December 2024 Commencement
Congratulations, UT Spartan! After years of challenging and rewarding work, you will earn your degree. The December commencement ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, at the Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Please follow this step-by-step guide to ensure you are set to graduate on time and/or participate in the commencement ceremony.
Please read the “Commencement Frequently Asked Questions” guide and “Commencement Brochure” for additional information. You can also email Orientation and Family Engagement at commencement@ut.edu or call us at (813) 257-1999 with any questions you may have.
Student Step-by-Step Process
Students, please follow this step-by-step guide to ensure you are set to graduate on time and/or participate in the commencement ceremony.
Step 1: Apply to graduate on Workday no later than Saturday, Oct. 26.
Log into your MyUTampa and use the Workday widget to apply to graduate and have your degree conferred. Please note, in order to graduate from UT you must complete this step, even if it is past the deadline.
Students are highly encouraged to apply prior to Oct. 26 to confirm their name will be included in the commencement program. If you do not fill out the graduation application by Oct. 26, your name will not be included in the physical program.
Step 2: Apply to attend the ceremony through the Commencement Application no later than Sunday, Dec. 1.
Within this separate application from step one, you will provide the Office of Orientation and Family Engagement information relevant to your commencement ceremony experience. This information includes the phonetic spelling of your name to be red, accessibility accommodations for you our any of your guests, the commencement speaker application, etc.
Apply for the December Commencement Ceremony:
Step 3: Pre-order your cap and gown and more at the Grad Fair (Dates TBA)
It is highly recommended you complete the pre-order to ensure you have the correct sizing available to you for the ceremony. Pre-order information will be made available in the Fall 2024 semester.
Step 4: Pick up your cap and gown from the University bookstore (Dates TBA)
Visit the bookstore for cap, gown and honor cord pick-up before the ceremony at the University bookstore! Information on campus and gown pick up will be made available in the Fall 2024 semester.
Please note, academic regalia will not be available for on-site pick up at the commencement ceremony and must be obtained before coming to the Florida State Fairgrounds.
Directions and Parking: Florida State Fairgrounds
The Florida State Fairgrounds is located at 4800 U.S. Highway 301 N. in Tampa. Cellular GPS directions to the fairgrounds vary within each app. Please use the following links to ensure you have the correct location for entrance/parking at fairgrounds – Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze.
Directions from the University (Plant Hall): Turn left onto W Kennedy Blvd (towards Downtown Tampa), Turn left onto N Ashley Drive, Merge right onto I-275 N and take exit 45B towards I-4 E/Orlando, Take exit 7 onto US-92 E/Riverview, Merge right onto US-301 S/Riverview, Turn right into Fairgrounds entrance. If you go past the light at the intersection of US-301 S and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, you have gone too far.
There is no fee for parking and disability parking is available with appropriate hangtags to students, families, and guests.
*Please note: Take proper precautions for Tampa rush-hour traffic/Commencement traffic and leave with plenty of time to arrive at the Fairgrounds.
Hotel Information
Hotel information will be added in Summer 2024. Please check back!
From the last few weeks on campus to the virtual celebration, follow graduates as they share their commencement experience on social media.