Commencement 2024
Fall 2024 Commencement
Alaska Airlines Center, Sunday, Dec. 15, 1 p.m.
The RSVP deadline for graduates was Dec. 6. The RSVP page is now closed.
Graduate Final Details - Registration (Check-in)
Registration will be held in the Enrollment Services Building on Friday, Dec. 13 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. OR in the Alaska Airlines Center auxiliary gym the day of commencement from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Graduates must attend one of the two registration/check-in sessions to pick up their "reader card" which will be handed to the person reading names as students cross the stage. The letter on the card indicates where you will group in the auxiliary gym in the Alaska Airlines Center for the processional as well as important information for commencement photographers. Cards will be completed for graduates who submitted an RSVP to watch online and will be read once in person graduates have crossed the stage.
After receiving your reader card, graduates should group around their letter in the auxiliary gym of the Alaska Airlines Center NO LATER than 12:45 p.m. to begin the processional. Each college will be led by a flag bearer onto the arena floor. Please read through the How to Participate section for full details.
A coat rack is available in the auxiliary gym at the Alaska Airlines Center, but please do not bring valuables or other items with you inside. You may not have coats, purses or bags with you during the ceremony unless they are smaller than 4.5 x 6.5 inches. Phones are allowed.
Safety Procedures
For the safety and security of our graduates and guests, mandatory security screening by walk-through metal detectors will be in place. Screening stations will open at the main entrances to the arena beginning at 11:30 a.m. for guests, and a graduates only security entrance will open at the same time at the auxiliary gym entrance (see directional signs at the event). General admission guest seating will begin at noon. To ensure an efficient and positive experience for all, we ask that you and your guests:
- Bring only essential items needed for the event.
- Leave backpacks and bags larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches at home. Please see the Clear Bag Policy at the Alaska Airlines Center for full details.
- Noisemakers and weapons will be refused at the screening stations.
Following the ceremony, guests will be asked to leave the arena immediately to avoid congestion in the lobby. Please make plans to meet your guests on the sidewalk outside the Alaska Airlines Center.
Parking
Parking is available around the Alaska Airlines Center (see map). Parking is also available in the Providence Hospital PS3 parking garage, but DO NOT park in the Providence Hospital surface lot, as this is reserved for hospital patrons and towing is strictly enforced.
Guests
General admission seating will begin at noon. Advance reservations and tickets are NOT required for guests attending the December ceremony.
If you or one of your guests experiences a disability, please complete our Disability Accommodations Form so we can make arrangements to provide the accommodations needed.
Viewing the Ceremony Online
The commencement ceremony will be streamed on Facebook Live. The link and the digital program are are included below. A Facebook login is not required to view the event.
Sashes, Stoles and Cords
Stoles or sashes are distributed by affiliated clubs or departments (athletics hands out athletic graduate stoles, ROTC hands out the ROTC stoles, etc.). Military cords are handed out in the auxiliary gym the day of commencement. Institutional Honor Cords for Latin Honors are given to graduating students by the Registrar's Office during check-in/registration.
Celebrate & Share Online
Congratulations, and we'll see you Sunday, Dec. 15!
When you RSVP for commencement, you give UAA permission to take photographs or video of you at the event and to use the photographs or video in its print and internet publications and productions, including advertising, signage and promotional materials, and for commercial purposes.
At UAA, we proudly welcome and celebrate the personal customization of traditional academic regalia.
A Message from the Registrar's Office Regarding Diplomas
Graduates, congratulations on your tremendous achievement! You'll be contacted by email toward the beginning of January with information about picking up your diploma. To ensure receipt of this information, please make sure your preferred email and mailing addresses are current in UAOnline.
As you wait for your diploma, here are two alternate ways to verify your degree:
- Your transcript will show your degree information. You may access your unofficial transcript and order official transcripts in UAOnline: alaska.edu/uaonline.
- The National Student Clearinghouse is the official verification service for employers to verify degrees: nationalstudentclearinghouse.org.
If you have questions, please contact the Registrar's Office at uaa.degrees@alaska.edu or 907-786-1480 (option 5).
Welcome from the Alumni Association
Congratulations Class of 2024! You have worked so hard and achieved so much. While this chapter of your amazing UAA story comes to a close, your next chapter as alumni begins. You will join the proud ranks of UAA alumni — a network of over 70,000 worldwide and growing. So, without further ado and in no particular order, check out the 10 things every new UAA grad should know to fully take advantage of your new status as UAA alumni. Welcome to Seawolf Nation.