Convocation

CFA Convocation FAQ:

When and where is graduation?

UNM’s Main Graduate Commencement ceremony is Friday May 16, 2025 at 6pm in The Pit.

UNM’s Main Undergraduate Commencement ceremony is Saturday May 17, 2025 at 9am in The Pit.

The College of Fine Arts Convocation is Thursday May 15, 2025 at 2pm in Johnson Gym on UNM Main Campus.

 

Can I go to UNM Commencement and CFA Convocation?

Yes! We always book the College of Fine Arts Convocation at a separate time so graduates can also attend the University Commencement if they wish.

If you only have time to attend one of the two ceremonies, we recommend you choose the Fine Arts Convocation! CFA’s Convocation has been thoughtfully planned to celebrate the hard work of our graduates and is more intimate than UNM’s Main ceremony.

 

Do I need to sign up to attend?

Yes, please sign up for CFA Convocation at https://graduation.unm.edu/convocations/schools/cfa/sp25/

Sign up for UNM’s Commencement at https://graduation.unm.edu

 

What time do I need to be there?

The event starts at 2pm. Graduating students should show up 30-45 minutes prior to the ceremony start time (1:15pm-1:30pm). You’ll need this time to check in and get your name card, and find your seating section in front of the event stage. Your guests will also need this time to find the best seats and to prepare to cheer you on!

Guests will be allowed into Johnson Gym starting at 1:15pm as well. Any guest arriving earlier will be asked to wait outside while we finish setting up for the event.

What happens when I arrive for check-in?

Students: please enter the building through the southeast entrance (Johnson Field side). Look for the “Student Check-In” sign and tables to check-in and pick up your reader card (arranged alphabetically). This card has your name and degree info which will be read as you walk across stage. You will then be directed where to sit with your fellow graduates.

Guests/family: please enter the Johnson Center through the “Main Entrance” on the Cornell Mall (on the west side of building, near the statue of the Flamenco dancers). You will then be directed to sit in the bleachers of the main gym.

Guests who need ADA accommodation will be directed to an accessible area.

 

What if I arrive late?

A staff member will wait at the check-in area for any latecomers. They will give you your name card and direct you where to go.

 

How long is the ceremony?

Please expect the ceremony to last 2 hours.

 

I’m a grad student and I would like to be hooded by a specific faculty member. What should I do?

You must contact the faculty member you would like to hood you directly to let them know where and when the event is. Not all faculty members attend the CFA convocation, and you want to make sure they understand that you’d like them to hood you. If your chosen faculty member is not present, you will be hooded by one of the associate Deans.

 

How many guests can I invite? Do guests need tickets?

The 2025 CFA Convocation is ticketless.

You can bring up to 5 guests to the Fine Arts Convocation. Because our event is in a smaller venue, we ask that our graduating students please be respectful of their fellow graduates and only bring the allowed number of guests so that there is room for everyone to have their friends and family cheer them on.

Please enter the number of guests you will bring when you RSVP at https://graduation.unm.edu/convocations/schools/cfa/sp25/

There is no guest limit for the UNM Main Commencement events. There is plenty of parking and room at The Pit for large numbers of guests, so students can invite their larger groups to attend Main Commencement.

 

Do I have to wear cap and gown?

No! But it is encouraged, and the majority of our graduates do buy and wear their cap and gown. If you choose to wear civilian clothes, please make sure they are nice. You can purchase your cap and gown from the UNM Bookstore.

 

Will there be a printed program for my guests?

In the spirit of being ecologically mindful, we have moved away from a large, physically printed program. We now print a smaller event schedule that includes a QR code to the full program. These documents can be easily printed on any home printer for those who want a physical souvenir.

 

When will I receive my actual diploma?

Your diploma is created by the University Registrar’s office once all of your final semester grades are in and your degree is certified. Spring graduates can expect theirs mid-July. Additional Information >

 

How is UNM Main Commencement different from the College of Fine Arts Convocation?

UNM’s Main Commencement ceremony is held at the end of every Fall and Spring semester. UNM graduates from all levels of every school and college are invited to attend. University-wide Commencements are very large events, with several thousand students and guests attending. Because they last as long as two to three hours there isn’t time to offer a great deal of individual recognition for students.

The College of Fine Arts Convocation is held at the end of every Spring semester to recognize students graduating from Fine Arts in Fall, Spring, and the upcoming Summer semesters. CFA Convocation has been thoughtfully planned to celebrate the hard work of our graduates and is more intimate than UNM’s Main ceremony. More Fine Arts faculty attend CFA Convocation than UNM Commencement and there will be multiple performances from Fine Arts students and faculty during the event.

Is there anything else I need to know?

•  Balloons, glass vessels, and glitter are prohibited.
•  Please leave all valuables and personal belongings with your family/guests or at home! There is no storage for personal belongings in Johnson Gym and you’ll want to enjoy the event rather than worry about keeping track of a purse or backpack.