PHHP Graduation Week – Spring 2024

Thursday, May 2, 2024

PHHP College Recognition Ceremony

7:00 PM | Stephen C. O’Connell Center

Additional Commencement Events

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FAQs

What’s the difference between the commencement ceremony and the recognition ceremony?

The University-wide Commencement Ceremony is where bachelor’s, master’s and specialist’s degrees will be conferred. This event also includes the symbolic “Turning of the Tassel,” where graduates of bachelor’s programs move their tassel from the right to the left to signify the completion of a degree program (master’s students have already completed a degree program so their tassel should be worn on the left at the start of the ceremony).

In addition to the University-wide Commencement Ceremony, PHHP hosts a College Recognition Ceremony where individual names are called to honor each graduate. 

Will my name be called as I walk across the stage?

Yes! All graduates of the College of Public Health and Health Professions will be recognized by name as they cross the stage at the PHHP Recognition Ceremony in the O’Connell Center.

Graduates will not cross the stage or have their names called at the University-wide Commencement Ceremony in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

When will graduates move tassels from right to left?

The “Turning of the Tassel” for undergraduate students happens when degrees are conferred at the University-wide Commencement Ceremony, which is scheduled for May 3, 2024 at 7 p.m. at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Do I need tickets to attend the ceremony?

No, tickets are not required to attend the University-wide Commencement Ceremony or the PHHP Recognition Ceremony.

How many guests can I bring?

There is no maximum for how many guests can attend, but space is first-come, first-served.

Where do I go once I get to the O’Connell Center for the PHHP Recognition Ceremony?

All graduates must report to Gate 4 of the O’Connell Center. Doors will open 90 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Graduates will then be directed to their appropriate location within the arena.

What time should I arrive?

Doors will open 90 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony and the processional begins 30 minutes prior to the start of ceremony. Students are asked to arrive an hour early to check in, find their appropriate location and line up for the processional. 

Where should my guests go once they arrive?

Guests will enter the O’Connell Center through the main entrance doors near Gate 1 and 3. Doors will open for guests 90 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Guests should be seated before the processional begins. Guest seating is first-come, first-seated. No guests will be permitted in the graduates’ seating area.

What should I wear?

Students are expected to wear academic regalia to the PHHP Spring Recognition Ceremony. Students should arrive stage ready (dressed in full regalia and ready to walk on stage). Regalia can be ordered through the bookstore until a TBD date in March. After this date, there will be a late fee assessed to your order; your regalia will not be mailed to you and the bookstore is not able to guarantee they will have your size.

For more information on regalia, please visit the UF Commencement website. 

What if a graduate requires accommodations?

Email events@phhp.ufl.edu with specific information about the accommodation request.

What if guests require accommodations?

Information regarding the venue’s accessibility may be found on the Stephen C. O’Connell Center’s webpage. The staff of the O’Connell Center are committed to assisting persons with disabilities. Anyone needing assistance should contact the administrative office at 352-392-5500.

Where do I park?

Parking restrictions throughout campus will be lifted incrementally.

The parking garage and surrounding lots in front of the O’Connell Center are available for PHHP students and their families to park. Campus parking information may be found here.

Please be advised, with multiple ceremonies occurring throughout the week, it is highly encouraged that all graduates and their guests arrive early to the O’Connell Center!

How long is the ceremony?

The ceremony will last approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours.

Will food be served?

Concessions will be open in the O’Connell Center.

How can I livestream the ceremonies?

Live streaming will be available for the PHHP College Recognition Ceremony. The ceremony livestream link will be added above closer to the date of the ceremony.

For more information, please visit the UF Commencement Website.