Commencement vs. Graduation

Congratulations to our graduates!

Graduation vs. Commencement: UA Little Rock Definitions

Graduation

The successful completion of a course of study at a university, college, or school.

At UA Little Rock, graduation occurs after all grades have been submitted, processed, and confirmed, at which time the student’s diploma will be printed and mailed to them.

Students who qualify to graduate may apply for Program Completion and to participate in the corresponding commencement ceremony for their term; however, diplomas are not conferred at that time. 

Commencement

The ceremony honoring graduating students ending their schooling and beginning their professional careers.

At UA Little Rock, the diploma is not conferred during the commencement ceremony. Instead, students receive their diploma covers in advance of receiving their diplomas in the mail 4-6 weeks later.

Summer Graduates:

There is no Summer commencement ceremony. Students who graduate in the Summer are invited to walk in the Fall commencement ceremonies held in December.

More Information:

UA Little Rock holds two commencement ceremonies per year. They are scheduled in December and May. Students may refer to the Academic Calendar to discern their commencement date.

The university processes graduates and diplomas as quickly as possible. However, depending on the situation, the intensive review can take up to 4-6 weeks after commencement to complete.