Graduation
and Commencement Ceremony
Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ)
What steps must I complete to participate in the Commencement Ceremony?
To participate in the ceremony you must be a candidate for graduation in the semester of the ceremony in which you want to participate and order your Cap and Gown through the USA Bookstore.
Summer graduates and Fall candidates are eligible to participate in the Fall Commencement Ceremony. Spring candidates are eligible to participate in the Spring ceremony.How can I check the spelling of my diploma name and see if I am eligible to receive graduation Honors at the ceremony?
Visit the Commencement Ceremony webpage and find the Diploma Names and Tentative Honors link. Click on the link and scroll down to find your College and degree. Candidates are listed alphabetically by College/School by degree with Undergraduate students listed first.
How can I change my diploma name after I submit the application?
Diploma names can be changed at any time before the date of graduation. Names will only be accepted if they are already on file in the student’s academic record or if a copy of a valid ID (Passport, Driver License, or Social Security Card) is presented with the request to change the name.
We can accept change requests via Jagmail Email accounts, FAX, US Mail, or you can visit our office in person. In any correspondence with our office include your name, JAG Number and what you are requesting us to do for you.When will my diploma be mailed to me?
Diplomas will be mailed to the Diploma Mailing Address listed in PAWS approximately 3-4 weeks after the Commencement Ceremony.
How can I change my Diploma Mailing Address?
You must submit changes to your diploma mailing address in writing to the Registrar’s Office. We accept emails from your Jagmail Email account, FAX, US Mail, or you can visit our office in person. In any correspondence with our office, include your name, JAG Number and what you are requesting us to do for you.
Is there a rehearsal for the Commencement Ceremony?
No, there is not a rehearsal for the ceremony.
When and where should I arrive for the ceremony?
Students participating in the Commencement Ceremony should arrive at the HPE Building (next to the Mitchell Center) no later than 12:45 p.m. on the day of the event.
Do I need tickets for my guests?
No, tickets are not necessary and seating is not reserved.
Where can I park for the ceremony?
Students: On Commencement Day, South Drive and Jaguar Drive are closed to through traffic. For your convenience, we encourage graduates to use Old Shell Road for easy access to the Graduate only parking lot off of Jaguar Drive.
Handicapped Parking: A limited number of handicapped parking spaces will be available at the Mitchell Center. Entrance to this lot will be from Old Shell Road only. Proper handicapped tags must be visible for access to this lot.
Guest Parking: We encourage guests to use North Drive to access the campus the day of the Commencement Ceremony. For various maps of the Campus, go to www.southalabama.edu/usamaps. Parking signs are posted throughout the campus and shuttle service is available if you park in the posted areas. Directional Parking signs will be displayed. The shuttle service runs from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The pickup and drop off points are University Commons, Gamma Dorm parking lot, Humanities Building parking lot, Administration parking lot, Jaguar Drive, and the parking lot east of the Computer Science Building. Click on the link for a map of University locations.
(http://www.southalabama.edu/usamaps/maincampus.html)What about parking for students and guests with Handicap Parking tags?
There is limited handicap parking in the main parking lot adjacent to the Mitchell Center. Automobile handicap license plates or handicap parking Hang Tags must be visible for entrance into this parking lot.
Is there seating for special needs guests?
Yes, there is easily accessible seating in the arena. Ushers will be available to escort guests to the marked areas reserved for guests who need special seating arrangements – Sections 104 and 105.
The ceremony begins at 2:00 p.m. and should be complete by 5:00 p.m.
What do I do with my Cap and Gown after the ceremony?
Your cap and gown must be returned to the USA Bookstore after the ceremony. Representatives will be available after the ceremony in the HPE Building, Room 1125, for return or you can turn it into the USA Bookstore the following week.
Please note: You must turn in your rental Cap and Gown or your student account will be charged for the items.
Who do I contact if I still have questions?
Contact the Registrar’s Office, Graduation Area, at (251) 460-6251, Option 4, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or email us at Graduation@southalabama.edu. In any correspondence with our office, please include your name, Jag number, and a short explanation of what you are requesting us to do for you.
University
of South Alabama - Office of the Registrar
Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002 - (251)460-6251
For questions or comments Contact
Us
http://www.southalabama.edu/registrar/contact.htm
Last Update: 2007-03-21
