Moody College Graduation Ceremony

Students who anticipate completing all degree requirements in Summer, who wish to participate in the May ceremony, must apply to participate. To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Completion of Degree Requirements: All final degree requirements must be completed by the end of Summer.
2. Course Limit: Students may have no more than four (4) achievable remaining courses to complete.
   1. For students pursuing two Moody College degrees, the four (4) course limit applies across both degrees.
3. Transfer Work: Ensure all previously completed transfer work has been added to your UT record. This includes:
   1. Sending transcripts from external institutions.
   2. Claiming credits for completed Credit-by-Exam.

If you have met all the criteria as outlined above, you may submit an application to participate in the ceremony. 

All applications are subject to review. Please allow two weeks for processing. Students whose applications are denied will be required to meet with a Moody College Academic Advisor if they wish to appeal the decision. The Moody College Graduation Team reserves the final decision on a student's graduation status.

Applying to graduate (to receive your diploma) and submitting an RSVP for the graduation ceremony are separate processes. Students completing all degree requirements in Spring should:

1. Apply to graduate by following the instructions on the Graduation Application webpage.
2. Be approved for their diploma based on degree completion. Or, submit documentation with proof of enrollment in final degree requirements.
3. Be granted access to RSVP through Tassel.
4. RSVP - including updating your information specific to the ceremony.
   1. Information submitted in Tassel is not an official means of updating your UT Austin record. If you need to update your diploma name or permanent address, please see more information through Texas One Stop.
5. Claim tickets in Tassel. Graduates may return to Tassel at anytime to claim up to their allotted tickets or to return tickets. You can also easily distribute tickets to your guests via email, Apple Wallet, or Google Wallet.
6. Keep an eye on your email! Important information will be provided via email leading up to the morning of the ceremony. Be sure to check often!

Those who completed a degree in Fall, and have not participated in a ceremony, will be given access to Tassel in February automatically. This invitation will go directly to the email on your student record. If you do not receive an email and believe you are eligible to participate, please email the Moody College Graduation Team.

Tassel provides the following for all graduates:

• An opportunity to hear how your name will be announced at the ceremony. A recording will be populated based on your preferred name. Review and accept the pronunciation for accuracy.
• Provide a preferred name (changing your name in Tassel does NOT change your diploma name. To change your diploma name please see more through Texas One Stop).
  • All name changes in Tassel are subject to review. Students may receive an email from the Moody College Graduation Team requesting confirmation of changes before names are finalized.
• Claim tickets for your guests. Each graduate is guaranteed up to eight (8) tickets until the close of the RSVP (Apr. 14), at which point, any leftover may be scheduled for a rerelease (request for additional tickets will not be processed until after April 14, 2025).
  • You may also share tickets directly via email, or by transfer through Google and Apple Wallet.
• Opt-into the opportunity to purchase photos.
• Share graduation details with your guests. Tassel will send out a one time email with important information to any guest you provide an email for.
• Return to Tassel at any point to update your RSVP, manage tickets, or send ceremony details to guests.

The Moody College Graduation Team utilizes Tassel to send out important information and updates regarding the ceremony, please be sure to actively monitor your email. Sometimes, things may end up in your spam folder, we recommend checking it on occasion.

All University garages (except CCG, GUG, NUG & ECG) will have raised gate arms. ADA spots are limited, please arrive early to secure a spot. Traffic during Commencement weekend can be significant especially with additional road closures as noted below. We recommend planning ahead and carpooling as able.  

For the health and safety of all guests, and to expedite the entry process, Moody Center requests that guests do not bring a bag to the arena.  If necessary, guests are permitted to bring a bag that fits within the following specifications:  

A CLEAR BAG POLICY is in effect to enhance existing security measures and expedite venue entry at Moody Center.  
 
Approved bags include: 
Bags that are clear plastic and do not exceed 14″ x 14″ x 6″ 
One-gallon clear resealable plastic storage bags 
Non-clear clutch bags or wallets must not exceed 5″ x 9″ x 1.5” 

Any and all bags that do not meet the criteria above including items such as grocery totes, mesh or straw bags, duffle bags, diaper* bags, camera/binocular cases, and any other bags that arena event staff deem to not meet the clear bag policy.
*Items normally carried in a diaper bag must be placed into a clear plastic bag for entry. 

The following items are prohibited for use, possession, display, or distribution at, on, or within Moody Center:

• Professional Cameras, detachable lenses or external flash units, or recording equipment (aside from smartphones) for audio, image, or video recording purposes
• Weapons including guns, firearms, knives of any size, stunguns/tasers, bats or poles
• Noisemaking devices of any kind including whistles, air horns, vuvuzelas, and cow bells
• Laptops and tablets
• Any other item deemed inappropriate or dangerous by Moody Center and its league affiliates, in their sole discretion

Review the full list of prohibited items in the A-Z Guide.

Those needing an ASL interpreter should contact moodycollegegraduation@austin.utexas.edu; there will be a designated seating area for guests and graduates with an interpreter. Additionally, live closed captions will be available on the front screens for all guests to view. 

Moody Center is committed to full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and providing equal access to an enjoyable event experience for everyone in our community. Moody Center has elevators available to ticket holders and guests with disabilities. 

SEATING: 
There are many options for wheelchair accessible and low mobility seating. We recommend the following sections: 106, 107, 110, 115, 117, 118, 207, 210, 215. As tickets are unassigned, these sections will be also be first come, first served.

Please review the Accessibility Guide for more information on accessible services, programs and policies for guests with disabilities. 

We recommend utilizing the University Co-op for graduation gifts. Please review the 'Security at the Moody Center' for information on items that are prohibited from entry.