Commencement Ceremony

Walton College Commencement: Information for Students and Guests

Regalia

Graduates who did not receive regalia during the Graduate Salute in March may pick up regalia in the UA Bookstore. Candidates for degrees must wear robes appropriate to their degree without added adornment such as beads or flowers. Approved adornments are specific to academic and leadership recognition and are distributed through the Walton College. For information regarding Regalia pick-up dates and times, visit the Registrar's Student Regalia page.

Guests

There is no limit to the number of guests students may invite to commencement.

Arrival Time

The Walton College commencement exercise will begin promptly at 12:30 pm on May 11, 2024. PLEASE ARRIVE AT BUD WALTON NO LATER THAN 11:30 am. Doors open at 11:30 am. We highly recommend you do not bring backpacks, large bags or additional items into Bud Walton Arena.

Graduate Check In

1. Before the ceremony, please print off your Grad Pass from the Marching Order email and bring it with you to the ceremony.

2. Graduates should enter through the truck tunnel just off California Boulevard, located on the EAST side of Bud Walton Arena near Adohi Hall.

3. Upon arriving at Bud Walton, enter the truck tunnel and out to the floor seating. Your seat assignment will be listed on your Grad Pass.

4. When you find your seat, you will pick up your Grad Card. DO NOT LOSE YOUR CARD – you will keep this card until you go on stage.

5. Candidates for graduation will proceed to the stage as directed by the Line Coordinators.

6. As your name is called, you will walk across the stage and receive congratulations.

Parents or Guests Entrances

All guests will be required to enter through the south entrance of Bud Walton Arena. All other entrances will be blocked for security purposes. We recommend guests plan to arrive early.

Conferral of Degrees by Family

The Walton College traditionally invites relatives who are University of Arkansas faculty members, administrators, or members of the Board of Trustees to participate in our Commencement exercises. If you have a family member who is a faculty member, administrator, or member of the Board of Trustees at the University of Arkansas and you would like them to award your diploma, please contact Walton Student Success at wcobsucc@walton.uark.edu. 

Dual Majors

If you have a dual major, please email Walton Student Success at wcobsucc@walton.uark.edu indicating which department you are planning to walk.

Pictures

A professional photographer will be taking pictures during and after the awarding of diplomas.

Parking

On commencement day, there will be limited parking adjacent to Bud Walton Arena designated for persons working at the commencement ceremony. Graduates and guests may park in lots 46, 47N, 47S, and 56.

Persons with Mobility Impairments

Guests with mobility impairment may be DROPPED OFF at the south entrance of Bud Walton Arena with disabled parking available in lot 60. Please review the disabled parking map for more details. We recommend that guests with mobility impairment arrive no later than 11:30 a.m. Spaces will be limited due to the fact that the University Commencement will be ending at the time that Walton College guests will be arriving. Ushers will be available inside the arena to assist them in locating the elevator and seating. The handicapped seating will be available on the concourse level of the arena.

Graduates who will require accommodations during the ceremony (i.e. require an interpreter, wheelchair access, etc.) should advise Walton College via e-mail at wcobsucc@walton.uark.edu in advance, so that necessary arrangements can be made. Please contact (479) 575-4220 if you have questions, concerns or suggestions.

More Information

For futher information on University Commencement, visit the Registrar's commencement page.

Bud Walton Arena

Bud Walton Arena (also known as the Basketball Palace of Mid-America) is the home to the Razorback men's and women's basketball teams. It is located on campus and has a seating capacity of 19,368.

Photographs

A professional photographer will be taking pictures during the awarding of diplomas and he will contact you later to arrange for prints. We invite family and friends to feel free to use cameras.

Framed Diplomas

For University of Arkansas graduates:
Framed diplomas and sidewalk rubbings...