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 our office at commencement@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: study abroad; full-time internships/employment; 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 gifts.

Yes, GradImages photographers will be at commencement and will take a picture of each graduate as they walk across the stage. A complimentary copy of the photo taken as the graduate is congratulated by the President will be mailed to the graduates at the address listed on the reader card, along with instructions to order additional prints. After the event, photo proofs will be available to view on the GradImages website. 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. 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 the Office of Commencement at (305) 284-1824 or commencement@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 March).

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 VERY LIMITED 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.

Graduates can check if their degree has already been posted online via CaneLink first and, if so, it can take 3-5 weeks to then receive their diploma in the mail. 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://www.michaelsutter.com/miami. 

If your degree hasn't been conferred you should speak with your advisor or program director to check on the status of the conferral. If it has and it has been 3-5 weeks and you still have not receive your diploma you can Canes Central via any of the means listed at canescentral.miami.edu/contact/.

Diploma covers are distributed to each candidate as they walk across the stage on the day of their commencement ceremony.

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 ticket reservation information, review the "Tickets" section of the Graduation Checklist.

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

Students may request a maximum of six (6) guest tickets.

Students may donate any tickets they will not be using at check-out.

• Following the last day to apply for graduation, these tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with each registered student having the opportunity to request up to two additional tickets.
• Reservation information for these additional tickets will be emailed to all students who have registered to participate in commencement. 

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 applying for graduation in CaneLink you will receive the link to place your order for cap and gown. You must place your order by the deadline in order to guarantee that you receive it on time. Additional fees will apply after the deadline and there is no guarantee that your cap and gown will arrive on time.

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 Herff Jones 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. We will have very limited extras available at the graduate check-in area. Be sure to arrive 1 hour 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 $25 each, credit card only.

Regalia is provided free of charge to all graduating University of Miami students. Students are only responsible for the shipping fee. All students must order regalia via the Herff Jones ordering site by the deadline. Orders placed after the deadline will incur additional fees.

Yes. All doctoral students have the option to purchase custom doctoral regalia. For more information or to place your order, visit the Herff Jones 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 and read aloud 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 $25. 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 contact commencement@miami.edu 

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. & Law students). If you missed the deadline to order cap and gown, extra cap and gown will be available at the graduate check-in area. Graduate entrance is located at the Watsco Center Multipurpose Room.

At the graduate check-in area graduates will receive their name card. The back of your name card must be filled out using the pens provided. Graduates also have the opportunity to make edits to the way your name is displayed by visiting the troubleshooting table. Herff Jones will also be on site for any cap and gown issues. Graduates will also be able to purchase the stole of gratitude ($25 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.

All graduates physically present will walk across the stage and have their name read aloud and displayed on the screen. You will receive a diploma cover as you walk up to the stage. Graduates will take a photo with the president. No handshaking with the president or Dean is allowed.

Doctoral students will not be hooded on stage and should arrive wearing their hood.

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

Graduates may request a maximum of six (6) guest tickets. 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 is 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.

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 webpage.