The December commencement ceremony will be held on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall.

Please check back in August of 2025 for ceremony times!

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.
Log into your MyUTampa and use the Workday widget to apply to graduate and have your degree conferred. Please note, to graduate from UTampa 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 did not fill out the graduation application by October 26, your name will not be included in the physical program. You will still need to apply for graduation using the Workday widget in order to receive your diploma.

If you have any questions regarding your status please reach out to diplomas@ut.edu.

Step 2: Apply to attend the ceremony through the Commencement 

Graduates will need to RSVP to attend the Commencement Ceremony. Please check back for this application in August.

Here 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 read, accommodations for you or any of your guests, the commencement speaker application, etc.

Graduates must RSVP to participate in December Commencement by Nov. 12.

Step 3: Pre-order your cap and gown and more at the Grad Fair (Dates TBD) at the University bookstore.

It is highly recommended you visit the Grad Fair to pre-order your complimentary graduation regalia. Pre-ordering will ensure you have the correct sizing available to you for the ceremony. 

Please note, academic regalia will not be available for on-site pick up at the commencement ceremony and must be obtained prior to Dec. 12.

Family and Guests

Tickets are not required for family members and guests to attend the ceremonies. Seats cannot be reserved for family members and guests. It is recommended that guests arrive early at the Florida State Fairgrounds, and plan for traffic during arrival and departure.

Doors open to the venue one hour prior to the ceremony.

For families and friends who cannot make the ceremony, a live stream is available to each ceremony during the ceremony.

Guests needing accommodation should ask their graduating student to notate that on their Commencement application. Please note that due to limited accommodation seating, each guest needing accommodation is limited to (1) companion to sit with them in that section.

Commencement Etiquette

The Commencement ceremony is a celebration of more than 300+ graduates. Each graduate deserves the same recognition and honor from those in attendance. Please make post-commencement plans with the understanding that graduates and guests are expected to attend the ceremony in its entirety. The ceremony should last approximately 90 minutes.

Safety of graduates and guests is the top priority. Please see the list of permitted and prohibited items for the commencement ceremony.

Hotel Information

Hilton Tampa Downtown Channel District

Reservations can be made online here. The rate is available for multiple room types and amenities include complimentary hot breakfast, WiFi, outdoor pool, fitness center and business center. Additionally, the hotel is pet-friendly. Self-parking is available at $30 per night. 

Home2 Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Channel District
Reservations can be made online here. The rate is available for multiple room types and amenities include complimentary hot breakfast, WiFi, outdoor pool, fitness center and business center. Additionally, the hotel is pet-friendly. Self-parking is $30 per night.

Courtyard by Marriott Tampa Downtown
Reservations can be made online here. The rate is available for multiple room types, and amenities include WiFi, outdoor pool and terrace and fitness center. Valet parking is available at $40 per night.

Residence Inn Tampa Downtown
Reservations can be made online here. The rate is available for multiple room types, and amenities include complimentary hot breakfast, WiFi, outdoor pool and fitness center. Additionally, the hotel is pet-friendly. Self-parking is available at $25 per night.

Travel Information
Tampa International Airport (airport code TPA) is served by most major airlines and is consistently ranked as one of the top airports in the nation.