Information for Graduates
Eligibility
Which students qualify to walk in May 2025 commencement ceremonies?
Undergraduate students
Undergraduate students who will complete their degree requirements in spring 2025 or summer 2025 are automatically allowed to participate in May 2025 commencement events. Students graduating in fall 2025 may petition their associate dean for permission to walk early. Please speak with your student success coach to start the petition process. Petitions must be submitted by April 17. Fall 2024 undergraduate graduates may also participate in May ceremonies.
Graduate students
Automatically included in May 2025 Commencement events:
- Students who completed their degree requirements in summer 2024 or fall 2024.
- Non-thesis students scheduled to finish degree requirements in spring 2025.
- Thesis or dissertation students who complete degree requirements and submit final documents to the Graduate School by April 21.
Must petition Graduate School to walk in May 2025 Commencement events:
- Non-thesis students with six hours or less to complete in summer 2025.
If you have questions and are not sure which category you fall under, please email commencement@utulsa.edu.
Registration
Is registration required for student participants?
Yes! If you are planning to participate (walk) in May 2025 commencement ceremonies, please register online now.
Regalia
How do I order regalia?
Visit the Oak Hall ordering website to order your cap and gown and have it shipped directly to you. Online ordering for May 2025 ceremonies will close April 17.
How much does regalia cost?
Bachelor: $34 + tax and shipping
Master: $64 + tax and shipping
Doctoral: $125 + tax and shipping
Law: $125 + tax and shipping
Can we rent regalia instead of purchasing it?
No, all regalia must be purchased through Oak Hall. The deadline to order is April 17, 2025.
What are cords and stoles and how do I get them?
Academic honors cords are awarded to undergraduate students who have an overall grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Graduates may pick up the honors cord at Countdown to Commencement, or at the Office of the Registrar during regular business hours. Academic honors cords will also be available at commencement check-in. All other honors cords or stoles are issued by the organizations which those items represent. Please check with your organization if you are expecting additional regalia items.
What if I’m missing regalia?
If you are planning to attend the May 2025 commencement events and miss the order deadline on April 17, please contact commencement@utulsa.edu and we will direct you to alternative options.
How do I wear my regalia hood?
Announcements, Class Rings, and Photography
How do I order graduation announcements and class rings?
UTulsa’s official partner for licensed announcements, class rings, and diploma frames is Balfour & Co. Shop online.
How will I receive my graduation photos?
In partnership with The Grad Team, The University of Tulsa is offering easy access to all your commencement weekend photos. Register now to get started.
Pre-Commencement Parties
Where can I find out about special events leading up to commencement?
See UTulsa’s official calendar for scheduled Commencement events.
What is Countdown to Commencement?
At Countdown to Commencement, you will be able to pick up cords and tassels from participating groups, have your picture taken with Goldie, and more!
What is the Final Bell Party?
A special celebration is in order to welcome the newest members of the TU Alumni Association!
The Final Bell Party will take place in Bayless Plaza from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2025. Please contact the UTulsa Office of Alumni Engagement at tualumni@utulsa.edu or 918-631-2555 with questions about Final Bell.
Commencement Ceremonies: Checking In
Where and when do students need to check in for commencement ceremonies?
Commencement ceremonies will be held at the Donald W. Reynolds Center located at 3208 E. Eighth St., Tulsa, OK 74104.
Graduates are asked to proceed to the Practice Gym on the lower level for check-in during their designated commencement time.
Please only bring your cap and gown with you and leave your coats, purses, and other belongings at home or with family members. There is no place to store your personal belongings during the various ceremonies, and graduates are not permitted to reenter the Practice Gym after the ceremonies.
Graduate Commencement (Master’s & Doctoral Students): Friday, May 16
- Student check-in for the graduate commencement ceremony begins at 1 p.m. in the Reynolds Center Practice Gym.
- The processional will begin promptly at 1:45 p.m., so your family and friends will want to be in their seats prior to this time.
- Ceremony begins at 2 p.m.
Law Hooding Ceremony: Friday, May 16
- Student check-in for the law hooding ceremony begins at 5 p.m. in the Reynolds Center Practice Gym.
- Ceremony begins at 6 p.m.
Undergraduate Commencement: Saturday, May 17
- Student check-in for the undergraduate commencement ceremony begins at 9 a.m. in the Reynolds Center Practice Gym.
- The processional will begin promptly at 9:45 a.m., so your family and friends will want to be in their seats prior to this time.
- Ceremony beings at 10 a.m.
Other Important Info
Where should I park?
Students and guests are welcome to park in any unattended lot on campus on a first-come, first-served basis.
A limited number of ADA parking spaces are available in the Mabee East Lot, Lorton Village Apartment Lot, and the Reynolds Center Lot. These are all first come, first served. An accessible parking mini lot is available in the southern portion of the Reynolds Commuter Lot. Please show a state issued parking placard to gain access to the mini lot. To enter the Reynolds Center from this lot, travel west, following the sidewalk and signage around the southern side of the Reynolds Center to Chapman Plaza. The main entrance to the Reynolds Center will be on the right. Ushers will be available at the concourse entrance to assist guests. View UTulsa’s commencement parking map.
How many guests can I bring?
As many as you like! There is no guest limit.
What is the bag policy?
Please only bring your cap and gown with you and leave your coats, purses, and other belongings at home or with family members. There is no place to store your personal belongings during the various ceremonies, and graduates are not permitted to reenter the Practice Gym after the ceremonies.
What should I leave at home?
Please review the Reynolds Center’s list of prohibited items.
Will there be a sign language (ASL) interpreter?
Sign language interpreting services for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing will be available. Sign language interpreters will be on the left side of the stage, “house right.” There will be reserved seating available and a telecast image of the interpreters on screens in the Reynolds Center throughout the event.
Will the ceremonies be live streamed?
The University of Tulsa will have a live webcast of the commencement ceremony. Your friends and family who are unable to attend the event in person may view it online.
Questions?
Need more info or have a special request? Email commencement@utulsa.edu with commencement-related questions or concerns.