Convocation Information

Dean Berry and the College of Education invite family and friends to celebrate the Spring 2024 Convocation on May 10, 2024, in McKale Memorial Center. The ceremony will begin at 9:00 am and will last approximately two hours. Nearby parking is located in the Cherry Avenue Garage. Additional parking is available in the Second Street Garage.

The convocation ceremony is for all University of Arizona College of Education undergraduate and graduate students.

How does the COE Convocation differ from UA Commencement?
More info about the ceremony differences can be found on the commencement website.

How long is the Convocation ceremony?
The December ceremony is approximately 1 ½ half hours. The May ceremony is approximately 2 hours long.

Will I receive my diploma at the ceremony?
No, diplomas are mailed to you approximately 2-3 weeks after your degree is posted. If you have any questions about your diploma or graduation requirements, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

How many guests can I bring?
Depending on the size of the venue, you may be able to bring as many guests as you would like. McKale Memorial Center can host a large number of guests but please be sure to indicate how many you’ll have in attendance when you RSVP. Please check the current Convocation information on the homepage to confirm.

Where can I get tickets?
There are no tickets. Guest seating is first-come, first-served. Students must RSVP and check in on the day of the ceremony at the check-in table to be lined up for the procession and to have their names shown on screen as they cross the stage.

How can I or my guests get disability-related accommodations for the ceremony?
The RSVP form will include areas to denote needs for you and your guests. Our Convocation DRC liaison will follow up with you via email after RSVPs close with pertinent information.

What should I wear to the ceremony?
Please review the regalia information on the homepage. Caps may be decorated. Comfortable shoes are strongly advised.

Where can I put my personal belongings during the ceremony?
Please leave personal belongings in your vehicle or with your guests. There is nowhere in the venue to store personal belongings during the ceremony. COE staff are not responsible for watching personal belongings.

How can I get photos of the event?
GradImages will be taking photos of each graduate during and after they cross the stage. They will contact students based on the information they fill out on the back of their name card the day of the ceremony, so please be sure to provide current contact information at that time. We'll also be sharing the event during and after on our Instagram! Please follow us @uazeducation.

Where can my guests sit?
Seating is available throughout the venue space; please pay attention to posted signage for reserved seating (for those who need ASL interpreting and for participating students and faculty). Anything that does not have reserved signage is available for seating.

Will the ceremony be live-streamed?
Yes. The ceremony will be live-streamed through the COE website.

Will I be able to watch the ceremony later?
Yes, the ceremony will be available on the COE website and available for download after the ceremony. Please allow a week for video processing, after which time it will be posted and downloadable.

I have questions about UA Commencement, who do I contact?
Please visit the Commencement website or contact commencement@arizona.edu.

I have other questions that are not answered here, who can I contact?
Contact the convocation coordinator, Kerri Sierra-Flores, with any additional questions.

Undergraduate students (Bachelors) have the option of wearing professional attire (clothes that you would wear to a job interview) or a cap and gown with a light blue tassel for the cap. Graduate students must wear academic regalia.

Regalia items can be purchased from the University of Arizona Bookstore. (Hover over Gifts & Supplies then click on Caps/Gowns under the Graduation heading)

Please Note:

  • Ed Specialist and Masters degree recipients are hooded during convocation and will receive a memento from the Dean.
  • Doctoral recipients are hooded by their selected faculty member and will receive a doctoral medal memento.

Below is a list of all appropriate colors/types with corresponding degrees:

Degree gown style cap style hood style hood color tassel
Bachelor (BA, BS) Bachelor Cap     Light Blue
Masters (MA, MEd) Masters Cap Masters Light Blue Black
Educational Specialist (EdS) Masters Cap Masters Light Blue Black
Doctoral (EdD) Doctoral Tam Doctoral Light Blue Gold
Doctoral (PhD) Doctoral Tam Doctoral Royal Blue Gold