See below for information about the Commencement ceremony for graduates of the UAMS College of Health Professions.
When and Where
Friday, May 16, 2025
Graduates must arrive by noon. Ceremony starts at 1:30 p.m.
State House Convention Center
The Governor’s Halls
101 E Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do I need to arrive at the State House Convention Center in Little Rock on Friday?
The ceremony starts at 1:30 p.m. with doors open at noon. Students need to be there by noon. Please do not bring bags, purses, etc. with you. There is no place for you to store these items, and you cannot take them with you onto the floor.
How many guests are allowed to attend the Commencement ceremony?
There is no limit to the number of guests you may invite.
Where do I park?
The Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau operate three public parking decks and two surface parking lots near the Statehouse Convention Center. More detailed information can be found at https://www.littlerock.com/statehouse-convention-center/plan/access-parking/
Available parking areas include the following:
- underground parking garage at the Robinson Center
- parking deck located one block south of the Statehouse Convention Center
- surface parking lot located on the corner of Markham and Scott Streets
- parking deck in the River Market District at 2nd and River Market Avenue
- surface lot in the River Market District blocks away from the Convention Center
- In addition, several hundred on-street parking spaces are available within a few blocks of Statehouse Plaza.
How long does Commencement last?
Plan for the ceremony last about two hours. You are expected to stay for the entire ceremony.
Is seating available for persons with disabilities?
Yes, the venue has seating for persons with disabilities. No less than one week before the ceremony, please let Rob Tolleson in the CHP Dean’s Office know if someone in your party requires accommodations. You can email Rob at RobT@UAMS.edu
Where should my family and friends sit?
It is open seating. Sections for the graduates and faculty will be marked.
Will the ceremony be live-streamed for those unable to attend?
Yes, the ceremony will be live-streamed. More information on how to access the feed will be available closer to the day of the event.
What happens at the Commencement?
All graduates from the College of Health Professions attend. The format is similar to a high school or college graduation you may have attended in the past. When your name is called, you will walk to the center of the stage. Two of your faculty will be there to either present you with an undergraduate stole (if you are an undergraduate student) or a hood (if you are a graduate student) and have your photo taken by our photographer. You then continue across the stage and return to your seat.
How do I access my photo(s) after the ceremony?
You can access photos taken by the photographer via a link that will be emailed to your UAMS email address. You should expect to have access to the gallery within two weeks of the ceremony. The photos are free to download, and you will have the option to transfer them to the photographer recommended printing agency which will incur a cost.
May I decorate my cap?
No, you may not decorate your cap. Please do not do anything to your cap except attach your tassel and wear it on top of your head (not on the back of your head so it looks like a propeller). No masking tape words, signs, glitter, etc.
What honor cords and stoles are allowed?
Students may wear only UAMS official honor cords and stoles at graduation (e.g., gold honor cords, UAMS-issued military cords, college honor cords, etc.). Cords or stoles that are unrelated to the UAMS program of study are not allowed (e.g., a high school honor society, an undergraduate honor society from a prior institution, etc.).
Do I turn in my regalia?
No need to return your regalia. It is yours to keep.
Will there be a place to store my personal items (handbags, cell phones, keys, etc)?
There is no place to securely store personal items. Please give your items to family or wear a garment that has pockets. Please make sure your cell phone ringer is off.
Are cameras and other recording devices allowed?
Families can bring cameras or camcorders.
Will I have help lining up at Commencement?
There will be faculty available to help you line up correctly. CHP programs line up in alphabetical order by 1) level of degree awarded 2) program; and then 3) student last name. At the front of the line are the bachelor’s degrees, then master’s degrees, and finally, doctoral degrees. Within each of these degrees, the programs line up alphabetically by program name with the students lined up alphabetically by last name.
How will the announcer know my name?
You will be given a 5″ x 8″ index card with your name on it. Take that card with you up to the stage and hand it to your faculty announcer. Do not leave it on your seat.
Do I receive my diploma at Commencement?
No, your diploma will not be distributed at the ceremony. It will be mailed to you. More information will be provided by the Office of the University Registrar.
What is the most important thing of all?
The most important thing is remembering to take in the moment and enjoy! This day is for you and your family and friends. Congratulations!
What if I have additional questions?
For more information, please contact Rob Tolleson in the CHP Dean’s Office at RobT@UAMS.edu, or ask your program director.