Commencement is a time-honored tradition that celebrates the academic accomplishments of students at the University of Central Arkansas. During commencement ceremonies, we recognize the learning, commitment and effort by our students in earning their degree. This is a special event for the students and for all of those involved in supporting and encouraging them through this journey.
All ceremonies will be held at the Farris Center and will be livestreamed.
Thursday, December 10, 2026 (Graduate Ceremony)
5 p.m.
- College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
- College of Business
- College of Health and Behavioral Sciences
- College of Education
- College of Science and Engineering
Friday, December 11, 2026 (Undergraduate Ceremonies)
9 a.m.
- College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
- College of Business
12 p.m.
- College of Education
- College of Health and Behavioral Sciences
- College of Science and Engineering
All graduates will need to check-in one hour before their specific ceremony to receive their commencement name card and order placement. More details regarding the line-up location and process will be sent out closer to the ceremony date.
Ticket Information
Graduation tickets will be available online only, starting mid-November. Once tickets are released, all eligible graduates will receive a personalized link to their commencement tickets via email. Students can contact the Reynolds Box Office regarding ticket concerns at that time.
For any questions or issues regarding your graduation tickets, please contact the Reynolds Performance Hall Box Office at reynolds@uca.edu. Your college or department will not be able to answer any questions regarding ticketing, so please email the box office directly.
Each undergraduate student is allowed to claim 10 tickets and each graduate student is allowed to claim 15 tickets. Graduates and children under the age of 2 do not need a ticket. Please note that all tickets will be scanned by ushers and any duplicated tickets will be voided immediately.
Please donate any unused tickets to graduates requesting additional tickets in the online ticketing system. Requests for additional tickets will be granted based on the number of unused tickets donated.
Top 5 Asked Questions Regarding Commencement
- Will there be a commencement practice for students?
UCA does not have a commencement practice for students. You will be escorted by faculty and staff who will give you instructions during the ceremony. - Will I receive my diploma at graduation?
No, UCA will not award degrees until grades are posted for the semester. This will be after the commencement ceremony so diplomas will not be available. You will receive a diploma cover and a lapel pin on the day of the ceremony. - Will there be a photographer at the ceremony?
Yes, you will have an opportunity for pictures. A photographer will be by the stage when you exit the stage. - Are guests required to have a ticket to attend the ceremony?
Yes, tickets will be required for entrance. - Will the graduation be live streamed?
Yes, UCA will live stream the commencement for all your family and friends who could not make the ceremony.
Cancellation Information
Please check back for any possible cancellations or time changes. Students are to check their UCA CUB email daily for any updates or changes to their ceremonies.
Accommodations for Disabled
There is limited disability-accessible seating. Please indicate accessibility needs when you reserve your ticket.
Photography
While guests are welcome to take pictures from their seats, they will not be permitted on the court. Professional photography services are provided during the ceremony through Grad Images. Following the ceremony, graduates will be contacted directly by Grad Images with information on how to view and order prints.
Graduation Gifts
Commemorating graduation is important. We ask that no wrapped gifts be brought into the ceremony. Please exchange gifts with your graduate at another convenient location. Mark the milestone and leave a lasting impression in your graduate’s heart with a personalized graduation gift from their Alma Mater. The UCA Bookstore has a variety of commemorative gifts.
Lodging and Accommodations
Extend your visit to Conway by staying in a well-appointed guest room in one of Conway’s many hotels. Overnight accommodations are located throughout the city, and many are in close proximity to shopping and eateries. You have many options when it comes to making yourself at home in Conway.
Conway Convention and Visitors Bureau
Campus Safety and Security
The safety and security of our students and guests are a priority of UCA.
Guests are welcome to carry in bags. Wrapped gifts, large umbrellas, strollers, or balloons will not be allowed into any ceremony. Compact umbrellas are allowed. No firearms or weapons of any kind are permitted. Please comply with the directions given at all times by the ushers and officers on hand.
Academic Attire
In accordance with academic tradition, all degree candidates are robed in a black cap and gown. Undergraduate candidate tassels are worn on the right side of the cap until the degree is conferred. Master’s and doctoral candidates will wear their tassel on the left side of the cap and the tassel will remain there and does not require to be moved.
Graduation robes are available for pick up in the UCA Bookstore the week of graduation between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.