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.
Spring and Summer graduates will be recognized in a combined weekend graduation ceremony set for Friday and Saturday, August 7 and 8, 2020. All ceremonies will be held at Estes Stadium.
Graduate Ceremony
Friday, Aug. 7, 2020
Estes Stadium
7:30 p.m.
Live Stream
Undergraduate Ceremony
Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020
Estes Stadium
10 a.m.
Live Stream
How to Prepare for Graduation
To slow the spread of coronavirus, UCA is following CDC and Arkansas Department of Health Guidelines for social distancing for all graduation ceremonies.
Face Coverings Are Required
Graduates and Guests (including children) are required to wear face coverings or masks. Graduates and Guests not wearing face coverings or masks will not be permitted through the gates. Children ages 10 years or younger are not required to wear a face covering.
Graduates will be given a UCA Bear face covering as they enter the Farris Center. Parents/guests must bring their own face covering and wear them into the stadium and throughout the ceremony.
Graduates are to arrive at the Farris Center one hour before their ceremony for check-in.
Guests Arrival Time: Gates to Estes Stadium will be open 45 minutes prior to each graduation ceremony. If you arrive early, please be prepared to wait in your vehicle until gates open.
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.
Parking
Disabled Parking: A portion of the Farris Center parking lot will be designated for disabled parking. The disabled parking entrance will be at the intersection of Bruce/Augusta and require disability parking credentials to access this parking lot.
Please note, due to COVID-19, no shuttle service will be available.
About Estes Stadium
Commencement will take place on “The Stripes” at Estes Football Stadium. Seating for families and guests will be open on both the home and visitor sides of the stadium.
The following items are NOT allowed in the stadium: large helium balloons or any type of noisemakers to include: air horns, whistles, cowbells, etc. No outside food/drink is allowed.
For your safety, the stadium will be sanitized and cleaned in between each ceremony. For guests, there will be free-standing sanitation stations set up throughout the stadium, and for graduates, two sanitation stations will be available in Farris for graduates.
There will be a designated air-conditioned area on both stadium sides for guests to go for relief during the ceremony.
Concession stands will be open selling bottled water only.
All types of bags will be permitted.
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 scattered 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 direction 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. The tassel is worn on the right side of the cap until the degree is conferred.
Graduation robes are available for pick up in the UCA Bookstore the week of graduation between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.