Accommodations for People with Disabilities
If you are a candidate who requires assistance from another person with crossing the stage/floor, please reach out to your ceremony coordinator directly (listing here) to ensure your experience is top-notch.
For external guests with the need for accommodation(s) that are not outlined below, please contact the individual school/college point person by Friday, April 25, 2025. This contact information is found on the May Commencement page. There is no need to reach out to inquire about seating for wheelchair users, individuals who cannot navigate stairs, etc. Assistance will be provided to these guests upon entry.
Harry A. Gampel Pavilion--
Services:
There is a reserved area for wheelchair users on the Concourse level. This seating is available on a first come first served basis. One member of the party can sit with the person in the wheelchair. All other party members will proceed to general seating. While all entrances to the Pavilion are accessible, we recommend using the East and South entrances. There are also modified restroom facilities.
Sign Language Interpreters are available on-screen at all ceremonies in Gampel.
Assistive Listening System:
Available free of charge upon request. Please visit the A/V platform (directly above Section C-109) and ask a member of the CSC Event Staff (wearing yellow jackets) to help you retrieve a system.
Handicapped Parking:
Handicapped parking is available in the South Garage.
Jorgensen Auditorium--
Services:
Handicapped seating is available on the main level of the Auditorium. Wheelchair accessible rest rooms are located in the Jorgensen Lower Lobby. Elevator service is available from the Jorgensen Main Lobby to the Lower Lobby only. There is no elevator service to seats in the mezzanine or lower and upper balconies.
Sign Language Interpreters are available on-screen at all ceremonies in Jorgensen.
Assistive Listening System:
Available free of charge from the Front Office.
Handicapped Parking:
Handicapped parking is available in the North Garage.
Student Union Theater--
Services:
There is a reserved area for wheelchair users on the main level. This seating is available on a first come first served basis. There are also modified restroom facilities.
Sign Language Interpreters are available at all ceremonies in the Student Union Theater.
Handicapped Parking:
Handicapped parking is available in the North or South Parking Garages.
Announcements & Invitations
Personal announcements and invitations are not distributed by the University to the graduating students. They may be purchased at the following website: Balfour - University of Connecticut.
Bookstore Hours (Storrs) During Commencement
The UConn Bookstore (Storrs, CT location) hours will be as follows:
Sat. May 10 - 7:30am-8:00pm
Sun. May 11 - 7:30am-7:00pm
Mon. May 12 - 7:30am-7:00pm
Ceremony
How long do the ceremonies last?
Each ceremony lasts approximately 1.5-2.0 hours.
Are balloons allowed into the venues?
Balloons are NOT permitted in any of the UConn Commencement venues (Gampel, Jorgensen, or the Student Union). Guests will be asked to leave them outside of the venues or return them to their vehicle.
Will my bag be checked?
All bags will be checked upon entry at Gampel Pavilion, Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, and the Student Union Theater. At all of our venues, backpacks and large bags are NOT permitted.
Can I bring food/beverages into the venues?
Outside food and beverages are NOT permitted in Gampel Pavilion. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase inside Gampel Pavilion during Commencement ceremonies.
We recommend that all guests wear safe and secure footwear, as our venues may have stairs that need to be navigated.
Children (Participating in Ceremonies)
Can my child walk across the stage/floor with me to receive my diploma cover?
Please be advised that only candidates and Commencement personnel are permitted in the assembly and seating areas and may participate in the procession and ceremonies, including crossing the stage/floor. Children should remain in the general audience seating during the ceremonies.
If you are a candidate who requires assistance from another person with crossing the stage/floor, please reach out to your ceremony coordinator directly (listing here) to ensure your experience is top-notch.
Commencement Program (Book)
Will the University still publish a hard-copy Commencement Program (book) in 2025?
No. The University has switched to a fully electronic Commencement Program (book). The link to view the Commencement Program will be posted on the homepage when available.
Critical Announcements (Texts) re: Commencement
Is there a way to receive critical and timely announcements via cell phone that pertain only to Commencement Weekend?
Yes. The University utilizes the Everbridge Nixle system to provide critical and up-to-date information, including emergency notifications, regarding UConn's Commencement ceremonies. Information on how to receive these updates is forthcoming. Message and data rates may apply.
Diplomas & Diploma Covers
Will I receive my diploma during my ceremony?
No. Your diploma will be mailed to the address you have on-file in StudentAdmin approximately eight weeks after your conferral date. Please ensure this address is up-to-date so that your diploma will get to you without issue.
How will I receive a diploma cover?
You will receive a diploma cover at your respective ceremony in May 2025.
I am a December 2024, May 2025, or August 2025 graduate and I know I will not be attending a ceremony but I would still like a diploma cover. // I am a Dual Degree graduate but I am only attending one ceremony. // I am a Dual Degree graduate and I only received one cover at my ceremony. How can I get a diploma cover?
Please e-mail commencementoffice@uconn.edu starting on May 26, 2025 to request one. Please include your full name, full mailing address, and type of degree received (Bachelors, Masters, Doctoral) and a cover will be sent to you. No requests will be fulfilled until May 26, 2025.
Honors Cords
Does the University distribute any cords to indicate Latin Honors?
No. The University does not distribute any cords to indicate Latin Honors. All Latin Honors achievements will be indicated on the graduate's diploma.
Invitation Letters for International Guests
International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) at UConn will assist you with creating an invitation letter for your family. Visit: https://isss.uconn.edu/family/ and scroll down to “Inviting Friends or Family to the U.S.” Contact ISSS with any questions at international@uconn.edu.
Participation in Commencement Ceremonies
Is my participation in a Commencement ceremony mandatory?
No. Your participation is completely voluntary. If you are unable to attend or are not interested in attending, your diploma will still be mailed to you approximately eight weeks from May 11, 2025. There is no one you need to notify if you will not be attending.
If I do not attend a ceremony, will my name still be called?
No. Attendees complete name reader cards at the ceremony and names are only read from those. Your name will not be read if you are not in attendance.
Regional Campus Students
Is the ceremony/celebration held on my Regional Campus an official Commencement ceremony?
No. The University's official Commencement ceremonies are held on the Storrs Campus (with the exception of the School of Law). You will receive a diploma cover and your degree will be conferred at the official ceremonies only.
Senior Portraits & Yearbooks
Can you share more information about Senior Portraits?
Senior Portraits are coordinated by Nutmeg Publishing. Please visit their website for all details and contact them directly at nutmegpublishinguconn@gmail.com with any questions.
Will I receive a Yearbook?
Yearbooks are also coordinated by Nutmeg Publishing. More information about yearbooks can be found on their website. Please contact them directly at nutmegpublishinguconn@gmail.com with all questions pertaining to the yearbooks.
Student Union Hours (Storrs) During Commencement
The Student Union (Storrs) will have the following hours during Commencement:
- May 10 | 7:30am to 7:00pm (Saturday)
- May 11 | 7:30am to 7:30pm (Sunday)
- May 12 | 7:30am to 7:00pm (Monday)
Tickets
How do I obtain guest tickets?
Guest tickets are distributed to each of our graduating students. If you are a student looking for information on how to obtain your guest tickets, please see the Student Preparation page of this website.
Note: The Schools of Law, Social Work, and UConn Health will distribute tickets to their students on their own and they will not be distributed at the Ticket Desk.
How many guest tickets are allocated to students?
Guest ticket allocation numbers will be announced in early spring. Please see the Guest Tickets page of this website.
Can a student request more tickets if the assigned number is insufficient?
Once the distribution of the initial tickets begins, only students may request additional tickets. It is up to the individual schools/colleges to determine if they would like to offer additional guest tickets to their graduates (or not). There are no promises or guarantees for extra tickets. For the 2025 ceremonies, CLAS and EDU will not be distributing any extra tickets, nor will extras be distributed for the Masters/6th Year or Doctoral ceremonies. If you are a student seeking extra tickets for any of the other ceremonies, please reach out to the respective contact person for your ceremony. The list can be found on the May Commencement page of this website.
Do children need tickets?
Children who are four years of age and older do require a ticket for entry.