The University of Tennessee Southern is excited to celebrate its 2025 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 3, 2025, on the picturesque Campus Green. Join us as we honor our graduates’ hard work and achievements in a memorable outdoor setting. Family, friends, and the UT Southern community are invited to mark this special occasion and cheer on the Class of 2025!
Calendar of Events
- April 7th: Cap and Gown Day in The Nest Spirit Store
- April 25 – 30: Final exams held
- College Honors Programs
- Business: April 7 at 6:00 PM, Gault Auditorium
- Social Sciences: April 11 at 11:00 AM, Gault Auditorium
- Math & Science: April 21 at 3:00 PM, Gault Auditorium
- Arts & Humanities: April 27 at 3:45 PM, Gault Auditorium
- Education: May 1 at 5:30 PM, Gault Gallery, Auditorium, 201
- Nursing: May 2 at 5:00 PM, Martin Hall Auditorium
- April 23rd: Alumni Welcome Picnic on the Green from 11:00 to 1:00 PM.
- May 2nd: Athletics Sash Ceremony at 11:00 AM
- May 2nd: Nursing Pinning Ceremony at 5:00 PM
- May 3rd: Chancellor’s Breakfast at 8:15 AM at Reveille. Graduates and guests are invited to attend.
- May 3rd: Commencement at 10:00 AM on the Campus Green (weather backup is Curry Athletic Center).
Apply to Graduate
Seniors must complete the Intent to Graduate form to apply to graduate. The Registrar’s Office will also contact eligible seniors via their university email accounts to provide additional information.
Applications deadlines:
- Fall Graduates must apply by September 15
- Spring Graduates must apply by January 31 (and Summer graduates who plan to walk in May)
- Summer Graduates must apply by May 31
Cap and Gown Day
In preparation for commencement, The Nest Spirt Store will host a Cap and Gown day on Monday, April 7 to help students purchase graduation attire such as caps, gowns, tassels, cords, and stoles. A graduation capsule will also be available for purchase to commemorate the occasion. Instructions for purchasing your cap and gown before April 7th will be made available soon.
Any student unable to purchase their cap & gown in person is welcome to email Shelley at ssarmiento@utsouthern.edu to arrange for their cap & gown package to be shipped to them. There will be a $10 shipping charge and the deadline to ship is April 18th.
Student’s Instructions for Graduation
Candidates are required to arrive at the Johnston Building by 9:15 AM to ensure they are fully prepared for the commencement ceremony. Upon arrival, they will be organized by degree and candidates may choose to sit with friends within their degree program.
Each candidate will receive a graduation card with their name printed to carry to the stage and present to the card reader. The card reader will then announce the candidate’s name as they cross the stage to receive their degree. Ushers will be on hand to provide guidance and support throughout the ceremony, ensuring a smooth and memorable experience for all participants. No graduation practice will be scheduled.
Graduation will also be live-streamed on the UT Southern YouTube channel.
In the Case of Rain
Every effort will be made to hold the commencement ceremony outdoors on the Green, allowing graduates to invite unlimited family and friends to celebrate this significant occasion. However, if inclement weather is expected, a decision will be announced by 6:00 AM on the day of the ceremony to confirm whether the event will occur outdoors or be moved indoors to the Curry Athletic Center.
If relocation is necessary due to weather, commencement will take place in two separate ceremonies at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM in the Curry gym, allowing each student the opportunity to invite their supporting family and friends without limitations.
In the event of rain:
10:00 AM Schools of Business and Arts & Humanities (if it rains, check in at 9:15 am)
1:00 PM Schools of Education, Mathematics & Sciences, Nursing and Health Sciences, and Social Sciences (if it rains, check in at 12:15 pm)
Upon arrival at the Curry Athletic Center, all students will gather near the pool before proceeding to the gymnasium. Arrival times: Students attending the 10:00 AM ceremony must arrive by 9:15, and students attending the 1:00 PM ceremony must arrive by 12:15 PM.
Graduation will also be live-streamed on the UT Southern YouTube channel.
What to Bring
Degree candidates are required to purchase their caps, gowns, and tassels in advance from The Nest Spirit store on campus in advance of the ceremony. If you are no longer in the area, please email ssarmiento@utsouthern.edu to arrange for shipping. Additional academic regalia such as stoles and additional cords may be worn if the candidate meets the eligibility for those items. On commencement day, students should arrive dressed in their regalia and refrain from bringing personal items, such as purses or backpacks, as secure storage will not be available at the event.
Photography
The University has arranged for a photographer to be on hand to capture students as they receive their diplomas and shake hands with the Chancellor. Instructions on receiving these free portrait photos will be emailed to the graduate’s UT Southern email address. As portraits will be taken during the ceremony, we kindly request guests remain seated throughout the event. Commencement video will also be available on YouTube after the ceremony.
Parking
Parking on campus is limited, so we encourage candidates and their guests to carpool. Security personnel and directional yard signs will be available to help guide traffic to the designated parking lots, which operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Regardless of where you park, the UT Southern campus is conveniently located in the heart of Pulaski, ensuring that all parking locations are within walking distance of the campus.
Reserved handicap parking will be available on Madison via 5th Street for individuals with a disabled parking permit.
Class of 2025 Gifs
Let’s celebrate your accomplishment and share your Firehawk pride with a bit of animation. When you share your grad stories, be sure to add a #UTSouthern hashtag and gif.
Visit our Giphy pages for more.
