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.
Next Steps for Spring 2027 Graduates
Apply for Fall 2026 Graduation by March 15, 2027.
April 1, 2027
| Submit Substitutions and Petitions | Submit substitutions and petitions to avoid a cancelled graduation application |
| Order Graduation Regalia | Deadline to order your cap and gown from the Vol Shop to avoid delivery delays |
| Update Hometown Information | Deadline to update your hometown information for the Commencement Ceremony program |
May 15, 2027
| Resolve Financial Obligations | Outstanding 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 Address | To 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. |
May 28, 2027
| Incomplete & Correspondence Grades | If 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 Credits | If 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 June 11, 2027. Spring 2027 #VolGrads will have an official graduation date of May 15, 2027.
Diplomas
Official diplomas will be sent for delivery the week of July 12, 2027. Certified Electronic Diplomas will be available 6-8 weeks after your graduation date. Contact [email protected] with all diploma questions and concerns.
Commencement
Spring 2027 Commencement Ceremony Dates are available. Contact [email protected] with all commencement questions and concerns.
Next Steps for Fall 2026 Graduates
Apply for Fall 2026 Graduation by October 15, 2026.
October 30, 2026
| Submit Substitutions and Petitions | Submit substitutions and petitions to avoid a cancelled graduation application |
| Order Graduation Regalia | Deadline to order your cap and gown from the Vol Shop to avoid delivery delays |
| Update Hometown Information | Deadline to update your hometown information for the Commencement Ceremony program |
December 12, 2026
| Resolve Financial Obligations | Outstanding 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 Address | To 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 6, 2027
| Incomplete & Correspondence Grades | If 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 Credits | If 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 15, 2027. Fall 2026 2027 #VolGrads will have an official graduation date of December 12, 2026.
Diplomas
Official diplomas will be sent for delivery the week of February 15, 2027. Certified Electronic Diplomas will be available 6-8 weeks after your graduation date. Contact [email protected] with all diploma questions and concerns.
Commencement
Register for commencement by November 6, 2026. The Fall 2026 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies will be held on December 11, 2026. Contact [email protected] with all commencement questions and concerns.
Next Steps for Spring 2026 Graduates
April 1, 2026
| Resolve Financial Obligations | Outstanding 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 Address | To 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. |
May 29, 2026
| Incomplete & Correspondence Grades | If 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 Credits | If 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 June 15, 2026. Spring 2026 #VolGrads will have an official graduation date of May 16, 2026.
Diplomas
Official diplomas will be sent for delivery the week of July 13, 2026. Certified Electronic Diplomas will be available 6-8 weeks after your graduation date. Contact [email protected] with all diploma questions and concerns.
Summer 2026 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.
August 16, 2026
| Resolve Financial Obligations | Outstanding 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 Address | To 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. |
August 28, 2026
| Incomplete & Correspondence Grades | If 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 Credits | If 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
Transcripts
Degree conferrals will be added to official transcripts no later than August 28, 2026. Summer 2026 #VolGrads will have an official graduation date of August 15, 2026.
Diplomas
Official diplomas will be sent for delivery the week of October 5, 2026. Certified Electronic Diplomas will be available 6-8 weeks after your graduation date. Contact [email protected] with all diploma 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 or 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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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 [email protected] 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 & Academic Exploration by Friday, December 12. This quick survey helps UT track post-graduation outcomes and improves services for future Volunteers.
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