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    • Graduation Next Steps

    Registration & Records

    As you prepare to graduate, staying organized is key. This page brings together all the essential information— deadlines, next steps, and diploma requirements— so you can move confidently through your final semester at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

    Important Dates & Deadlines

    Stay on top of every step leading up to graduation. This section outlines key deadlines for each term so you know exactly what to do and when to do it. 

    Next Steps for Summer 2025 Graduates

    July 18, 2025

    Deadline to submit substitutions and petitions to avoid a cancelled graduation application.

    August 16, 2025

    Deadline to resolve all outstanding financial obligations to avoid processing delays. 

    Deadline to update your diploma mailing address to avoid delivery delays and additional costs.

    August 29, 2025

    Deadline to resolve all incomplete and correspondence grades to avoid a cancelled graduation application.

    Deadline to submit documentation to receive transfer credit from another institution.

    Transcripts & Diplomas

    Transcripts

    Degree conferrals will be added to official transcripts no later than August 29, 2025. Summer 2025 graduates will have an official graduation date of August 16, 2025.

    Diplomas

    Official diplomas will be sent for delivery the week of October 6, 2025. Certified Electronic Diplomas will be available 6-8 weeks after your graduation date. Contact diplomas@utk.edu with all diploma questions and concerns. 

    Next Steps for Fall 2025 Graduates

    October 31, 2025

    Submit Substitutions & PetitionsIf you intend to request a substitution or petition, work with your advisor to submit the required forms. Unresolved substitutions or petitions may result in the cancellation of your graduation application.
    Order Cap & GownTo avoid delivery delays, order your graduation regalia from the Vol Shop.
    Update Hometown InformationWe honor each graduate by celebrating their origin story in the Commencement Ceremony program. Update your hometown information in the My Addresses section of MyUTK. 

    December 13, 2025

    Resolve Financial ObligationsOutstanding financial obligations, such as unpaid tuition & fees, parking tickets, or library fines, will cause graduation processing delays. Review the My Financial Information section in MyUTK to resolve any financial obligations.
    Update Diploma Mailing AddressTo avoid shipping delays and additional costs, ensure that your mailing address is up to date in MyUTK. First, select Academic Support. Next, select Diploma Name/Address Update.

    January 7, 2026

    Incomplete & Correspondence GradesIf you have incomplete or correspondence grades, work with your advisor and course instructors to submit required information. Unresolved incomplete and correspondence grades can result in the cancellation of your graduation application.
    Transfer CreditsIf you are completing coursework at another institution, request that the institution send an electronic transcript with all transfer work to UT as soon as final grades are available. Unresolved transfer credits may result in the cancellation of your graduation application.

    Transcripts, Diplomas, & Commencement

    Transcripts

    Degree conferrals will be added to official transcripts no later than January 16, 2026. Fall 2025 graduates will have an official graduation date of December 13, 2025.

    Diplomas

    Official diplomas will be sent for delivery the week of February 9, 2026. Certified Electronic Diplomas will be available 6-8 weeks after your graduation date. Contact diplomas@utk.edu with all diploma questions and concerns. 

    Commencement

    Register for commencement by November 14, 2025. The Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony will be held on December 12, 2025. Commencement registration begins September 24, 2025. Contact commencement@utk.edu with all commencement questions and concerns.

    Commencement Registration

    Submitting your graduation application does not automatically register you for the commencement ceremony. Participation in commencement is optional, and a separate registration process is required. 

    All graduation applicants will receive an email invitation to register: 

    • In September October for the fall commencement ceremony
    • In February for the spring commencement ceremony

    These invitations also go to summer graduates eligible to participate in the spring or fall ceremony. You must RSVP to reserve your seat. 

    If you have a privacy restriction on your student record and wish to be included in the commencement program, contact the Office of the University Registrar at graduation@utk.edu. 

    Graduation Regalia

    Caps and gowns are available for purchase through the VolShop in the Student Union. Order your graduation regalia by the published deadline for your graduation term to avoid delays. Candidates for graduate degrees must also purchase a hood. Questions about regalia may be directed to the VolShop at volshop@utk.edu.

    Honors cords are distributed by your college. If you qualify for honors, your college will contact you with instructions during your graduation term.

    Financial & Loan Requirements

    All outstanding financial obligations must be cleared before your diploma or transcript will be issued.

    If you have UT student loans or Federal Perkins loans, you must complete required exit interviews or counseling before your diploma is released. For Federal Direct Loans, visit studentloans.gov for exit counseling.

    Diplomas

    Your diploma name and mailing address are set during the application process. Changes must be emailed to diplomas@utk.edu after submission. Updating your address in MyUTK does not update your diploma address. 

    Diplomas are typically mailed 6-8 weeks after the end of the term. Undergraduate diplomas and CeDiplomas are free of charge. Additional or replacement diplomas may be ordered for $25 using the Duplicate Diploma Order Form.

    Career Profile

    As you approach graduation, take a few minutes to complete your Career Profile with the Center for Career Development. This quick survey helps UT track post-graduation outcomes and improves services for future Volunteers.