Commencement Celebrate. Graduate.

Spring 2021 Commencement

Graduation Application Deadlines:

The college requests that all spring/summer 2021 graduation candidates submit their graduation application no later than Friday, January 22, 2021 for communications purposes.

The graduation application can be located by logging into your MyUTK account. This is a separate from the Student Information Sheet (SIS) that is requested by the college. If you have questions regarding either of these items, please contact Jenny Flatford at jflatford@utk.edu or 865-974-6714.

Details about the Spring 2021 Commencement Ceremonies

College of Architecture and Design Commencement and Hooding Ceremony (Undergraduate/Bachelor candidates only): Saturday, May 8 at 10 a.m.; will be held at Neyland Stadium

University Graduate and Professional Hooding Ceremony (Graduate/Master’s Candidates only): Friday, May 7 at 4 p.m.; will be held at Neyland Stadium

Spring 2021 Commencement Ceremony Information

  • A mandatory meeting for all students participating in the spring 2021 commencement will be held on Wednesday, January 20th 
  • Students who graduate in Summer 2021 may participate in the college’s spring commencement ceremony. 2020 graduates who did not take part in the November 2020 in-person ceremony will be able to take part in the Spring 2021 ceremony.
  • Graduation Student Exhibition:  An exhibit of graduate work, may be held after the college’s spring ceremony. This information will be determined at a later date.

General Information:

Day-of Commencement Information:

Streaming:

Bookstore/VolShop:

  • Commencement regalia (cap/gown with the UT stole and separate hood) can be purchased at the VolShop.
  • Interior Architecture Hoods: Available to borrow from the ASID/IIDA President or to purchase
  • Spring 2021 Grad Finale (in-person event) – March 9 – 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Student Union VolShop, Level G2. Attendees will receive 10 percent off caps and gowns and 20 percent off diploma frames during the event.

2021 Student Information Sheet

The Student Information Sheet for Spring 2021 Commencement and Hooding is due Friday, January 29, 2021. Please open and download the PDF.  Do not fill out the PDF prior to the download. If you have any issues or questions about the Student Information Sheet, contact Jennifer Flatford at jflatford@utk.edu or 865-974-6714.

Open and Download!

SOCIAL DISTANCING/SAFETY PROTOCOLS IN PLACE

  • Graduation candidate seats will be distanced on the floor. There will be 1,000 graduates per ceremony.
  • The university has set a limit of guests per student. Audience seating will be assigned.
  • All ceremonies can be viewed virtually.
  • In-person speaking and the stage parties will be limited and socially distanced.
  • No student processional or recessional will take place.
  • Upon arrival, graduates will be seated on the arena floor in an assigned seat.
  • Masks are required for all speakers, graduates and guests.

ABOUT THE CEREMONY

  • The commencement ceremonies will take place in Neyland Stadium, rain or shine. As the clear bag policy is in place, please know umbrellas are not permitted in the stadium. It is suggested to bring a poncho or rain jacket if it rains.
  • Ceremonies will be approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours. 
  • There will be limited in-person speaking. 
  • The university has decided that College of Architecture and Design bachelor candidates will not be hooded during their ceremony. The same applies to the College of Architecture and Design master candidates as well.
  • There will be three stages on the field. Students will walk across their assigned stage one at a time as their name is called.  No handshakes will take place. Student will pause on the ramp for a formal photo. Masks may be removed temporarily for the photo. As the graduates exit the stage, they will be directed to the backstage area for a second posed photograph and will then return to their seats. 
  • The ceremony will conclude with all graduates singing the alma mater.