Undergraduate Student FAQs
When does UNLV hold graduation ceremonies?
Both in the spring (May) and winter (December). In the spring, two ceremonies
are held in one day; colleges are assigned to participate in either the
morning or the afternoon ceremony. At winter commencement, all colleges
participate in one ceremony.
Are tickets necessary for guests?
No. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where should I park?
Ample parking is available outside the Thomas & Mack Center. Handicapped
parking spaces are located in all sections of the Thomas & Mack Center
parking lot.
When should I arrive for commencement?
Guests, graduates, and faculty should
arrive one hour before the ceremony begins.
How long is the typical commencement ceremony?
Approximately three
hours.
What are the dates and times of future commencements?
Dates and times of future commencement ceremonies will be posted on the commencement website as soon as they are set. If they are not posted there, they have not yet been set.
How can I find the Thomas & Mack Center?
For those guests unfamiliar
with the layout of the university, a campus
map is available on the left in the gray bar.
Where do I get my cap and gown?
All commencement-related materials (invitations,
announcements, caps, gowns, tassels, class rings, etc.) may be purchased
from the UNLV
Bookstore, which can be reached by phone at 702-736-3955.
Where can I find information about the commencement reception?
Each of
the colleges sponsors its own reception; please contact the appropriate
college to check on reception times and locations.
How do I get my actual diploma?
It will be mailed to the student’s MyUNLV “home” address (or degree address if one has been provided) within eight to ten weeks of commencement. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they have an accurate/appropriate address on file.
What size is the diploma?
Undergrad & Masters is 8.5x11. Law & Dental is 11x14.
Can I participate in May commencement if I am due to graduate (complete my classes) in the summer?
August and December graduates should participate in winter commencement. Summer graduates who wish to participate in May commencement must have extenuating circumstances and must get permission from the Office of the Registrar (SSC-A).
When should I apply for graduation?
The student should apply for graduation two semesters before the expected date of degree completion. For more information about applying for graduation, please refer to the Registrar’s Website.
What is the difference between "applying to graduate" and "signing
up to participate in commencement"?
The graduation application process involves UNLV staff reviewing a student's records to determine if he or she is eligible to graduate. After the student applies for graduation Registrar’s Office staff members and the appropriate college advisors determine if the student has taken the necessary courses and then begin the process that will allow the student to officially graduate (or that informs the student what requirements must still be met in order to graduate). Applying for graduation does not mean that the student has actually graduated (degree conferral occurs after final grades are received). Additionally, it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to ensure they take the necessary courses in the appropriate timeframe. This process should not be confused with the process of signing up to participate in commencement.
When and where should I sign up to participate in the graduation ceremony?
Students
who intend to participate in the graduation ceremony should sign up to
do so at the UNLV Bookstore;
this will ensure a seat is reserved for each participating graduate. (Students
usually sign up to participate at the time they purchase the cap, gown,
and tassel, which are typically available about six weeks before each ceremony.
Students will be notified by mail when the regalia is available for purchase.)
During the sign-up process, students will be asked to complete a form,
and they will receive a name card that is necessary for them to participate
in the ceremony. Students may sign up to participate in commencement and
purchase their regalia as late as the Friday before commencement, but it
is recommended that they complete this process in the weeks preceding the
ceremony. For more information, please contact the UNLV
Bookstore at 702-736-3955.
Is there a charge to apply for graduation? What is a student account?
Upon enrollment, a student account is set up by Cashiering and Student Accounts for every UNLV student. Upon applying for graduation, all appropriate graduation dues ($50 summer 11/$75 fall 11 forward plus $20 if applying late) will be charged to your account. Payment may be made in the MyUNLV Student Center.
Graduation Hotline: 702-895-3229