Graduation is the process that verifies all degree requirements have been met, and the degree awarded (i.e., conferred). Students must apply for graduation in their final term. Diplomas are mailed to candidates approximately 8-10 weeks after the end of the semester in which the student has applied for graduation, and the coursework and other degree requirements have been verified.
Commencement is the public ceremony held to recognize and celebrate students’ achievements. Participation is voluntary. UNT Dallas conducts commencement exercises twice each year in May and December. Students may only participate in one commencement exercise per academic career (i.e. undergraduate and graduate levels). Confirming attendance at the Commencement Ceremony is a separate process from applying to graduate. Students who apply to graduate must also RSVP to the Commencement Ceremony.
If you plan to walk early in the Spring commencement ceremony, you must apply to graduate by the graduation application deadline (see Academic Calendar). You may request to walk only if you are within 6-8 credits of degree completion. Your academic advisor must send an approval notice to Graduation@untdallas.edu in order for you to participate in the ceremony.
If you graduated in the Summer term and would like to walk in the Fall commencement ceremony, you must send a request to Graduation@untdallas.edu by the RSVP deadline of the term you plan to walk. Students academic records will be checked to ensure the student graduated the summer prior to the fall term. A confirmation email will then be sent to the student confirming approval to walk in the ceremony. Please note we are unable to accept RSVP request after the deadline due to logistical planning requirements by our vendors.