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Welcome to the Commencement Office

We'll see you at Graduation! 

 

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Two ceremonies at 12:00 pm & 4:00 pm

(College Breakdowns will be provided by October 2024)

Clear Bags Only (see details below)

Location: FedExForum 

 

Thank you for stopping by the Commencement Office. Due to our office being an event office, we are often away or closed for visitors. Please email or call prior to stopping by our office. We highly recommend contacting us via email only with questions or concerns, commencement@memphis.edu.  

For questions about the diploma process, visit https://www.memphis.edu/commencement/diplomas/index.php or email us at commencement@memphis.edu. If you have recently cleared a hold or never received your diploma within a year after graduating, email us at the email address above. Diploma processing and orders take 4-6 weeks. Diplomas are not kept in the office. We answer most messages within 24-48 hours, standardly.  All diplomas are mailed from the Processor and not available for pick up at anytime.

Important Information: Starting 2025, the University of Memphis will no longer host a Summer (August) Commencement Ceremony. Although anyone who is on track to graduate in August of each year, will still officially graduate in the summer and receive diplomas for that term, there is no longer a ceremony in August. August graduates interested in attending Commencement will participate in the December Commencement of the same year. December will be a August and December combined ceremony. 

Notice for attending our events: We are NOT responsible for lost or stolen items, items left behind, theft, damage to vehicles, or personal injury of any kind. No property should be tampered, destroyed, or mishandled in any way by any graduate or guests attending. Attendance in the Commencement ceremony and events are completely optional, and decisions made to attend by the graduating student and any guests who choose to come on their own accord. NO weapons of any kind are allowed

No Guests Permitted on Event Level: We do NOT allow anyone to participate with the graduate. Only the graduate is allowed on the event level and on stage (no parents, guests, children, etc.). We do not allow proposals or the like at the ceremony.

Public Event: These events are free and public large-scale events; therefore, while we work hard to ensure these events are great for everyone there are matters beyond our control. There will be traffic and parking lines. There will be many guests. There may be delays. We recommend working out plans with yourself and guests prior to attending. Remember: An idea you have may be shared by someone else. Someone will be first and someone will be last, and someone will be waiting. This should be expected. Prepare for possible and longer waiting time. Patience and understanding are a must! 

Parking Information

  • For information on Parking, visithttps://fedexforum.com/plan-your-visit/parking.
  • Consider Carpooling
  • Other Considerations: Getting dropped off: In the past, several of our graduates and guests use private drivers or shuttle services, and this is fine. It is a very helpful and smart idea and allows for ease and not worrying about parking! This is a great option to consider. To consider:
    • Uber
    • Lift
    • Taxi
    • Have a non-attender drop off graduates and guests.

 

 

Live Stream

  • All of our ceremonies are live streamed
  • Each ceremony is available to watch after the ceremony.
  • Click HERE for to watch live. 

 

Security

  • All graduates and guests will go through Security prior to accessing the event. There will be separate lines for Graduates and Guests. Go to the proper line.
  • Absolutely no airhorns, noise makers, large signs, beach balls, helium balloons, weapons of any kind are allowed by graduates or guests.

 

Clear Bag for Ceremony

  • Clear bags made of plastic, vinyl, or PVC no larger than 6x8x2 inches.
  • Bags MAY NOT have an all-over print or decoration that prohibits FULL view of its contents.
  • The bag may contain a strap, but metal or chain straps are prohibited.
  • One quart or smaller clear plastic storage/freezer bag (Ziploc or similar).
  • Wallets (sized to carried in the front or back pocket) no larger than 5x3.5 inches.
  • Clear bags and wallets compliant with the above will also be screened through X-Ray machines.
  • Exceptions to this policy will be made for all medically necessary items after proper inspection.
  • Outside food and beverages cannot be brought into facility.
  • Remember that wrapped gifts and helium balloons are never allowed.
  • Water available for purchase.
  • Bring Keys, ID, Credit Card and Cash for Parking and Phone (keep it simple).
  • We do not keep any items for individuals.
  • You are responsible for your items.

Parking

  • Parking is available in the FedExForum Garage (FedExForum Gossett Motors Garage, 195 Doctor M.L.K. Jr Ave, Memphis, TN 38103) on a first-come/first-served basis for $10.00.
  • Must be paid via credit card ONLY. Guests will need to have a credit card to pay for parking in the FedExForum Garage. No cash accepted.

 

Security at the FedExForum

  • Walk-through magnetometers were installed at FedExForum under the premise of being used at all Memphis Grizzlies games, as per an NBA mandate conceptualized during league security meetings. The magnetometers have become an industry standard across MLB, NHL and NFL venues and their use will now be mandatory for every FedExForum event in order to improve fan safety and guest experience, a shared goal between FedExForum, the University of Memphis and touring production companies. To ensure your Commencement ceremony is enjoyable for you and your guests, please note the following:

  • X-Ray Units that bags must be scanned through instead of just opened up and visually checked.

  • Secondary metal detector for failed screening or individual must pass through metal detector until they are cleared.

  • Guests are advised to bring ONLY necessary items to the FedExForum during events, concerts and games.

  • Separate express lanes will be available for guests in the Grand Lobby without bags to be inspected.

  • Guests will not need to remove their hats, shoes, belts, watches or jewelry as with airport security. Instead, guests will have to place their cell phones, cameras  and keys on a security table prior to walking through the metal detector.

  • Expectant mothers, those with pacemakers and ADA guests are not subject to the magnetometers and will instead be screened through handheld devices.

 

Future Commencement Ceremonies (Only Fall and Spring Ceremonies. No Summer Ceremonies)

    • Sunday, December 15, 2024

     

    • Saturday, May 10, 2025, with Sunday, May 11, 2025 (Backup date)

     

    • Saturday, December 14, 2025

     

    • Saturday, May 9, 2026, with Sunday, May 10, 2026 (Backup date)

 

All May (Spring) Commencements have a back up date pending the NBA Memphis Grizzlies Basketball Team Playoff Schedule. https://www.memphis.edu/commencement/news/spring-commencement.php

Venue, Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Times and College Breakdowns are determined after official participation has been obtained (1 1/2 months prior to commencement dates). 

 

Commencement Programs: Current and Past

 

Gifts to Graduates

Invitations 

Diploma Reorders (Copy of Diploma)

Loaning Out Caps and Gowns

  • We do not  loan out caps and gowns for photos. Please check with your photographer who should have caps available for props, etc.

  • Our caps and gowns are only available during Cap and Gown Distribution (1-2) days prior to commencement.