Frequently Asked Questions
The University will recognize the Class of 2020 with a virtual commencement ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 6. Here are some frequently asked questions to make sure you are ready to celebrate with friends and family.
What Can I expect From the Virtual Ceremony?
The virtual ceremony will closely follow the order of events typically observed at the University’s traditional commencement ceremony and will include recorded comments from University leaders and the keynote speaker along with musical and video presentations celebrating student achievements. The ceremony is expected to last 90 minutes.
How do I view the virtual ceremony?
The virtual ceremony link will be available at utoledo.edu/commencement/
Will the virtual ceremony be available for viewing after Dec. 6?
Yes, both the virtual ceremony and the pre-commencement video will be available after commencement ends. Graduates, friends and family in different time zones can go to utoledo.edu/commencement/ to view the ceremony at their convenience.
How do I RSVP to be included in the virtual ceremony?
Students who have applied for graduation by Oct. 30 will receive an email invitation from MarchingOrder to create a personalized graduation slide. This slide will feature your name, photograph (if you choose to upload one), major and any academic honors you’ve earned. The personalized display also includes an audio feature which announces your name The deadline to submit name pronunciation information to MarchingOrder is Wednesday, Nov. 4. The deadline to submit a photo to MarchingOrder is Friday, Nov. 13.
This personalized graduation slide will be included in the virtual commencement ceremony, and you’ll also have the option to download and share it on social media or with friends and family.
Do I need to wear academic regalia to participate in the virtual ceremony?
Students are not required to purchase a cap and gown to participate in the virtual event, but we encourage interested students to do so, especially if you’d like to wear it in the photograph you upload for your graduation slide. Academic regalia will not be available to purchase in-person at the bookstore; it must be purchased online and will take approximately two weeks to arrive once purchased.
What happens if I applied to graduate after Oct. 30, 2020?
If you applied to graduate after Oct. 30, you are still welcome to participate in the virtual ceremony. The ceremony will feature traditional commencement addresses and videos from campus community members. Depending on when you applied, you may still have the opportunity to pick up a diploma case and honors cords (if applicable). However, you will not be listed in the commencement program and you will not have a MarchingOrder graduation slide created for you. The Commencement page has a Celebration Toolkit that you can use to create customized graduation posters that can help personalize your experience.
How Will I Pick Up My Diploma Case and Commencement Program?
Diploma cases and commencement programs will be available for graduates to pick up 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., November 12-13 and November 16-17. This will be a drive-through style pick up held in the Rocket Hall parking lot. More details about the pick-up event, including specific times and instructions, will be sent to graduates via email as the date nears.
How can I pick up my honors cords?
Honors cords for students who graduated in summer were mailed to students’ diploma mailing addresses. Honors cords for students graduating in fall will be available for pick up with the diploma cases and commencement programs. View the University's Graduation with Honors Distinction Policy for complete details about honors requirements. Eligible students will be notified via email with information about picking up their cords at the drive-through event.
When will my diploma be mailed?
Following commencement and after all grades are posted, the colleges begin the task of clearing students for graduation. This means the college reviews final grades to determine that all degree requirements have been met and notifies the Registrar's Office when the degree can be awarded. Once cleared by the college, the Registrar's Office posts the degree to the transcript and orders the diploma from Paradigm Inc. The diploma is printed and then mailed by Paradigm Inc. to the student at the address listed on the graduation application. Students will receive an email to their UT student email address once the diploma has been mailed. This clearing, posting and ordering of diplomas is ongoing for about 45 days past commencement.
How can I confirm my diploma mailing address and update it if needed?
You can verify the diploma mailing address that is currently on file by viewing your application for graduation. To view your application, go to the Student tab in the myUT portal and select the Student Profile link found in the upper right-hand corner of the page. Select the 'Active' link in the Graduation Information section (middle of the page) to access your application. Here you will find all of the information you included when you submitted your application.
If your diploma mailing address is different from what is displayed then complete the Diploma Address Change web form.
Diploma address changes can be made up until the last day of the graduating term.