Office of the Registrar
Frequently Asked Questions
Page Content
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When will I receive my diploma?
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Please refer to the After Graduation page for more information.
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| What size are the diplomas? |
All diplomas are 8.5x11.
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How do I reserve seating for commencement?
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Students must RSVP using the RSVP online form. |
| If I'm a summer graduate, when do I walk? | Students who graduate in the summer may walk in the Fall Commencement Ceremony. |
| How do I change my graduation date? | Students who know they will not graduate the semester for which they have applied but will graduate a subsequent semester must complete a new degree application (via their SOAR account) and obtain all necessary signatures. The completed form should be submitted to your Dean's Office for processing. |
| How do I change my name on my diploma? How do I change where my diploma will be mailed to? | The name that appears on the diploma is the official name the University currently has on file. Any attempt to change your name requires legal documentation and completion of the Change of Graduation Information Form. This form can also be used to update your diploma mailing address. |
| How do I ensure that my name is pronounced correctly at the commencement ceremony? | To facilitate the reading of names at Commencement, name pronunciation for the Ceremony reader to review, you can phonetically spell your name at the top of your seating card. You will also have a brief moment before you cross the stage to whisper the pronunciation to the reader. |
| Will my diploma have my major listed on it? |
Diplomas are 8.5x11 in size simply list your academic college and degree type. Diplomas do not include academic majors. |
| I will need to prove that I have a degree to a potential employer or another academic institution before diplomas are mailed out. How can I verify my degree? |
Complete a verification of enrollment form. |
Will tickets be required for entry into the Commencement ceremony? |
Tickets will NOT be required for entry into Reed Green Coliseum for the Fall 2022 commencement ceremonies. Students are permitted to invite any number of guests. |
| Will the ceremony be videotaped? |
The Commencement ceremonies will be webcast live via the USM website. Southern Miss videos of Commencement are available for viewing at a later time via the Southern Miss YouTube channel. |
| How will you accommodate people with disabilities or special needs? |
Special parking lots will be reserved for persons with disabilities or special needs that meet ADA guidelines. |
| Where will I park? |
All university parking lots, unless otherwise marked, will be open to the public on the day of Commencement. See the parking map PDF detailing available parking areas on campus. |
| Is there a dress code? |
Commencement is a formal celebration. We encourage candidates to take this into consideration in regards to wardrobe. Comfortable shoes are STRONGLY encouraged since candidates will be walking long distances and standing for long periods of time. Please choose appropriate footwear. |
| What should I expect at the ceremony? |
Graduation is an elective event for degree candidates; therefore, out of respect for others, all candidates are expected to remain in their seats until the conclusion of the ceremony. Concession stands will be open before and during the graduation exercises so that guests may purchase water and snacks. |
| Are there any items that are prohibited? |
In order to be respectful of all guests and graduates, the following items are prohibited in the Coliseum.
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| Is there a processional or recessional? |
All degree candidates will be seated on the coliseum floor in order of degree type with our highest degree earned seated closest to the stage. To begin the ceremonies, students and guests will be asked to stand for the platform. At the conclusion of the ceremonies, the platform party will lead the candidates in a recessional exiting through the East and West tunnels.
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| How will weather affect the Commencement schedule? |
If it is raining or rain is forecast on Commencement day, students and guests should come prepared with appropriate rain gear. In the event of rain, umbrellas can be used to walk from the check-in location to the coliseum and left in the tunnel until the recessional. If weather is severe enough (heavy rain, thunderstorms, tornado watch/warning) to necessitate a delay in the start of the ceremony, instructions will be announced on-site to students and guests. If the forecast indicates no change in the severity of the weather, cancellation of the ceremony will be announced. If the ceremony is underway but is interrupted by severe weather, students and guests should follow instructions as announced. It is advised that you prearrange a meeting place with your family and guests in case the ceremony is canceled. Instructions and updates will be provided via the USM Website and through local media outlets.
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