Commencement
College of Education Commencement
May 9, 2026 | 8-10 a.m. (CST) | Moody Center
The College of Education is excited to honor our bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral students at our upcoming college-wide graduation ceremony.
Tickets are NOT required to attend the College of Education ceremony.
Graduating Students
Attendance at the commencement ceremony is optional; however, you must complete the application to graduate. Information will be sent to approved students starting in late February.
Arrival and Graduate Drop-off
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Please plan for road closures and heavy traffic. There will be multiple ceremonies happening across the Forty Acres. Visit the University Commencement website for the latest campus parking updates.
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Graduates check in at Moody Center loading dock. Graduates must be checked by 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 9. Doors open for guests at Moody Center West Plaza at 7 a.m. See area map.
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There are two approved graduate drop-off locations. Lot 37 and the corner of San Jacinto Blvd. and MLK Jr. Blvd. However, due to traffic congestion in the area, if you are able, we suggest you drop off at an alternative location and walk to Moody Center.
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A considerable amount of walking is required throughout the ceremony. Please consider wearing comfortable shoes.
Security Protocols
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Graduate candidates cannot bring personal items such as water bottles, backpacks, purses, umbrellas or coats to Moody Center. There is no secure area in which to leave them. We recommend carrying cell phones and keys on wristbands or clothing with pockets underneath regalia. Water and items like hairspray and hairpins will be available in the graduate check-in area.
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Please review all security and attendee protocols, including the clear bag policy and a list of prohibited items, that are in place for all ceremonies.
Regalia
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Regalia is required and must be carried into Moody Center, not worn. Do NOT bring your regalia on a hanger. During check-in and security scanning, regalia must be shaken to demonstrate there are no prohibited items.
Photography
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The University coordinates professional photos of each graduate as they walk across the stage and before they return to their seats. While graduates and families have the option to purchase photos, there is no obligation to do so. Flash Photography mails free color proofs to each graduate’s permanent address within two weeks of the ceremony. If you do not receive your proof, or if you wish to place your order by phone or email, please contact Flash Photography.
After the Ceremony
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Graduates will use the east exit and will re-join friends and family on Moody Center east plaza (marshals and ushers will be on hand to direct crowds). We request that all graduates and guests avoid the west plaza of Moody Center when exiting. Consult the Moody Center map and identify a meetup location away from the west side of the venue.
Families and Guests
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Families and guests of our graduates are welcome to attend the ceremony. Tickets are NOT required for the College of Education ceremony.
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Doors for guests will open at 7 a.m. and the ceremony will begin promptly at 8 a.m. Seating is first-come, first-served.
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Moody Center has a clear bag policy, so purses and backpacks, unless clear, are not allowed. Please review the security and attendee protocols, including a list of prohibited items, that are in place for all ceremonies.
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Most campus garages are free on May 9. Manor Garage and Trinity Garage are the suggested parking for the College of Education ceremony. More information, including daily shuttle/parking maps and an interactive parking calculator, may be found on the UT Commencement website.
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The COE commencement ceremony will be livestreamed to allow the moment to be shared with extended family and friends.
Parking and Drop-Off
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Most campus garages are free on May 9. Manor Garage and Trinity Garage are the suggested parking for the College of Education ceremony.
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There are two approved graduate drop-off locations. Lot 37 and the corner of San Jacinto Blvd. and MLK Jr. Blvd. However, due to traffic congestion in the area, if you are able, we suggest you drop off at an alternative location and walk to Moody Center.
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All campus parking garages have ADA parking spaces (open to guests with appropriate placard or license plate) and elevators. The East Campus Garage (ECG) is the designated ADA parking location for guests with mobility needs.
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More information including daily shuttle/parking maps and an interactive parking calculator may be found on the University Commencement website.
ADA Accommodations
Requesting Accommodations
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Accommodation requests for graduates and their guests should be submitted no later than seven business days prior to commencement events. While we will make every effort to assist, we may be unable to accommodate last‑minute requests. Please send accommodation requests to CoE_Events@austin.utexas.edu.
Parking & Shuttles
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All open campus parking garages have ADA parking spaces (open to guests with appropriate placard or license plate) and elevators. The East Campus Garage (ECG) is the suggested parking location for guests with mobility needs. A shuttle will run from the East Campus Garage to Moody Center from 6 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Drop-Off
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An ADA and limited‑mobility passenger drop‑off point is located in the roundabout on the northeast side of Moody Center, accessible from southbound Red River Street. Please inform event personnel that your passengers require ADA or limited‑mobility assistance.
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Please note that the walk from the drop‑off area to Moody Center entrance is still considerable. Wheelchairs or walkers are strongly recommended.
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An ADA and limited mobility entrance for graduates is available at the southwest entrance. There is an elevator down to the loading dock. Staff will be available to direct graduates who need to use that entrance.
Rideshare
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Lot 37 at the northwest corner of Red River St. and Clyde Littlefield Dr. is the ONLY approved rideshare drop-off point near the Moody Center. Set your destination as 2298 Red River St, Austin, TX 78705. The driver should inform traffic control staff they are accessing the Moody Center’s graduation rideshare location.
Wheelchairs
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Individuals who are mobility‑impaired or unable to walk more than 20 feet are strongly advised to bring a wheelchair. Wheelchair rentals are available through local medical‑supply providers and can greatly enhance comfort during the event. Please note that the distance from shuttle stops, designated drop‑off points, and parking garages to Moody Center’s main entrance is significant.
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For guests who need mobility support, Moody Center offers a limited number of wheelchairs at its entry doors. A Guest Services team member can assist with wheelchair transport to your seat and, if helpful, schedule a pick‑up after the ceremony. This service is first‑come, first‑served and can be requested from any staff member at the entrance. Please note that wheelchairs cannot stay with guests during the event.
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Elevators are available for guests with disabilities. For assistance, please speak with a Moody Center Guest Services representative.
Seating
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Accessible and low‑mobility seating is available in sections 106, 107, 110, 115, 117, 118, 207, 210 and 215. Use Moody Center map to find these sections. Arrive early as seating is unassigned and available on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Moody Center ushers are available to help you get settled.
Sign Language Translation
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There will be American Sign Language translation services available and ushers to guide guests who need assistance.
Spanish Translation
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Spanish-language translation kits will be available to check out free of charge on the day of the event.
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Open captions will be displayed on the screen throughout the ceremony. Graduates’ names, degrees and honors will appear on the screen as they walk across the stage.
Accessibility at the University Ceremony
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Information and accessibility FAQs for the 7 p.m. university commencement ceremony can be found on the Accessibility Information for Guests page.
Venue Safety and Security Procedures
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Graduate candidates cannot bring personal items such as water bottles, backpacks, purses, umbrellas or coats to Moody Center. There is no secure area in which to leave them. We recommend carrying cell phones and keys on wristbands or clothing with pockets underneath regalia. Water and items like hairspray and hairpins will be available in the graduate check-in area.
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Regalia may be worn OR carried into Moody Center. During check-in and security scanning, regalia must be shaken to demonstrate there are no prohibited items.
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Please review all Security and Attendee Protocols, including the clear bag policy and a list of prohibited items, that are in place for all ceremonies.
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Please follow the safety procedures to ensure a seamless graduation experience.
Regalia
Regalia is required and includes cap, gown, hood, tassel, stoles and cords. The tassel color for graduates in the College of Education is light blue. Regalia should be ordered on the University Co-op website. Formal invitations to send to family and friends may also be purchased from the University Co-op.
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March 6: Doctoral regalia purchase deadline
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March 12: Grad Fest at the Co-op, 1-5 p.m.
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March 13: Doctoral/Faculty regalia rental deadline
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April 17: Bachelor and master’s regalia purchase deadline
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April 30-May 6: Regalia pick-up at the Co-op.
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May 17: Rental regalia return deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
I am approved to graduate but have not seen an email to RSVP for the ceremony.
RSVP emails will come from Tassel. Tassel communications will be sent to official my.utexas.edu email accounts linked to your EID. RSVP emails will be sent starting in late February. Approved graduates will be uploaded to the Tassel system on Fridays. If you are approved to graduate early in the week, you may see a few days delay before receiving an email. If you still haven’t received information from Tassel, please contact CoE_Events@austin.utexas.edu.
I am an international student, and I need a letter signed by the college to assist my family in obtaining a visa to attend my graduation ceremony. How do I get this?
To obtain official visa letters, please complete the visa letter form and email COE Student Affairs if you are an undergraduate student or your graduate program coordinator if you are a graduate student.
What color should I choose for my academic tassel?
The tassel color for the College of Education is light blue and can be purchased at the University Co-op.
Where can I get graduation announcements?
Invitation and announcements may be ordered from the University Co-op.
Do I need a ticket to participate in commencement?
Tickets are not required for the College of Education ceremony. However, tickets are required for graduates to participate in the University-wide ceremony at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium and tickets are required for guests at the Graduate School ceremony.
What should I bring to the ceremony?
Please bring as few personal items as possible. Backpacks, purses or coats cannot be brough into the venue, and there is no secure area available for storage. To ensure convenience, we recommend carrying cell phones and keys on wristbands or utilizing clothing with pockets beneath your regalia.
Do I have to wear regalia?
Yes, academic regalia is required for all attending graduates.
What time should my guests and I arrive at Moody Center?
The main doors open for guests at 7 a.m.
Graduate check-in starts at the Moody Center loading dock at 7 a.m. All graduates must be checked in by 7:45 a.m.
Will my name be read out loud?
Yes. The names of attending graduates will be read aloud during the ceremony.
Will I receive my diploma at the ceremony?
No, diplomas will not be distributed at the ceremony. Approximately six weeks after the ceremony, your diploma will be mailed to the permanent address. If you prefer to pick up your diploma in person, please contact Texas One Stop at 512-232-6988 to make arrangements or visit their office in Room 1 of the Main Building. You can verify or update your address through Texas One Stop. Additional questions should be directed to Diploma Services.
How do I get my graduation photos?
Flash Photography provides free color proofs to each graduate. Proofs are emailed to the permanent address within two weeks of graduation. If you do not receive your proof, or if you wish to place your order by phone or email, please contact Flash Photography.
How can I find hotels for my guests?
Visit Austin has information to help you find lodging. Note that Commencement brings thousands of visitors to the city, so we recommend making reservations soon.
How do I request ADA or limited‑mobility accommodations, and what accessible options are available?
Accommodation requests may be submitted for both graduates and guests when submitting an RSVP in Tassel. Graduates can log back into the Tassel portal at any time and submit a request by editing their RSVP. Find complete details for accommodations and ADA.
An ADA and limited mobility passenger drop-off point is available in the roundabout on the northeast side of the Moody Center. It is still a considerable distance from the drop-off point to the guest entrance.
All open campus parking garages have ADA parking spaces (open to guests with appropriate placard or license plate) and elevators. The East Campus Garage (ECG) is the suggested parking location for guests with mobility needs. A shuttle will run from the East Campus Garage to the Moody Center from 6 am – 9 am. Guests who cannot walk comfortably more than 20 feet are strongly encouraged to bring a wheelchair to the event. Local health supply rental companies can provide rental wheelchairs. Upon arrival at the Moody Center, ushers can assist with accessible seating.
How will guests be seated?
Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating for limited mobility and Deaf and hard-of-hearing guests is available, and ushers will be available to escort guests needing assistance.
Are cameras allowed?
Yes, guests are allowed to bring cameras. However, we ask that guests refrain from using flash during the ceremony and follow commencement security protocols.
My family can’t make it to the ceremony. Can they watch it online?
Yes, the ceremony will be livestreamed on YouTube.
Will concessions be available?
Yes. Moody Center concessions will be open.
What is the difference between commencement and convocation?
Commencement is the larger, university-wide event that recognizes all graduates from the University. Convocation is the college-specific event where a student is called by name and crosses the stage. However, many schools and colleges refer to their ceremonies as commencement ceremonies.
UT Graduate School Convocation
UT Graduate School hosts convocation ceremonies each May to celebrate master’s and doctoral candidates.
Please note that master’s and doctoral students are strongly encouraged to attend the College of Education ceremony to celebrate with COE faculty, staff, students and their families. COE doctoral students will be hooded during the college’s ceremony.
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Location: Moody Center
Time: 4 p.m.
Date: Friday, May 8, 2026
Location: Bass Concert Hall
Time: 8 a.m.
