With the University of North Florida’s graduation approaching, UNF commencement requires graduates to follow set check-in times, dress guidelines, parking rules and safety procedures.

UNF’s Spring 2026 commencement will be held on May 1 at the UNF Arena (Building 34) for both undergraduate and graduate students. According to the UNF website, all tickets have been issued, and all ceremonies are at capacity. 

Assembly, arrival, and parking 

Graduates must check in 90 minutes prior to their ceremony start time at the Field House’s (building 26) front entrance. According to the UNF commencement page, graduates must check in with staff to receive their name card and line up with their college. 

Graduates must also have their name card information verified. Corrections can be made at the on-site help desk. 

Free parking is available in Lot 18 with ADA-compliant shuttles to the Arena. According to the Director of Parking and Transportation Services, Salena Laws, signage will show attendees where Lot 18 is located. 

“ADA attendees follow signage to the Arena [Parking] Garage,” said Laws. As for shuttles, Law said there will be three commencement-specific shuttles during the ceremonies.

“The Osprey Connector will run the same schedule,” Laws said. 

Graduates must arrive early for check-in. After the procession begins, those who arrive later cannot join their group. 

Time 
9 a.m. undergraduate ceremony 

The 9 a.m. undergraduate ceremony is for graduates from the Brooks College of Health, the Coggin College of Business, and the College of Computing, Engineering, and Construction. 

12:30 p.m. undergraduate ceremony 

The 12:30 p.m. ceremony is for graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services. 

4:30 p.m. Graduate ceremony 

Those graduating with master’s and doctoral degrees from all colleges will attend the 4:30 p.m. ceremony. 

Photos and conduct 

According to the UNF website, the university has a contract with Flash Photography and StageClip to take individual graduate photos and videos of stage crossings.

Graduates will receive a name card upon check-in at the Field House. Graduates can get an email with photo proofs after the ceremony by filling out the information on the back of the card.

Guests may take photos only from their seats or designated upper-level locations, according to the guest page. However, standing along the second-level walkway is prohibited for safety and to ensure clear views for all guests.

Accessibility

At the graduation ceremonies, Deaf and hard-of-hearing guests can sit in a designated section with ASL interpretation. 

Lavon McGee, a receptionist at UNF’s Student Accessibility Center, said the university provides direct support for students with visual impairments during commencement. 

“For blind students, we do send staff that can assist them to their seat and cross the stage,” McGee said.

Guests with limited mobility should notify an usher about ADA seating or wheelchair spaces available on the lower floor, as noted on the accessibility page.

Breathe

UNF Senior Izaiah Tabor had encouraging words for those who might be nervous or excited about their commencement. 

“You made it this far and accomplished so much,” said Tabor. “It’s your moment now. Walk across that stage and accept a degree you’ve worked so hard for!”

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