Commencement Ceremony FAQs for Students
Will I be given invitations to the ceremony to distribute to family and friends?
Noorda-COM will mail up to 10 printed invitations out to students’ designated family and friends. Students should submit these names to the Office of Institutional Advancement. Additionally, you will receive an e-invitation which you can send out to family and friends.
How many people can I invite to attend? Is there a limit?
The venue has seating for up to 2,000 attendees so there are no limits required on the number of guests you can bring. Seating is on a first come, first-serve basis with no reserved seating except for dignitaries, VIPs, and pre-approved guest hooders invited by Noorda-COM.
Are tickets required to attend?
No, your Commencement Ceremony is not a ticketed event. Attendees do not need a ticket to enter the venue. Attendees may also stream the event live here.
When and where will the Commencement Ceremony take place?
The 2025 Commencement oat Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the UCCU Center on the campus of Utah Valley University. The address for the UCCU Center is 800 West University Parkway, Orem UT 84097.
When should I arrive and where do I go?
Students should arrive no later than 9:00 a.m. This will allow ample time for students to assemble prior to the start of the ceremony. Once you arrive at the UCCU Center, follow the signage to the staging area. This area is reserved ONLY for students and Noorda-COM faculty and staff. No family members or friends are allowed in the staging area, including guest hooders who will have reserved seating. Please remember to bring your full regalia with you to the ceremony.
When to I receive my regalia?
Students will receive their regalia package at the Grad Fair scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2025. Regalia will include a rental gown which must be returned immediately following the Commencement Ceremony. Also included in the regalia package are a tam and tassel, stole, and hood. These items are gifts to the students and do not need to be returned. Students should immediately try on their gown and tam to ensure proper sizing and should notify the Office of Institutional Advancement right away if any adjustments are needed.
Will I receive my diploma at Commencement?
Students will receive their diploma cover as they cross the stage. The actual diplomas will be distributed backstage immediately after the Ceremony upon the return of the rental regalia.
What do I do on the day of the ceremony?
Once you arrive in the staging area, you will check-in and receive an index card with your name and number on the bottom corner of the card. The number will be used for line-up purposes. We will also have photographers backstage to capture photos prior to the ceremony. You will need to be dressed in full regalia (tam, gown, and stole) with your hood on your arm by 9:45 a.m. for line-up.
What should I wear?
Students will be wearing their full academic regalia (gown, tam, and stole) and will be carrying their hoods into the ceremony. Students should wear business attire for the Commencement Ceremony. Collared, button-down dress shirts and ties, dresses, or blouses and slacks. We do not recommend wearing a suit jacket or sport coat as the venue may get warm and you will be in your academic regalia during the ceremony. We also do not recommend wearing high heels as there will be stairs to navigate.
How will we be lined up?
You will be lined up in alphabetical order. Your number at the bottom of the index card you will receive at check-in corresponds with where you should be in line.
Can I bring a handbag, purse, and/or cell phone with me on stage?
Personal belongings will not be allowed and cannot be brought up on stage for the hooding ceremony. Please leave all personal items with family, friends, or in your vehicle. You may also leave personal items backstage. We will have staff and building security on hand.
Can my family join me in the staging area?
No, your family and friends are not permitted to join you in the staging area. Given the compressed timeframe to get students and faculty checked in, photos taken, and line up for the processional, it is not possible to allow family and friends in this area. Instead, they should proceed to their seats as soon as the venue doors open to get optimal seating. Family members serving as guest hooders are also not allowed in the backstage staging area. We will have reserved seating for guest hooders.
How long is the ceremony and do I have to stay for the entire ceremony?
We anticipate the ceremony will last approximately two hours. You are required to stay for the entire ceremony.
Will there be professional photographs taken?
Yes, we have arranged for professional photographers to capture students as they cross the stage and receive their hoods and diplomas. Students will receive information on how to order these photographs directly from the professional photographer. Candid photos will also be taken before, during, and after the ceremony. Professional headshots of the students as well as a class photo will also be taken at the Commencement practice session on Friday, May 2nd. These photographs will be available for download within a week or two of the ceremony. Additional information will be provided.
Where can I park?
There is ample parking available adjacent to the UCCU Center. Please visit: https://www.uccucenter.com/docs/parkingguide.pdf for more information or to access the parking map.
Questions?
If you have additional questions, please contact the Commencement Planning Committee or the Office of Institutional Advancement at:
385-378-5151
