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.
Graduate Ceremony
Friday, May. 7, 2021
7:30 p.m.
Farris Center
Undergraduate Ceremonies
Friday, May 7, 2021
5 p.m. – College of Education and College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Saturday, May 8, 2021
9 a.m. – College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
12 p.m. – College of Business
3 p.m. – College of Health and Behavioral Sciences #1 (Nursing, Psychology, Nutrition & Family Science)
6 p.m. – College of Health and Behavioral Sciences #2 (Exercise and Sport Science, Physical Therapy, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Health Science)
All ceremonies will be held at the Farris Center.
Ticket Information
Everyone who attends a commencement ceremony will be required to have a ticket, with the exception of children ages ten (10) and under. There will be no exceptions. All tickets are general admission; seats will not be assigned. However, social distancing and face coverings are required.
Students will be allowed four (4) guest tickets to attend their commencement ceremony. Due to social distancing regulations, this is the maximum number allowed per ceremony. If additional tickets are needed, graduates will need to ask their classmates if they will use all their tickets. Make sure the tickets are for the correct ceremony. All ceremonies will be live-streamed for those unable to attend.
Please note, only the graduate will be able to acquire tickets to commencement. Parents or guests will not be able to acquire tickets. It is the responsibility of the graduate to sign up for tickets through Reynolds Performance Hall. It might be necessary to print off tickets for your guests or share via mobile device.
- EVERYONE MUST HAVE A TICKET TO ENTER
- FACE COVERINGS OR MASKS ARE REQUIRED
- GUEST TICKETS ARE LIMITED TO FOUR (4) PER GRADUATE (children age ten (10) and under do not require a ticket)
- SOCIAL DISTANCING IS REQUIRED
- DOORS OPEN 45 MINUTES BEFORE THE SCHEDULED CEREMONY TIME
- TICKETS MUST BE ACQUIRED BEFORE THE DAY OF YOUR CEREMONY
Ticket takers will be on hand to scan tickets the day of the ceremony, so please remember to bring your ticket to the graduation or show the ticket on your mobile device.
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 into the building. Children ages ten (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 Farris Center and throughout the entire ceremony.
Guests Arrival Time: Doors to Farris Center will be open 45 minutes prior to each graduation ceremony. If you arrive early, please be prepared to wait in your vehicle until doors 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.
Accommodations for Disabled
Disabled Parking: A portion of the Farris Center parking lot will be designated for disabled parking. The disable 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.
There is limited disability-accessible seating on the gym floor. Please indicate accessibility needs when you reserve your ticket. One additional person in your group will be allowed to sit with the party member requiring accommodations and all others will be directed to sit in the stands.
About Farris Center
Commencement will take place in the Farris Center gym. Seating for families and guests will be open on both sides of the gym.
The following items are NOT allowed in the stadium: large helium balloons or any type of noise makers to include: air horns, whistles, cow bells, 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 gym.
Clear stadium bags are not required for this event. All other bags will be permitted.
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 Arkansas Candids. Following the ceremony, to view or order prints, please visit https://www.arkansascandids.com/university-of-central-arkansas.html. Photos taken after the ceremony must be taken outside the Farris Center.
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 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. Master’s and doctoral candidates will their tassel on the left side of the cap.
Graduation robes are available for pick up in the UCA Bookstore the week of graduation between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.