Commencement

Spring 2026 Commencement

Welcome to Commencement at the University of Montevallo! Commencement is our happiest occasion marked by personal and academic accomplishment, and we look forward to honoring the Class of 2026 in Central State Bank Arena at the Robert M. McChesney Student Activity Center (SAC) Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Graduates of the Class of 2026

Rehearsal will take place in the SAC at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 1. Be sure to check the Commencement page and social media for details in case the weather affects rehearsal. Although it is not mandatory to attend rehearsal, the Commencement Committee highly encourages you to participate so that you will feel more at ease on Saturday. There will also be an opportunity for you to review the pronunciation of your name before is called from the stage. Rehearsal will last no more than 45 minutes.

Because of limited space indoors, graduates will each be issued five tickets for their friends and family to attend the ceremony, which will be available on University Tickets beginning at noon on May 1. Tickets can be reserved at montevallotickets.universitytickets.com.

UM’s Mass Communication Program will livestream the event at youtube.com/@MontevalloForYou. The ceremony will also be streamed live in the Discover Shelby Theatre at the Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts for overflow from the ceremony; no ticket required.

Tickets will not be required for wheelchair users. Handicapped parking will be available in the lot at the front of the SAC. Additionally, guests may be dropped off in front of the activity center. Family members who need wheelchair accommodations may access two different areas to view the ceremony. There will be a wheelchair area on the walking track located on the second level as you exit the elevator. The elevator is located to the left of the hospitality desk as you enter the SAC. Wheelchairs and family members will have seating preference on the floor in front of the first row of all bleachers. Children who sit on laps do not require a ticket.

Please report to the hallway of the SAC no later than 8:20 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, wearing your academic regalia.  The Montevallo Masters and UM National Alumni Association volunteers will be present to help you find the appropriate spot in the processional. The processional will begin at 9 a.m. Once you arrive inside Central State Bank Arena, the Montevallo Masters will lead you by college (i.e., the Richard and Sandra Cummings College of Arts and Sciences, the Michael E. Stephens College of Business, the College of Education and Human Development, the College of Fine Arts and the College of Health Professions) to your seats.

When it is time to receive your diploma, you will be guided by the Montevallo Masters to the stage. After you receive your diploma cover, a photographer will capture this special moment at the end of the ramp. Make sure you stop at the Registrar’s Office table where you will receive a packet that contains your diploma, transcript and other important information.

The ceremony should last approximately two hours. When it is time to recess, the Montevallo Masters will lead you from the arena.

Family and Guests

We understand what a special day this is for you as well and share in your collective pride. We want to make your visit to UM for Commencement as worry-free as possible.

Handicapped parking is available in the front parking lot of the SAC. Guests may also be dropped off in front of the SAC.

The University of Montevallo’s Mass Communication Program will livestream the ceremony, and it will be available on UM’s Montevallo for You channel.

Individuals needing disability-related accommodations during this event should contact the host department or Access and Compliance (205-665-6250, aac@montevallo.edu) as early as possible. Efforts will be made to accommodate all access requests regardless of timing, but the University cannot guarantee that requests made with less than one week’s notice can be met.