FAQ

All activities related to Commencement are managed by the Office of Commencement. For details and information including ceremony times, location, and cap and gown ordering can be found on the commencement website under Ceremony Information. Should you have any questions or concerns please contact 'Canes Central or reach out via email at commencementhelp@miami.edu.

There are two commencements annually: Fall Commencement held in December and Spring Commencement held in May. All students who wish to participate in commencement must apply to graduate via CaneLink by the deadline. Students who are scheduled to complete their degree requirements in Fall should apply during the fall semester and participate in the ceremony in December. Students who are scheduled to complete their degree requirements in Spring or Summer should apply during the spring semester and participate in the ceremony in May. For full details, please click here.

We know this is an exciting time for you and your families attending the ceremony. We want to support your achievements and your special day; however, University of Miami policies and procedures are still in effect throughout all commencement ceremonies. Failure to adhere to our current policies could result in disciplinary action, including the withholding of your degree. Thank you for your cooperation. -Dean of Students Office

In certain circumstances students will be allowed to walk in a ceremony other than the one held in the semester in which they complete their degree requirements. Acceptable circumstances include: defending your doctoral thesis, completing final semester in study abroad; or summer graduation with deferred ceremony (some summer graduates elect to delay their participation in commencement until December). If you wish to participate in a ceremony other than the one in which your degree will be completed, please visit the application for graduation page for details. ALL other candidates must apply online via CaneLink.

The University of Miami covers all costs for all graduates’ regalia. Students are only responsible for the shipping fee. After the ceremony, the regalia is yours to keep or recycle. Students have the option to purchase graduation invitations and announcements, diploma frames, and other graduation products.

Yes, there will be professional photographers at commencement. They will take a picture of each graduate as they walk across the stage. After the event, photo proofs will be emailed to each graduate for their review. Personal photographs may be taken only before and after the ceremony. No one is permitted in the aisles during the ceremony.



Hired private photographers must have a guest ticket to attend the ceremony and adhere to Watsco Center building policies. Private photographers are not allowed on the arena floor or commencement stage before, during, or after the ceremony. Additionally, it's important to note that the presence of professional photography crews may not obstruct the view of other guests at any point.

While we encourage everyone to capture memories on this special day, please remember that guests are not allowed on the commencement floor or stage. For those taking photos with cell phones, kindly keep them on silent to avoid disturbing others.

When choosing photography equipment, please adhere to the following guidelines for safety and consideration:

• Video, film, and digital cameras are allowed, including those with interchangeable lenses.
• Tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, and similar devices that could obstruct aisles or the view of others are not permitted.
• Camera bags are allowed but will be subject to inspection.
• Flash photography is not permitted.

Thank you for helping us create a positive experience for everyone!

Yes. Please visit the livestream website on the day of the ceremony to watch the webcast event.

There is no formal dress code; however, it is recommended the graduate dress for a special occasion. All graduates must wear their gowns fully zipped throughout the entirety of the ceremony. Graduates may not carry, display, or wear on their person any banners, signs, flags (this does not include international stoles), or similar items during the ceremony. Caps may be decorated, but all images and words must be in good taste and free of profanity. Commencement staff reserves the right to require that any graduate alter part of their regalia prior to participating in the ceremony (including caps, gowns, tassels, hoods, stoles, and cords).

You may contact 'Canes Central or reach out via email at commencementhelp@miami.edu.

For all questions regarding eligibility to graduate, please contact your school/college advisor.

Fall candidates must apply when the application for graduation opens in the fall semester (typically in September). Spring/Summer candidates must apply when the application for graduation opens in the spring semester (typically in February).

Students must apply online via CaneLink to participate in the ceremony. View the Application for Graduation page for deadlines and more information. If you need clarification on when to apply contact your academic advisor.

The deadline to place an order for cap and gown can be found here. If you miss the deadline, extra cap and gown will be available on site at the commencement ceremonies. Extra regalia is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Because of publication print deadlines, we cannot guarantee that students who register after the deadline will be listed in the program. If you want to be listed in the program book, and have reserved regalia, it is important to apply to graduate before the deadline.

Once all financial holds are cleared and your degree is posted by your school or college, your diploma will be processed. You should receive your diploma in the mail about eight weeks after graduation. Answers to more of your questions about Graduation and Diplomas can be found online. For immediate status of your diploma, search the order status of your University of Miami diploma.

Diplomas are issued by the Office of the Registrar upon successful completion of your degree requirements. Participation in the Commencement ceremony or the listing of a student's name in the Commencement Book in no way implies or ensures graduation. A student's graduation is contingent upon successful completion of the degree requirements and approval by the academic school or college. If there are no holds, diplomas are ordered automatically the following week after the degree is posted to your transcript, which may take up to six weeks after the conclusion of your final semester.

You can view degree status in CaneLink using the information under “Degree Status” provided by the Office of the Registrar. You can also check the shipping status of your degree at this link: https://michaelsutter.com/miami. 

Diplomas are issued by the Office of the Registrar upon successful completion of your degree requirements. You may also contact 'Canes Central.

Diploma covers are distributed to each candidate as they walk across the stage on the day of their commencement ceremony. Alternatively, they can also be purchased on the commencement website here.

An honorary degree may be awarded to an individual who satisfies at least two of the following criteria:

- Distinctive achievement or leadership, whether in the course of one’s career, field of scholarship, public service, or artistic, literary, governmental, religious, financial, or other endeavors.

- A significant reason for recognition by the University of Miami, in form of an association or relationship with the University, or a valued relationship between the individual’s achievements and the mission or life of the University.

- A person whose life or work exemplifies the highest values of the University of Miami, and its mission to transform lives through education, research, innovation, and service.

- Particular significance for the individual being recognized. Achievement and distinction that have not been similarly recognized by a number of other institutions.

- Current trustees, faculty, or staff of the University of Miami.

- Incumbent elected officials and sitting heads of state (except under special

circumstances).

A Posthumously degree is awarded to a student who has passed away before completing all degree requirements. 

For more information, please visit the Office of the University of Accreditation and view the procedures for Awarding Posthumous Degrees.

For the most up-to-date details on tickets, including mobile tickets, ticket transfers, and more, please visit our Ticket Information page.

To download your commencement guest ticket, please visit our Ticket Information page.

Yes, you can transfer your tickets to your guests or any student. Please note that transfers are allowed, but tickets cannot be sold. Students who sell tickets may have all their tickets revoked and be referred to the Dean of Students Office. To transfer your commencement tickets, please visit our Ticket Information page.

For all information and frequently asked questions regarding Watsco Center venue policies, please visit the venue webpage.

The number of tickets allotted to each student will be made available in the graduation application on CaneLink. The opening dates for the graduation application may be found on the Office of the Registrar.

Parking is conveniently located near the Watsco Center. The parking map will be posted on the parking and venue page.

Yes, the University of Miami Campus Store will be on-site selling flowers, diploma frames, and other UM items.

Children 2 and under do not require their own ticket.

After registering for graduation in CaneLink, you will need to wait 24-48 hours to be given access to order your cap and gown. Your UM ID (C#) is required to sign in. You must place your order by the deadline in order to guarantee that you receive it on time. You may track your regalia order here.

If you missed the deadline to order cap and gown, extra cap and gown will be available at the graduate check-in area when you arrive to the ceremony. Please make sure to stop by the regalia table to get your cap and gown.

If you plan on attending the in-person ceremony you can pick up your cap and gown on the day of the ceremony. Extras will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the graduate check-in area. Be sure to arrive 90 minutes before the ceremony start time.

Stoles can be purchased online when purchasing your cap and gown. Stoles of gratitude will be available for purchase on the day of the in-person ceremony at the Graduate Check-in area. They are $35 each, credit card only.

Regalia is provided free of charge to all graduating University of Miami students. Students are only responsible for the shipping & handling fee. All students must order regalia via the ordering site by the deadline.

Yes. All doctoral students have the option to purchase custom doctoral regalia. For more information or to place your order, visit the ordering site. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery.

No, the University of Miami does not have special regalia for Latin Honors. There are no extra cords or items given to students with Latin Honors. Some academic honor societies may recognize graduates with honor cords. Click here for more information. Latin honors are awarded to bachelor's degree candidates only, and is displayed on screen as they walk across the stage. It is also indicated in the program book next to the graduate's name and included on the diploma.

All bachelor's degree candidates should wear the tassel on the right side of the cap. During the ceremony they will be instructed to move the tassel to the left side after degrees are conferred.

All master's and doctoral degree candidates should wear the tassel on the left side of the cap.

Click here to view how to wear your regalia.

All faculty who plan to participate whether as invited stage party or general faculty must RSVP and order regalia on the Faculty RSVP website by the deadline.

Students and families can order custom UM graduation gifts and products, learn more and purchase products here.

The Official UM Stole of Gratitude can be purchased online when you order your cap and gown. The cost is $35. For more information, visit the Official UM Stole page. Stoles will also be sold on ceremony day, while supplies last.

If you are a registered student organization looking to make a group purchase, please visit the commencement website here for more information.



The University of Miami is excited to provide celebratory signs for graduates and families to show off their pride! Pick your favorite design, choose your size, download the file, take it to your local print shop, and show off your accomplishment. Click here to download your sign.

Graduates should arrive at least one hour prior to ceremony start time. All graduates must arrive fully dressed and wearing their hoods (this includes Doctoral, M.D. and, Law candidates). If you missed the deadline to order cap and gown, extra cap and gown will be available at the graduate check-in area.

At the graduate check-in area graduates will receive their name card. The back of your name card must be filled out. Graduates also have the opportunity to make edits to the way their name is displayed by visiting the troubleshooting table. Our regalia vendor will also be on site for any cap and gown issues. Graduates will also be able to purchase the stole of gratitude ($35 credit card only).

Latin honors are awarded to bachelor's degree candidates only. All Latin honors at commencement are based on your previous semesters GPA. The Office of the Registrar will be present at graduate check-in to assist with any questions regarding Latin honors.

Yes. All graduates who are present at the ceremony will walk across the stage. As they cross, their name will be called live and displayed on the large screen along with their image. Graduates will receive a diploma cover and then proceed to take a photo with the president.

Doctoral students will be hooded on stage by designated hooders. If you have a dissertation advisor(s) attending the ceremony, they may stand beside the doctoral candidate during the hodding. All dissertation advisors who wish to participate and escort a doctoral candidate must RSVP—regardless of whether or not they need rental regalia. Advisor RSVPs are essential to help us plan seating and stage logistics accordingly.

Each ceremony will last approximately 2.5 - 3 hours, depending on the total number of graduates attending.

All graduates will be physically distanced and seated on the floor of the arena. Graduates are seated with their classmates according to school or college and degree level. Graduates are not seated alphabetically or by specific degrees.

Please visit the School of Law commencement website for more information. You may also contact the School of Law commencement office with any questions via email at  lawcommencement@law.miami.edu.

Please visit the Miller School of Medicine commencement website for more information. You may also contact the Miller School of Medicine commencement office with any questions via email at medicalcommencement@med.miami.edu.

Please visit the guest page for details on planning your visit, venue, accessibility, etc.

The number of tickets allotted to each student will be made available in the graduation application on CaneLink. The opening dates for the graduation application may be found on the Office of the Registrar. Tickets, free of charge, are required for all guests attending commencement ceremonies.

You can write a letter inviting your guest to attend your commencement ceremony. Click here for tips prepared by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) on what to include in the letter and additional supporting documentation (optional): Invite Parents, Friends, and Other Nondependent Relatives to the U.S.

The Office of Commencement, the Registrar's Office, and International Student Services do not provide formal letters or invitations for international guests.

Students can request an enrollment verification certificate from the University of Miami if that is required by the embassy in question.

Please note the Office of Commencement, the Registrar's Office, and International Student Services do not provide formal letters or invitations for international guests.

Doors will open 1 hour prior to each ceremony start time.

Parking is free for all graduates and guests. Click here to view details and parking map.

Yes, closed caption and American Sign Language interpreters are available for all commencement ceremonies at miami.edu/closedcaption.

Watsco Center has wheelchairs that are used to transport guests from the entrance to their seat. These are not available to rent or use for personal use. Therefore, guests are encouraged to bring their own wheelchairs. Recommended local medical equipment rental companies can be found on our Accessibility page here.

Special needs parking will be indicated on the parking map. For more information on Special Needs accommodations during the ceremony, please visit the Accessibility page.

Some schools/colleges may host receptions. Please reach out to your school/college directly for that information. It will also be posted on the receptions page on our website.

No. The University of Miami does not host an Honors ceremony.

There are various other celebrations hosted by UM Departments, including the Graduating Legacy Reception, Senior Mwambo Ceremony, and Lavender Celebration and Recognition Ceremony. Details and more information on how to participate can be found on our receptions page.