The ceremony can be viewed via live stream at uwa.edu/live so family and friends not able to attend can watch the ceremony
There are no overflow locations available.
Guests should enter on Bibb Graves Drive and park around the quad. Overflow parking is available in the Wallace Hall Parking lot
UWA BOOKSTORE
Barnes and Noble Bookstore located at the Student Union Building will be open each day from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm
HONORS AT COMMENCEMENT
The Latin honors system applies only to baccalaureate degree candidates. These GPA-based honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude) do not apply to students beyond the baccalaureate level.
Honor stoles are worn by baccalaureate degree candidates having met the criteria corresponding with the Latin honors system upon completion of their degree. The honors are identified by color stole (summa - gold, Magna - silver, Cum - white) This stole should not be worn under the gown or under any other stole, as it represents academic achievement for undergraduate students, superior to achievement or involvement outside of academics as it relates to the formal commencement ceremony.
Honor cords are worn in representation of honor societies of which the graduating student is a member. National honor societies for academics and leadership have distinct cords (generally a braided cord of 1-2 colors, worn around the neck atop a stole, if applicable) that are nationally recognized and are available through the honor society or organization (See Honor Cords & Stoles at Ceremony Information)
At each commencement ceremony, the students who are eligible for these honors will be announced The undergraduate Latin honors designation printed in the commencement program and announced at the ceremony is calculated based on the student’s cumulative UWA grade point average at the end of the semester prior to the semester of graduation All honors will be recalculated after the final grading period for the semester has closed during the weeks following commencement.
CEREMONY CHECKLIST
ORDER CAP & GOWN
DEADLINE:APRIL6
Cap and gown orders must be completed by March 28 to ensure timely delivery. Grad Fair was held March 4 at the UWA bookstore. You do not have to attend to purchase regalia.
You do not have to participate in the ceremony to purchase a cap and gown. Order at https://oakhallcg com/pages/university-of-west-alabama
NAME CHANGES
DEADLINE:APRIL9
Name changes / corrections due for diploma and program book. Live diplomas will not be given at the ceremony Email commencement@uwa edu to update how your name is listed
RESERVE GUEST TICKETS
DEADLINE:APRIL30
Tickets will be required for the ceremony, and every person attending must have a ticket, regardless of age.
Each participating graduate will be able to request and reserve (4) tickets. Additional tickets are not available.
You may have indicated how many tickets you need on your application for a degree. This number helps us plan for the ceremony but it does not secure your tickets In order to receive guest tickets you must reserve them through the online system during the allotted time
A link to reserve tickets will be sent to the participating graduates' UWA email by April 21st. You will have one week to reserve your 4 guest tickets. No ticket request will be fulfilled after April 30.
PARTICIPATION STATUS CHANGE
DEADLINE:MAY5
If you previously indicated yes to participating and can NOT participate Please let us know by emailing commencement@uwa edu
UWA ALUMNI
Dear Graduate,
We hope that your graduation is just the beginning of your continued involvement with the University of West Alabama. Stay connected with us by keeping up to date with alumni news and upcoming events, and make it a point to remain engaged with your alma mater.
The best way to stay involved and show your support is by joining the National Alumni Association (NAA). The NAA is a proud supporter of the University and contributes to key initiatives such as organizing events that connect graduates and supporters, raising scholarship funds for current students, and assisting with the recruitment of future Tigers
By becoming a member of the NAA, you play a vital role in ensuring the success of our events and in raising scholarship dollars that directly benefit UWA students. Additionally, your membership helps strengthen and support the growing list of exceptional programs that make UWA stand out.
The UWA National Alumni Association proudly upholds the academic excellence, traditions, and best interests of the University, and we invite you to join us in these efforts.
Membership Categories:
Individual: $40 (Annual Membership)
Joint (includes spouse): $75 (Annual Membership)
I encourage you to visit www uwa edu/alumni to join the NAA and for information about upcoming alumni events.
We look forward to your continued support and involvement as part of the UWA family.
Sincerely,
Banks Gordy Director of Alumni Affairs
COMMENCEMENT TIPS
Arrive on time
Men remove caps during National Anthem and State Song
Walk cheerfully and gracefully across the stage
Silence cell phones
Be respectful of others
Remain seated until the ceremony has ended
Hold applause until all graduates are recognized
No performances on stage
GETTING TO CAMPUS
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO CAMPUS
Traveling north/east (from Mississippi Area) on I-59/I-20, take the AL-28 exit, exit #17 (Livingston/Boyd).
Turn right onto AL-28 Turn Right onto U S Highway 11 (first traffic signal)
Traveling south/west (from Tuscaloosa area) on I-59/I-20, take the AL-28 exit, exit #17 (Livingston/Boyd).
Turn left onto AL-28 Turn Right onto U S Highway 11 (first traffic signal)
West on US-80, turn right onto AL-28 (Livingston). Turn right onto U.S. Highway 11.
North on AL-17, turn right onto U.S. Highway 11.
North on AL-43, turn left onto AL-28 in Linden Turn left onto US-80 Turn right onto AL-28 Turn right onto U S Highway 11
GRADUATE & GUEST PARKING
ROAD CLOSURE NO TRAFFIC COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY LOCATION
GRADUATE CHECK IN WHEELCHAIR ACCESSABLE PARKING
CONGRATULATIONS
CELEBRATE WITH THE BEST SELECTION OF GRAD GIFTS!
HOURS FOR COMMENCEMENT
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
