Chemistry and Biochemistry Convocation and Awards Ceremony - Frequently Asked Questions

Commencement takes place in Arizona Stadium and includes an address from the University President, a guest keynote speaker, the conferring of degrees, and awarding of honorary degrees and student awards. Students are recognized by college and not individually. Note: graduating students may attend ALL graduation ceremonies they are eligible to attend.
Students who graduated from the previous Fall and Winter terms, or who will graduate from the upcoming Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter terms, are eligible to attend. Convocations are planned by an academic college or department and are more intimate ceremonies to recognize student accomplishments. Students typically have the opportunity to cross the stage and hear their name called. To find your specific college ceremony, please see the schedule of December and May convocation ceremonies.

Convocations are events to honor students in special interest groups on campus. These events are another way to celebrate with friends and family. Note: graduating students may attend ALL graduation ceremonies they are eligible to attend.

The 2nd Street garage is complimentary until 1 hour after the event ends.  The gates will be raised for that period of time.

Yes, CBC is planning to give all graduating students a gift.  You can pick it up at the tables outside the ballroom. The gift will be listed under your last name, and there will staff members to assist you.

You can order the items on line at: https://shop.arizona.edu/.  Click on the Graduation tab.

There will be no refreshments available.  However, there will be water stations located in the ballroom.  You may want to consider eating something before attending.

Yes, there will be handicapped seating.  CBC Ambassadors will be available to assist with identifying where the seating is located.

There will be  rows assigned for the graduates, and awardees.  CBC Ambassadors will be available to show you where to sit.

There will be an introduction by one of the departments associate heads, then a Keynote Speaker.  Afterwards, the awards will be called, and awardees will come on stage to pick up a plaque.  Then the graduating students will be called up next, first the graduate students, then the undergraduates.  Finally, the Outstanding Senior will provide a short speech.

You can wear your cap and gown to the CBC Ceremony.   At the College of Science Ceremony, it is recommended.  If you are a graduate student you will be hooded at the COS event. For the UA ceremony, you do have to wear a cap and gown.  More information can be found at the links below.
College of Science: https://science.arizona.edu/academics/graduation-convocation
University of Arizona: https://commencement.arizona.edu/

It is up to you, if you decide to send a photo, please send the photo(s) to Olivia no later than April 29th. The photo will be used in the slide show at the CBC Convocation & Awards program. Also, you can add what your intentions are after graduation, and or give a shout-out to family, friends, etc. The photo and text may also be on CBC’s social media (with your approval). Lastly, photos are also sent to the COS Commencement coordinator who may use them for their ceremony. On Friday, April 26 from 4-5 pm, CBC would like to capture as many graduates in their regalia. Wilbur and Wilma will also be available if you would like to take photos with them. We use this photo on the convocation cover and for other CBC materials.

There will be photos taken throughout the ceremony.  They will be posted on social media and you will be notified when they are live.

Yes! All guests will be required to follow campus health and safety protocols in place at the time of this event as well as adhere to any existing state and local guidelines. In addition, this event may be cancelled or changed on short notice due to public health circumstances. For updates and information, please visit covid19.arizona.edu/update.

Yes, it will be on the staircase outside of the Ballroom facing the 2nd street garage.  Please make your way to the staircase after the ceremony.

Diplomas are sent approximately 2-3 weeks after your degree is posted. If you have any questions about your diploma or graduation requirements, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

Contact the Undergraduate Advisors:

Email: CBC-Advising@arizona.edu
Visit Us! Chemistry Building, Room 314