Commencement

2024 University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College Commencement

Saturday, May 11, 2024, 10:30 a.m.

Barton Coliseum
2600 Howard St, Little Rock
Driving Directions | Parking and Entrance Map

Welcome to the online resource for graduation at the University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College. This page will provide important information for you, your family and friends on Graduation Day!

Commencement LIVE Stream

For all your family and friends who could not attend Commencement, a LIVE stream will be available on the front page of UA-PTC's website, uaptc.edu and on the UA-PTC mobile app under the Commencement persona.

Ceremony Protocols

Prior to attending Graduation

1. If you have a disability that requires an assistant before, during, or after the ceremony, please contact [email protected] or call (501) 812-2301 to ensure an assistant is provided. (Example: use of walker/wheelchair, or interpreter needed)

2. If your name is one that you anticipate having difficulty pronouncing, please e-mail [email protected] to provide the pronunciation.

Graduate Entry

• Tickets are not required.
• Graduates will enter through S. Schiller St. to park in the graduates' lot. Students will need to show their cap and gown to be able to park in this area.
• Doors will open for graduates to enter the Arts & Crafts building at Barton Coliseum at 8:30 a.m. and the last entry will be at 9:30 a.m. Graduates will be given a name card for the stage and will be directed to line up for marching to their seats. Graduates will line up in alphabetical order by degree type in the area assigned.
• Check before you leave home to ensure you have your CAP, TASSEL, and GOWN. Ladies also might need pins for the cap. If an item is forgotten please let one a staff member know when you arrive.

Rules for Graduates

1. Do not carry any personal items onto the floor with you. There is not a secure place to leave these items in the meeting rooms. Leave them in the trunk of your car or leave them with family or friends. Please, no cell phone on the Arena floor. No children/dependents should be left unattended. Children/dependents are not allowed in the Arts & Craft building while waiting for the ceremony to beginning.

2. There will be reserved seating for the guest in wheelchairs and for individuals who are hearing impaired. Handicapped parking will be available, please ask a parking attendant upon arrival.

3. Graduates will be dismissed from the arena floor. Once all faculty have left the floor, guests can visit graduates on the floor for pictures. Space is limited and we ask that you do not block the exit on the concourse. Planning a designated meeting place after the ceremony is highly encouraged.

4. The style of dress to be worn with the cap and gown is dressy, slacks and a light-colored dress shirt with a collar. No shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, or jeans, please. There will be stairs and a slight incline to be kept in mind with shoe selection.

5. Graduates are required to return to their seat on the arena floor after crossing the stage and to remain on the floor until the end of the ceremony.

6. Only UA-PTC official clubs and honor societies regalia accessories will be allowed to be worn at the ceremony. No sororities or fraternities are officially associated with UA-PTC and no stoles representing them will be allowed to be worn at the ceremony.

After Graduation

• Graduates are required to return to their seat on the arena floor after crossing the stage and to remain on the floor until the end of ceremony.
• Graduates will be dismissed from the arena floor. Once all faculty have left the floor, guests can visit graduates on the floor for pictures. Space is limited and we ask that you do not block the exit on the concourse. Planning a designated meeting place after the ceremony is highly encouraged.
• Make sure your address is correct with the Registrar’s Office by checking your campus portal. For those completing your degree this spring and summer your diplomas will be available within 8-10 weeks after final grades are posted for the term and after verification of all graduation requirements have been met. Be sure to check your email for updates during this time. Diplomas will not be given out at the commencement ceremony.

Cap Decoration Guidelines

UA - Pulaski Tech supports the decoration of caps for the commencement ceremony. While the University recognizes that this is an important activity, students choosing to wear a decorated cap during the ceremony must follow guidelines below.

The guidelines will be enforced at the commencement ceremony, and the University reserves the right to request that graduates change their inappropriate attire before they are allowed to participate in the ceremony. The University wants this experience for our graduates to be a positive and celebratory event of self-expression yet respectful of all.

Only the flat top area of the mortarboard may be decorated. Adornments must lay flat on the surface of the cap. Decorations cannot extend beyond the border of the cap or fall below the perimeter. Cap decorations that are motivated by animosity against a person or group because of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, disability, national origin, or which infringe on the rights and freedoms of others will not be tolerated. Decorations may not include the following:

• Profanity
• Symbols for or references to alcohol or controlled substances
• Bows, ribbon, or tulle that do not lay flat on the cap
• Three dimensional objects
• Flowers or flower crowns
• Light objects

Note: This is not an exhaustive list and any adornment or message deemed inappropriate or determined to pose a safety risk or distraction will not be permitted. The graduate will be asked to put on a new, undecorated cap if these guidelines are not followed. For questions concerning these guidelines, please e-mail [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will there be a commencement practice for students?

UA-PTC does not have a commencement practice for students. You will be escorted by faculty and staff who will give you instructions during the ceremony.

2. Will I receive my diploma at graduation?

No, UA-PTC will not award degrees until grades are posted for the semester. This will be after the commencement ceremony so diplomas will not be available. You will receive a diploma cover on the day of the ceremony.

3. Will there be a photographer at the ceremony?

Yes, you can purchase photos at gradimages.com/registration/Register?ClientID=106889&OccasionRef=197167. If purchased before graduation, get 20% off!

4. Are tickets required?

No