Graduation Information
Applying to graduate
How to apply to graduate will vary depending on how you intend to complete your final degree requirements:
If you will take your remaining degree requirements here at UT, you need to apply to graduate online beginning on August 26.
The deadline to apply to graduate is October 21, 2009
You must be registered for all of your remaining degree requirements before you may apply.
If you have any questions, please see your advisor. Be sure to remove any bars on your record before contacting your advisor.
APPLY TO GRADUATE Available August 26 – October 21
Tuition Rebate
You may be eligible for a tuition rebate of up to $1,000 if, at graduation, you have attempted no more than three semester hours beyond the minimum number of hours required for the degree. There are many stipulations to this rule, so check with your advisor about the requirements and regulations that govern this rebate in your General Catalog.
If you believe you qualify for this tuition rebate, download the tuition rebate application form (you may also pick one up in CMA 4.140), complete it, and submit it to the Office of Student Affairs by the deadline, which is the official graduation date for the semester in which you will graduate.
College of Communication Fall Commencement for Undergraduates
Date: Saturday, December 5 (noon)
Keynote Speaker: Elizabeth Avellan
Location: Frank Erwin Center
By choosing to attend this event you acknowledge that your photograph may be taken and used for College of Communication/University-related purposes, including publicity and promotion.
Dress/Regalia
Students should wear Sunday best attire underneath their regalia.
Academic Regalia is required for all degree candidates and consists of:
1. Cap
2. Gown
3. Crimson tassel
4. Crimson sash
A regalia package is available for purchase from the University Co-Op.
Please note that the appropriate tassel/sash color for the College of Communication is Crimson.
If you borrow regalia, please make sure that you also have/or purchase the Crimson sash and tassel.
Only academic related additions to the regalia will be allowed (i.e. Honor Cords, Honor Society sashes, etc.)
Please do not bring any personal items such as purses, backpacks or coats as there is no secure area to store these items.
There is no dress code for guests. No tickets are required for student or guests.
Students wishing to participate in a graduation ceremony must apply by the stated deadline during the semester they are officially completing their degree requirements, i.e., fall degree candidates will participate during the December ceremony and spring degree candidates will participate in the May ceremony.
Students completing their degree requirements in the summer semester have the option of "walking the stage" during the spring semester preceding their official graduation or the fall semester following the summer session. While fall graduates may not attend the College of Communication spring graduation ceremony, they may still attend the University-wide spring Commencement.
Download the Office of Student Affairs Graduate FAQ brochure here.
Parking
Parking is available in all UT lots and parking garages around the Erwin Center except where otherwise noted. Do not park in areas marked "restricted at all times" or in handicapped parking except with valid permit. Additional parking may be found in State of Texas employee parking lots and garages near the Erwin Center.
Invitations
Invitations may be purchased from the University Co-Op.
Photography
FLASH Photography will be photographing each graduate during the commencement ceremony. Complimentary proofs will be mailed to the graduates within one week of the ceremony. If you have any questions, please contact Flash Photography via their website at www.FLASHphotography.com.
Accessibility
DEGREE CANDIDATES: Please contact Cindy Patiño in the Office of Student Affairs, 475-9166, if YOU need accommodations.
GUESTS: The Erwin Center is equipped for persons with mobility concerns. Persons needing assistance should enter through the Red River entrance where they will find convenient access to elevators and arrangements for wheelchair seating.
Webcast
During the ceremony, you can watch a live webcast via this webpage.
Diplomas
Diplomas will be mailed out after graduation. It may take 6-8 weeks for students to receive their diploma at their permanent address.
If you have any questions about graduation, please call the Office of Student Affairs at (512) 471-1553.
Graduating with Honors
Honors will be announced at the ceremony based on your CURRENT GPA. ANY HONORS ANNOUNCEMENTS MADE AT THE CEREMONY ARE TENTATIVE, UNOFFICIAL AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE PENDING THE RESULTS OF YOUR SEMESTER GRADES. These ceremonial honors will be announced using the GPA of the previous year required to graduate with honors in the College of Communication.
Highest Honors: 3.923 – 4.0
High Honors: 3.8392 – 3.9229
Honors: 3.6923 – 3.8391
To qualify for honors you must have completed at least 60 hours at The University of Texas at Austin and be in the top 20 percent of your Communication graduating class.
Official University Honors will be posted to the transcript and diploma upon certification of all degree candidates.
The GPA required to graduate with University Honors is recomputed each May based on the top 20% of the May graduation class in the College following regulations listed in the Undergraduate Catalog. This same GPA applies to the following August and December graduation classes. The required minimum GPA may be higher than that listed in the catalog. For further information, please contact the Office of Student Affairs or consult Graduation with University Honors.
