# Graduation

**Source**: https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/academics/graduation/
**Parent**: https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/

- [Academics](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/academics/)
- [Graduation](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/academics/graduation/)

# Graduation

- [Academics](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/academics/)
- [Associate Dean](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/academics/ad-academics/)
- [Graduate Council](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/academics/gc/)
- [Graduate Curriculum Committee](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/academics/gcc/)
- [Academic Affairs Team](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/academics/aat/)
- [Graduate Academic Career Tracking](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/academics/act/)
- [Graduate Admissions and Transfer Credit](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/academics/at/)
- [Graduate Curriculum and Programs](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/academics/cp/)
- [Graduate IT Systems](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/academics/it/)
- [Degrees](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/academics/degrees/)
- [Certificates](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/academics/certificates/)
- [Calendar](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/academics/calendar/)
- [Graduate Catalog](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/academics/catalog/)
- [Student Handbooks](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/academics/handbook/)
- [Student Forms](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/academics/sf/)
- [Petitions](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/academics/petition/)
- [GIMS](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/academics/gims/)
- [Thesis, Dissertation, and Publication](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/academics/tdp/)
- [Graduation](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/academics/graduation/)

Your **graduation** involves two different acts: **commencement** and **degree certification.**

**Commencement** is the **ceremony** at which the University of Florida publicly recognizes you as a graduate of your degree program. It takes place at the end of the Fall, Spring, and Summer C Semesters.

**Degree certification** is the **official awarding** of your degree after your degree program, the Graduate School, and the Registrar's Office have confirmed that you met all requirements for it. It takes place in December, May, and August during the week after your commencement ceremony.

To graduate (whether or not you plan on attending your commencement ceremony), you must submit a **degree application** via the ONE.UF online portal by the deadline for the semester you plan to graduate. For more details and instructions, click here: [Degree Application](https://registrar.ufl.edu/services/degree-application).

To plan ahead for a smooth last semester at UF and make graduation, use these handy **checklists:**

- [Final Semester Checklist: Dissertation](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/media/successgradufledu/pdf/checklist-dissertation.pdf) (PDF file)
- [Final Semester Checklist: Thesis](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/media/successgradufledu/pdf/checklist-thesis.pdf) (PDF file)

If you plan on attending your commencement ceremony, please check the **UF Commencement** website for deadlines to order your cap and gown beforehand, plus other preparations you must make. Click here: [UF Commencement](https://commencement.ufl.edu/).

Your **diploma** is available about eight weeks **after** degree certification. The Registrar's Office will mail to the address you have on your degree application. For more details and instructions, click here: [Diplomas](https://registrar.ufl.edu/services/diplomas).