Terminology: Convocation vs Commencement

Convocation

---

Convocation is held at the college level. This is where you'll have the honor of hearing your name and degree announced as you walk across the stage, culminating in a handshake with the department chair. It's a moment to be cherished as you officially transition from student to graduate. 

Convocation Dates and Times: 

• UVU Convocations: Thursday, May 1, and Friday, May 2, 2025 

• Smith College of Engineering and Technology Convocation:  

• • Date: Friday, May 2, 2025 

• • Time: 5:00 pm  

• • Location: UCCU Event Center 

Important Details for Students: 

• Department Line-Up: Students will line up by department, not by major. Ensure you know which department your major belongs to before convocation. If unsure, contact a faculty member or academic advisor. 

• Check-In: Graduate check-in begins 30 minutes before the ceremony start time. The processional will start promptly on the hour. 

• Entry: Graduates should enter through the lower-level "ticket office" area. Follow signs to the check-in tables where you’ll receive your name reader card. 

Important Details for Guests: 

• Entry: Guests should use the main staircase to access the upper-level entrance. Refer to the attached map for detailed directions to entrances and parking. 

• Parking: Parking will be available near the UCCU Event Center. Use the attached map to locate parking areas and entrances. 

Photos - Professional photographers from Island Photography will take a headshot and a photo of the handshake during the ceremony.  

ADA Accommodations - Graduates with mobility or disability concerns requiring special accommodations for stage access should contact Administrative Assistant Lauren Hopkinson at [email protected]. 

See also UVU Graduation Page  

Commencement

---

Commencement is a grand-scale celebration involving all the graduates of the university, to celebrate your huge achievement! President and other keynote speakers address the graduating class and congratulate all the graduates on their hard work. The ceremony also includes a processional march, pomp and circumstance, and the awarding of honorary degrees. All graduates will stand together to officially move their tassels and graduate from Utah Valley University!  

Class of 2024-2025 Ceremony Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025  

Ceremony Details: 

• Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025  

• Time: Ceremony begins promptly at 7:30 p.m.   

• Guests should be seated by 7:00 p.m. for the Graduate Processional 

• Location: UCCU Event Center, UVU Main Campus  
   

Student Instructions: 

• Arrival Time: Be dressed in regalia and lined up by 6:30 p.m. at the Fugal Gateway Building (located at the campus front, near the roundabout). 

• Parking: No parking at the Fugal Building. Use nearby L lots or take public transportation. Handicap parking is available. 

• Line-up: Each college has a designated gonfalon (flag) for lineup. Stand in the same line as those you wish to sit with, as lines will separate once inside the UCCU Event Center. 

• Processional: Begins at 7:00 p.m. with bagpipers leading graduates to the UCCU Center. Students will enter through one of three doors and be directed to their seats. 

Guest Information: 

• No Guest Limit: Guests are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, as the UCCU center will likely reach full capacity by 7:00 p.m. 

• Livestreaming: The ceremony will be livestreamed. Link will be provided. 

For more details, visit the UVU Graduation Page or contact the graduation office. 

CET Master's Hooding Ceremony

---

In addition to the graduation ceremonies, a hooding ceremony for all three master’s programs will be held as follows:  

Ceremony Information: 

Who:     

• Master of Cybersecurity   

• Master of Computer Science  

• Master of Engineering and Technology Management  

• Graduates Friends and Family  

Date: April 28, 2025  

Time: 6:00 pm  

Location: UVU Cener Stage in the Sorensen Center 

Student Instructions: 

• Arrival Time: Arrive by 5:30 p.m. and line up in the hallway outside Center Stage. 

• Training: At 5:45 p.m., there will be a brief training on how to hold your hood and what to do during the hooding ceremony. 

Guest information: 

• No Guest Limit: Guests are welcome, but seating is limited to 200 and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to arrive early to secure a seat. 

• Parking: Parking will be available in the L lots as well as the Parking Garage. 

Program Overview: 

• Processional: The ceremony will begin with a formal processional. 

• Outstanding Students: Hear from the outstanding graduates in the program. 

• Hooding Ceremony: Graduates will be officially hooded as part of the celebration. 

• Post-Ceremony: After the ceremony, light refreshments will be served. 

Photography: 

• Professional photographers will be taking pictures during the hooding and of the graduates.
• After the ceremony, graduates can take photos with the college backdrop.