Graduate Info

All graduating students MUST apply for graduation to receive their diploma and become official University of Cincinnati graduates. During the graduation application process, you will indicate whether or not you intend to participate in the Commencement ceremony.

Students should meet with their advisor before completing the application to ensure eligibility for graduation. All applications for graduation are handled by the Office of the Registar. You can find more information by visiting their Apply to Graduate page.

Graduating students who would like to have international guests attend the Commencement ceremony can request a graduation invitation letter from UC International, through iBearcatsGlobal.

If you have any questions please contact UC International.

Commencement is a ticketed ceremony for both graduates and guests. Each graduating student who RSVP's to participate in Commencement has the opportunity to claim tickets by the ticket claim deadline. If you need more guest tickets, you may also submit to be added to a waitlist for additional guest tickets. Please only request the guest tickets that you need.

Graduates will be emailed a link to claim tickets and the ticket deadline. Tickets must be claimed through the link by the deadline given. 

All graduating students must wear regalia at the ceremony. If you have any questions about purchasing regalia from the UC Bookstore, please contact the bookstore directly at 0032mgr@follett.com or 513-556-1700.

• Undergraduate  - Associate and Bachelor's
• Master's
• Doctoral -  Jostens    Balfour

A free pass will be required to park on the day of the ceremony. Graduates will be emailed information on securing a parking pass for Commencement.

Accessible parking is available in all parking facilities on a first come, first served basis. 

Valid parking permit holders may utilize their UC parking permit.

Please direct parking pass questions to Parking Services at 513-556-2283 or parking@uc.edu.     

Graduates with questions about student accessibility at the ceremony should contact the Commencement Office by email as early as possible and at least two weeks prior to the ceremony.

To maximize your experience at the ceremony, we encourage you to leave belongings at home or with your guests. 

Fifth Third Arena has a clear bag rule in place for all events. Please ensure you review the Approved Item Policy before attending your ceremony. Strollers and balloons are not permitted in the venue.

Graduates may not carry any objects on stage. This is to ensure the proper pace and safety of the graduates as they cross the graduation stage. This rule does not apply to items needed to navigate the stage, such as a walker, crutches, etc. 

Graduating students will be emailed information on Student Check-in for the ceremony! Please check your UC email for important day of ceremony details.

Graduates will be photographed at the ceremony by professional photographers. A link to purchase photos will be sent to your UC email address from the photography vendor after Commencement.

The Office of the Registrar provides information on Diplomas and Transcript Ordering.